The matchup, first reported by Ring Magazine’s Keith Idec, will open the main portion of Zuffa Boxing 09, which will stream on Paramount+ before the scheduled bouts involving Edgar Berlanga and Richardson Hitchins.
Hackett (12-1, 9 KOs) has won three straight fights since suffering the lone defeat of his professional career, a split decision loss to Jose Roman in December 2024. The 23-year-old Washington, D.C., native most recently earned a majority decision over Roberto Cruz Jr. in his Zuffa Boxing debut on February 1 in Las Vegas.
Derevyanchenko (16-6, 11 KOs) returns to the middleweight division after competing four consecutive times at super middleweight. The 40-year-old Ukrainian has challenged Daniel Jacobs for the vacant IBF middleweight title and pushed Gennadiy Golovkin in their memorable 2019 title fight at Madison Square Garden.
Derevyanchenko has fought only once since August 2024, when he lost a unanimous decision to Christian Mbilli. Despite his six defeats, the veteran’s resume includes bouts against Golovkin, Jacobs, Jermall Charlo, Jaime Munguia, Carlos Adames, and Mbilli.
The July 26 event will be headlined by Edgar Berlanga (23-2, 18 KOs), who is scheduled to meet Steven Butler (38-5-1, 32 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight contest. Former IBF junior welterweight champion Richardson Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) is also set to make his welterweight debut against Ricardo Salas (24-2-2, 18 KOs) in the 12-round co-feature.
Robert Segal is a boxing journalist at Boxing News 24 with more than a decade of experience covering fight news, previews, and analysis. Known for his straightforward reporting and ringside perspective, he delivers authoritative coverage of champions, contenders, and emerging talent worldwide.