Jalil Hackett secured a unanimous decision victory over Sergiy Derevyanchenko in a 10-round middleweight bout at Madison Square Garden’s Infosys Theater. The 23-year-old controlled early action before surviving a heavy late wobble to earn scorecards of 98-92, 97-93, and 96-94.
Hackett established his rhythm from the opening bell behind a sharp jab and continuous movement. His quick footwork kept Derevyanchenko from finding his timing, forcing the 40-year-old veteran to rely on occasional overhand rights whenever Hackett lingered in range. As the contest progressed into the middle rounds, Hackett increased his aggression. He forced his opponent toward the ropes with clean straight punches and snapped Derevyanchenko’s head back with a sharp uppercut late in the fifth round.
The punishment took a visible toll as cuts opened around both of Derevyanchenko’s eyes, with blood streaming down his face across the second half of the contest. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian veteran continued pressing forward, showing the durability that has characterized his career against elite middleweights. Hackett appeared comfortably in control entering the final round, but Derevyanchenko landed a heavy shot that staggered the younger fighter and raised hopes of a late stoppage. Hackett quickly regained his composure to ride out the final bell.
The closing moments provided a stern reminder of the dangers posed by experienced contenders.
The result provides Hackett with the most significant win of his professional career, yet the contest highlighted areas that still require refinement. Derevyanchenko entered the ring following a lengthy layoff, yet he remained dangerous throughout the ten rounds and severely tested Hackett in the closing stage. Although the judges returned unanimous scorecards in his favor, the fight felt closer than the official numbers indicated. Moving forward, Hackett faces the task of bridging the gap between prospect status and the division’s top tier.
