Highlights: GGG edges out Derevyanchenko in thriller

Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images

Watch highlights of the thrilling IBF middleweight title fight between Gennadiy Golovkin and Sergiy Derevyanchenko.

In an incredible fight at Madison Square Garden, Gennadiy Golovkin (40-1-1, 35 KOs) had to dig deep to scrape past Sergiy Derevyanchenko (13-2, 10 KOs) to win the IBF middleweight title. It was such a hotly contested bout and you can make a solid argument for either fighter getting the nod, but it was ultimately a unanimous decision on the scorecards.

A first-round knockdown was one of the keys to GGG’s victory, but Derevyanchenko had him hurt in the 5th and 10th rounds, particularly with his exemplary jabbing and body work. He was the faster fighter and often times looked physically stronger than the Kazakh knockout artist. Of course, GGG had his own success throughout the contest but was unable to truly wobble Derevyanchenko with his vaunted power shots.

This was one of the best fights of 2019, and you can watch the highlights below.

Round 12 – These two are warring to start the 12th! Derevyanchenko with terrific body work. Left hook by Golovkin. A lot of clinching over the past 45 seconds. More body shots by Derevyanchenko. Left hook and a right by Golovkin and then he goes wild and puts himself off-balance. Final minute to go. Right hand by Golovkin tags Derevyanchenko. Right hand over the top by Derevyanchenko. Under 30 to go. Sloppy, exhausted punching from both men here. What a fight! uppercut by Golovkin! Derevyanchenko with some short shots. That was a close final round. 10-9 Derevyanchenko, 114-113 Derevyanchenko.

Official result: Gennadiy Golovkin def. Sergiy Derevyanchenko by unanimous decision (114-113, 115-112, 115-112) to win the IBF middleweight title