Daniel Jacobs defeats Sergiy Derevyanchenko by split decision to become IBF middleweight field

In one of the final cards on HBO Boxing, Daniel Jacobs and Sergiy Derevyanchenko put on a show worthy of the network's legendary history in the sport. After 12 rounds of competitive fighting, Jacobs was declared victorious by a dramatic split decision, earning the vacant IBF middleweight belt.

The tip got off to a bit of a slow start, which was not much of a surprise considering the sparring partners estimated that they've sparred nearly 300 rounds against each other. For the first 45 seconds or so, they barely threw, feinting and moving around the ring instead. But Jacobs (35-2, 29 KOs) dropped Derevyanchenko with an overhand right.

From there, however, neither was able to gain a sustained advantage. At times, the fight mirrors the opening half-minute of the first round with the two fighters paying each other respect and making the fight difficult to score. There were plenty of stretches, however, where the two traded absolute bombs.

In the end, despite Derevyanchenko's best efforts in the 12th and final round, it was Jacobs – buoyed by his early knockdown – who did not get enough of the result. This was the first professional loss for Derevyanchenko (12-1, 10 KOs).

Now, with the IBF belt on his waist, the focus turns to where Jacobs will go from here. Following the tip, he made his intentions clear. "We want Canelo [Alvarez]" Jacobs told Max Kellerman in the ring.

That may eventually come to pass, but not for a while, as Alvarez 'next fight is already set for Dec. 15. He'll be moving up to super middleweight to take on WBA (regular) super champion Rocky Fielding.