Golovkin v Derevyanchenko: boxing tips and analysis

Free boxing tips and analysis for the vacant IBF & IBO world middleweight titles between Gennady Golovkin and Sergiy Derevyanchenko at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, from 2am Saturday night

Best bet

Gennady Golovkin to win on points
2pts 11-8 general

Fight preview

Gennady Golovkin remains in the world's top-ten pound for pound fighters but at 37 he is not getting any better and faces a long, hard night against Ukrainian bull Sergiy Derevyanchenko.

Officially, Golovkin's record is 39-1-1 but it could easily 41-0 as a draw and a close points defeat in two fights with Canelo Alvarez could both easily have been judged in his favour.

He was back in action in June with a four-round KO over Steve Rolls, but despite having only 14 pro contests 4-1 underdog Derevyanchenko could be a much tougher test.

An accomplished amateur, Derevyanchenko won his first 13 pro fights earning him a shot at a world title against Danny Jacobs, which he lost on a split decision.

GGG has also fought Jacobs and beat him via decision, although it was a much closer fight than many people expected.

Derevyanchenko is a come-forward fighter with plenty of power who likes to fight in the pocket, and is unlikely to change his tactics even against Golovkin.

"Sergiy is one of the most skillful I've ever been in with, and he's been avoided for a reason", Jacobs said. "I knew it would be hard, and I had to dig deep. I used my range and boxed on the back foot. Those are my best attributes."

It's clear that Derevyanchenko belongs at world level, but while GGG may be nearing the end of his incredible career there are no signs that everything is about to come crashing down just yet.

He was every bit as good as Canelo in their two fights and looks as fresh as a daisy outside out the ring - chatty and polite, the smiling assassin oozes confidence.

But he always has his game face on come fight night and as every will be fully prepared for the challenge.

The odds are about the same for GGG to win by KO or decision, and there is a chance that Derevyanchenko could walk into a big punch, but Golovkin recently admitted in an interview that he has lost "a little bit" of his ferocious power.

Derevyanchenko showed superb boxing skills against Jacobs and although it might not be enough to win him the title he could take Golovkin to the final bell.

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