By Steve Kim
Should Daniel Jacobs (34-2, 29 KOs) and Sergiy Derevyanchenko (12-0, 10 KOs) square off for the vacant IBF middleweight title, trainer Andre Rozier has a decision to make given that he works with both of them.
Derevyanchenko was the mandatory challenger for IBF champion Gennady Golovkin.
However, Golovkin did not satisfy the IBF's deadline to reach an agreement for the mandatory defense - so the sanctioning body stripped him of the belt.
Once the belt was made vacant, the sanctioning body ordered Jacobs and Derevyanchenko to collide for the vacant belt.
They both share the same advisers in Al Haymon and Keith Connolly.
But, it's Rozier who finds himself in a very awkward position as he's close with both boxers.
If the fight comes down, Rozier made it clear - ''If the fight does happen, I will be working my son's corner - Daniel Jacobs. We've been together since he was 14 years old and that his truly my ephemeral son and that's just the way it will be with anything or anyone involved with fights against anybody in the middleweight division. I'm always with my son."
Rozier has stated in several recent interviews that he prefers that Jacobs face WBO middleweight belt-holder Billy Joe Saunders next instead of his stablemate.
At the same time, both boxers are hungry to get a world title shot.
He added - "Sergey is like my new nephew and you just don't want to see your guys fight each other. If it has to happen unfortunately, it is what it is."
The purse bid for this match-up was scheduled for July 5th but both parties were granted a five day extension to come up with a deal.
Derevyanchenko was in action back in March, when he stopped Dashon Johnson in six rounds. And Jacobs won a twelve round unanimous decision over Maciej Sulecki in April.
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.
