Christian Mbilli Sets His Sights on Huge Showdown: ‘I Will Be Ready for Him’

On August 17, Christian Mbilli (28-0, 23 KOs) put on a dominating performance, defeating Ukrainian fighter Sergiy Derevyanchenko (15-6, 10 KOs) by unanimous decision. It was the main event of a Top Rank and Eye of the Tiger card live ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes for fight fans in the United States. For those in the UK, they could catch the action on Sky Sports while fans in Canada and elsewhere could watch with Punching Grace.

Christian Mbilli Defeats Sergiy Derevyanchenko

Mbilli Continues to Improve

Mbilli came into the fight on the back of three successive stoppage wins with this on paper seemingly being his most challenging fight. The Cameroonian-born fighter stunned his Ukrainian opponent in round two with a fierce right hand, an early sign of dominance from Mbilli.

Derevyanchenko appeared to injure his left arm in round four, which left him struggling for the remainder of the fight, with Mbilli throwing brutal hooks, with the Ukrainian in survival mode. The Ukrainian had his best moment in round seven which came from an unusual right hand to the thigh of Mbilli. The referee did not intervene, so Derevyanchenko followed up with some smart shots, but Mbilli still ended the round on top.

The Ukrainian showed his toughness to make the final bell, but the judge’s scorecards reflected the dominance of Mbilli with scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92.

Mbilli Reveals What Fight He Wants

In the post-fight interview, Mbilli was asked what fight he wants:  “You know right now, I’m ready for big fight, I’m ready for big fight.” He continued: “I want to be world champion. I know I will be the best. To be the best, I have to beat the best, and the best right now..I don’t want to say any name. But everyone knows who’s the number one. I have to beat the number one. I want my fight with the number one.”

After making it clear he wants the Canelo Alvarez fight, Mbilli was asked about the Canelo vs. Edgar Berlanga fight, and said: “I think it will be easy boxing for Canelo, easy fight. He’s going to win this fight, but after I think I will be ready for him.