Christian Mbilli vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko: Quotes and prediction

Much is expected when Christian Mbilli (27-0, 23 KOs) and Sergiy Derevyanchenko (15-5, 10 KOs) meet in a super middleweight showdown.

The two are headlining an event promoted by Top Rank and Eye of the Tiger Management at the Centre Vidéotron in Quebec City, Canada. Fight fans in the U.S. can watch the action live on ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. For fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Sky Sports is the broadcaster. In Canada, fans can watch with Punching Grace.

Before their August 17 clash, the two men spoke at a press conference. Below you will find their statements.

Quotes from the press conference between Christian Mbilli and Sergiy Derevyanchenko

Christian Mbilli

“I hope that this opportunity is the last step for me before the world championship title,” said Mbilli. “I think we're going to have a great fight, maybe even the fight of the year. I'm very happy to be here. I'm very happy to be in Quebec City. It's a very good city. We have good, big boxing fans here. It's going to be a great, great, great fight.”

Read more: Christian Mbilli beats Mark Heffron

“I want to show that I am the best. I want to show that I am the real monster. We will see who has the best conditioning. The best boxing. For me [it will be] no surprise. I'm the best.”

Sergiy Derevyanchenko

“This is my fight. GGG, every hard fight has given me this chance. The chance to win.” said Derevyanchenko.

“No, I don’t feel [like I’m being overlooked]. I feel nothing. I feel a lot.”

Read more: Jaime Munguía wins close decision over Derevyanchenko

“I am ready for [an] aggressive [fight]“I've seen him fight. He's strong. He's aggressive, but I'm ready.”

Fight prediction

Mbilli's style has given him knockouts in 23 of his 27 fights. Derevyanchenko has been knocked down more than once, but he has always gotten back up to hear the final bell. “Solid” may be able to knock the Ukrainian down, but he will definitely be difficult to knock out. Expect a unanimous decision victory for Mbilli on Saturday night.

Read more: Christian Mbilli’s last three opponents

Full press conference

Click here or the play button below to watch the entire press conference. Video courtesy of Top Rank.