Sam Soliman fighting fit for Sergiy Derevyanchenko

 
SAM Soliman will take on Sergiy Derevyanchenko on July 21 in an eliminator for the IBF #2 position.

 
The fight will take place in Connecticut and will be aired on ESPN as part of the Premier Boxing Champions series.

 
“This fight is an opportunity to take the IBF’s number two middleweight ranking,” said Soliman in a press release issued by his management. “This puts me back in the frame for a world title shot,”

 
“Sergiy is a tough opponent with a big reputation earned in more than 300 amateur fights. He’s only had eight professional bouts and is already ranked by the IBF at number four, so I’m expecting a very experienced opponent.”

 
Soliman said a recurring knee injury had kept him out from fighting since his points loss to Dominic Wade last June.

 
“I had fights set with Hassan N’Dam in France in November and a fight with Antoine Douglas in March that were cancelled because of the injury, which was tough, because I’d been in training mode for both.”

 
“I’ve taken a new approach to my training since, so don’t let anyone tell you an old dog can’t learn new tricks,”

 
The 42-year-old Melburnian admits that the time away was frustrating, but the break has proved to be beneficial.

 
“It’s been a tough learning curve overcoming injury and the disappointment of the one that got away with my loss to Wade,” he concluded. “I count myself lucky because I have the support of a great team.”

 
“I know I’m back to my best. I’m freshened up from the break and am looking forward to this fight – which will be my first in twelve months – which is maybe not a bad thing for a guy my age.”

 
 
Words: Press Release
Photo: Provided