Sergiy Derevyanchenko will drop back to the 160-pound division to face Jalil Hackett in a 10-round middleweight bout on July 26 at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden. The contest, first reported by Ring Magazine’s Keith Idec, serves as the opening match for the main televised portion of Zuffa Boxing 09.
For the 40-year-old Ukrainian veteran, the move ends a four-fight stretch at super middleweight as he seeks to re-establish his standing in the weight class where he previously challenged for world titles.
The 23-year-old Jalil Hackett enters the fight with a record of 12-1 and 9 knockouts, representing a significant jump in opposition for the Washington, D.C. native. Hackett has secured three consecutive wins since suffering a split decision loss to Jose Roman in December 2024.
He made his debut under the Zuffa Boxing banner on February 1 in Las Vegas, where he earned a majority decision over Roberto Cruz Jr. to keep his momentum intact.
Sergiy Derevyanchenko brings a wealth of high-level experience to the ring, having faced a litany of elite champions throughout his career. While his record stands at 16-6 with 11 knockouts, his defeats have consistently come against the sport’s best.
He pushed Gennadiy Golovkin to the brink in their 2019 title fight at Madison Square Garden and has shared the ring with Daniel Jacobs, Jermall Charlo, Jaime Munguia, and Carlos Adames. Many com/roberto-duran-names-ken-buchanan-smartest-opponent-boxing-history/”>boxing enthusiasts often discuss the smartest fighters when evaluating ring IQ, and Derevyanchenko is widely regarded as one of the most technical operators in the middleweight ranks.
Middleweight return follows clinical stretch at 168 pounds
The decision to return to 160 pounds marks a strategic pivot for Sergiy Derevyanchenko after competing four times at super middleweight. His most recent outing in August 2024 saw him lose a unanimous decision to Christian Mbilli in a bout where he battled through injury.
Prior to that, he secured a victory over Vaughn Alexander in April 2024 but suffered a close unanimous decision loss to Jaime Munguia on June 10, 2023, while fighting at the 168-pound limit.
Historically, the Ukrainian’s most significant career moments occurred at middleweight. His last title challenge at 160 pounds took place in 2020 against Jermall Charlo for the WBC belt. Despite his age, the “Technician” has maintained a high work rate, averaging 10.4 rounds over his last five fights.
By dropping back down, he avoids the physical size disadvantage he often faced against natural super middleweights like Mbilli or Munguia, who are frequently the focus of predictions regarding world-class middleweight matchups.
Jalil Hackett will need to navigate a massive gap in professional experience. The D.C. prospect has logged 51 rounds in the ring compared to Derevyanchenko’s 163.
While Hackett possesses a 75% knockout ratio and a two-inch height advantage at 5’11”, he has yet to face a fighter with the defensive nuances and volume punching of the Ukrainian veteran. This bout serves as a definitive litmus test for whether Hackett belongs in the world-ranked conversation.
Zuffa Boxing 09 event details and broadcast schedule
Zuffa Boxing 09 features a triple-header of high-stakes matchups in the heart of New York. Following the Sergiy Derevyanchenko vs Jalil Hackett opener, former IBF junior welterweight champion Richardson Hitchins will make his welterweight debut against Ricardo Salas in a 12-round co-feature.
The evening will be headlined by Brooklyn’s own Edgar Berlanga, who brings a 23-2 record into a 10-round super middleweight contest against Canadian veteran Steven Butler.
The broadcast will be available to a global audience, streaming on Paramount+ in the United States, Canada, and Latin America, while Sky Sports will carry the event in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Preliminary bouts are scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. ET, with the main card kicking off at 9:00 p.m. ET.
As fans may scrutinize younger fighters for their choices in opposition, Hackett is earning respect for taking such a dangerous assignment so early in his career.
Ticketing and presale information for Madison Square Garden
Fans hoping to attend the event at the Infosys Theater can access tickets through several windows. The general public on-sale begins Friday, June 19, at 10:00 a.m. ET via Ticketmaster. However, UFC Fight Club members will have earlier access starting Wednesday, June 17, at 10:00 a.m. ET.
An additional exclusive presale is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, providing multiple opportunities for local supporters to secure seats for the New York card.
The outcome of this middleweight clash will likely determine the immediate trajectory of both fighters. For Sergiy Derevyanchenko, a win proves he remains a viable gatekeeper or contender for a final title run at 160 pounds.
For Jalil Hackett, a victory over a name as respected as Derevyanchenko would be a career-defining moment that validates his potential as a future champion. Both men will enter the ring on July 26 with everything to gain in one of the summer’s most intriguing technical matchups.
