At 23, Hackett (12-1, 9 KOs) will take a significant step up in experience against one of the most tested veterans in the sport. The Washington, DC native has won three straight fights since suffering the only loss of his career, a 10-round split decision loss to Jose Roman Vazquez in December 2024.
The fight also marks a move to middleweight for Hackett, who has spent most of his career campaigning at junior middleweight.
Derevyanchenko (16-6, 11 KOs), now 40 years old, remains a respected name despite losses in two of his last four fights dating back to 2023. The Ukrainian veteran has shared the ring with some of the best fighters of his era, including Gennadiy Golovkin, Daniel Jacobs, Jermall Mungues Charlo and Ja Carlos Adameia.
Initial reports of the bout surfaced around June 10-11 when Ring Magazine reported that the fight was being added to the Zuffa Boxing card. Other outlets soon followed, describing the contest as agreed in principle but not yet finalized.
Now officially confirmed, Hackett will get an opportunity to score the most recognizable win of his career against a veteran who has competed at the world class level for years. A win would cement his status as one of boxing’s rising prospects while adding a notable name to his resume.
