Once viewed as a highly touted prospect, it appeared as though it was a matter of if, not when, the Ukrainian would drape his shoulders with a world title. Ultimately, of course, while his career has experienced several highs, he’s also undergone unfathomable lows.

Following his close and somewhat controversial split decision defeat at the hands of Daniel Jacobs, Derevyanchenko, soon after, would suffer three consecutive defeats against the middleweight division’s elite.

The rebuilding process since then has been somewhat quick. With a lopsided victory over Joshua Conley, Derevyanchenko will now step back into the spotlight.

On June 10th, at the Toyota Arena in California, the former title challenger will battle it out against Jaime Munguia. Considering that Munguia (41-0, 33 KOs) is kept in high regard in countless boxing circles, Derevyanchenko (14-4, 10 KOs) is relentlessly working on his craft with trainer Andre Rozier shouting instructions in a practically empty gym.

Yet, in spite of his work ethic and unsurprising confidence, despondence begins to set in. Although victory is at the forefront of his mind, should another top-tier fighter plaster another loss to his resume, Derevyanchenko fears that it could be the final time that he stands alone under boxing’s limelight.  

“I think yea,” said Derevyanchenko to BoxingScene.com when asked if this could be his last big run. “I think yea.”

Munguia, despite being a highly-ranked contender, has been openly chastised for the level of opposition he’s faced since popping onto the world scene. In 2022, in particular, even his biggest fans scratched their collective skulls as they attempted to do research on his selected foes. With wins over D’Mitrius Ballard, Jimmy Kelly, and Gonzalo Coria, the need to face more notable 160-pounders became undeniable.

Derevyanchenko, 37, fits the bill. And while he’s given essentially no shot according to oddsmakers, Derevyanchenko is well aware that a victory come June 10th, could push his career to new heights and reinvigorate his championship hopes.

“This is important. Important for my career. If I win this fight, my career will shoot up.”