Mbilli vs. Derevyanchenko
Mbilli secures a comprehensive unanimous decision victory over Derevyanchenko in a bout where a left arm injury proves to be a significant hindrance for the Ukrainian.
In his typical style, Mbilli dominated Derevyanchenko from the outset, compelling his opponent to fight defensively.
By the third round, with Derevyanchenko holding back on his punches, Mbilli took the initiative, landing hooks and uppercuts. Derevyanchenko displayed bruising under his right eye, but he signaled an injury to his left bicep as he returned to his corner. With his jab being a key weapon, Derevyanchenko was severely limited.
Despite sparingly using his left in the fourth, Derevyanchenko struggled to generate power, especially with his right hand. His altered approach, not switching to southpaw, seemed to unsettle Mbilli.
Over the final rounds, Mbilli relentlessly pursued Derevyanchenko, who circled the ring, fighting in short bursts to survive. The referee closely monitored the action, but the fight continued unimpeded. Mbilli emerged victorious with scores of 100-90, 99-91, and 98-92. Both fighters suffered in a way, with Derevyanchenko losing due to injury, diminishing the satisfaction of Mbilli’s triumph.
Vianello vs. Makhmudov
Vianello achieves a significant victory as Makhmudov is withdrawn from the fight by the doctor at the start of the eighth round due to a swelling that had closed his eye since the fourth round.
Right from the first round, Vianello’s speed proved too much for the slower Makhmudov.
By the third round, a dangerous swelling emerged under Makhmudov’s left eye, exacerbated by accurate shots from Vianello. In the fourth round, Vianello took control, capitalizing on Makhmudov’s impaired vision by targeting with his right hand.
The ringside doctor assessed Makhmudov in the fifth round but allowed the fight to continue. Despite severely restricted vision, Makhmudov fought on and was examined again in the sixth and seventh rounds, with Vianello continuing to dominate. While the fight was not stopped after the consultation between the doctor and the referee following the seventh, the start of the eighth round saw the fight halted.
The closure of Makhmudov’s eye dictated the outcome, with Vianello’s performance making up for a previous narrow loss. This marked Makhmudov’s second stoppage defeat in his last three fights, showcasing his limitations in the match.
Bentley (R) demonstrated his power for the second consecutive fight
Bentley vs. Osaze
Bentley achieves a dramatic second-round victory over Osaze.
The action started well, with Osaze applying pressure on Bentley, who responded with effective jabs and counters.
In the second round, Osaze intensified his attack but fell victim to a powerful right uppercut from Bentley. Osaze fell to the canvas, prompting the referee to end the fight swiftly. Bentley retained the WBO International Middleweight title, securing his 17th win by KO/TKO. Osaze, who had previously lost to Tyler Denny, showcased promise despite his limited activity in recent years.
Fight of the week: (Significance): Christian Mbilli’s victory over Sergiy Derevyanchenko positions him for a title shot in the upcoming year.
Fight of the week: (Entertainment): Undefeated Ben Frail and Panamanian Omir Rodriguez delivered an entertaining battle at York Hall.
Fighter of the week: Guido Vianello rebounds from a disputed loss against Efe Ajagba with a win over Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Punch of the week: Denzel Bentley’s right hook that knocked out Derrick Osaze was impactful.
Upset of the week: None
Prospect watch: Canadian super middleweight Wilkens Mathieu, 19, continues to impress with a record of 10-0, including six wins by KO/TKO.
Observations
Rosette: Acknowledgment to Eye of the Tiger Promotions and Top Rank for hosting the notable event of the week.
Red Card: No significant negative incidents this week.