Serhii Bohachuk has come a long way from his only defeat as a pro.
Bohachuk has positioned himself to become a contender in one of boxing’s most competitive weight classes and could be a fight or two away from a world title shot.
The 28-year-old will face Patrick Allotey Saturday night at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California. The 10-round bout will headline a 360 Boxing Promotions card (UFC Fight Pass, 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT).
In his last bout on January 27, Bohachuk (22-1, 22 knockouts), who is originally from Ukraine and now lives in Los Angeles, last fought on January 27, knocking out former contender Nathaniel Gallimore in the sixth round. In his previous fight on November 3, Bohachuk knocked out Aaron Coley in the second round.
Bohachuk has won his last four bouts since losing by knockout to Brandon Adams in March 2021, in a fight he was ahead on the scorecards at the time of the stoppage.
Serhii Bohachuk (Photo by Brandon Rivas/360 Promotions)
Allotey (42-4, 32 KOs), who resides in Accra, Ghana, has won his last two bouts since losing by knockout to then-WBO world junior middleweight titleholder Jaime Munguia in July 2019. Bohachuk is the favorite going into the Allotey fight, but he is not looking past Allote.
“I have (a) good opponent,” Bohachuk told The Ring at Saturday’s open workout. “He has good experience. He’s a good fighter. He has a good record. He’s a good opponent for me. I need this (type of) fight. I’m ready for this fight.”
Bohachuk was likely on his way to a decision victory against Adams before he was stopped in the eighth round. That would have been his win by decision after 18 consecutive knockout wins to start his pro career.
Over the last four years, Bohachuk has improved his skill-set, not relying on power or the need to knock out his opponent. He values his progress in part to trainer Manny Robles, especially in improving his ring generalship and ways to outthink his opponent.
“For me, strategy is very important for this fight,” said Bohachuk, who is promoted by Tom Loeffler. “It doesn’t matter if I win by TKO or by decision. I need to win this fight, but I need to win by being smart. I don’t want to be stupid and lose my head. He’s a good opponent for me so I have to be smart. He’s not a young guy. He has good experience.
“I have progressed because Manny has taught me a lot. Before, I was good offensively, but not good defensively. Now, I have a good offense and a good defense. I can move and utilize defense. Manny tells me to be smart and to think. Don’t just throw (punches).”
Bohachuk is currently ranked No. 2 by the WBC. A victory over Allotey could put Bohachuk closer to a world title opportunity. With Ring magazine and undisputed junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo facing Ring super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez on September 30, Bohachuk could be in a position to face Brian Mendoza or another fighter in a world title elimination bout.
Serhii Bohachuk takes it to Tyrone Brunson Photo by German Villasenor
After defeating Allotey, Bohachuk wants to fight for a world title belt.
“For me, it doesn’t matter who,” said Bohachuk. “The question is ‘who has a title?’ I need a title. I will look at the WBC, then go for the other champions. It doesn’t matter who it is. I want to fight for a title. (Jermell) Charlo, (Tim) Tszyu. It doesn’t matter who. Let’s fight. I need the title. I want to be world champion.”
Bohachuk has all the tools necessary to be successful, in and out of the ring. Despite the loss to Adams, Bohachuk has been able to put himself back in title contention. The motivation to fight for a world title belt is stronger than it has been, which means bad news for the rest of the division, according to Bohachuk.
“I’m ready now. What I do in the gym is hard. In the ring, it’s easy. I do a good job in the gym. I have a lot of good sparring partners. I have a good regimen in the gym, good trainer, good promoter, etc. I want a big fight. I want a world title.
“I learned a lot from that fight (from my loss to Adams). Manny told me to look at it as a learning experience instead of a loss. Don’t think about it at all. Fight and move on.”
Credit: The Ring
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