Serhii Bohachuk- The Shy Tiger

By James Blears

New WBC Interim Super Welterweight Champion Serhii “Skinny” Bohachuk is the epitome of the quote uttered by Teddy Roosevelt, the twenty sixth President of the United States who diplomatically cautioned: “Speak softly and carry a big stick…and you`ll go far!”

Inside the ring Serhii is a veritable tiger having built a formidable record of 24-1, 23 KO`s. with feline grace, as he doesn`t paw at opponents. Serhii pounces, springing surprises and “Preys” to bring them to their knees. His non stop onslaughts overwhelm them. On March 30th in the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Iron jawed Brian Mendoza became the first opponent to go the distance with him. Brian ended the fight with a swollen jaw and Serhii with rather sore knuckles. But jubilant, because he`s the new World Boxing Council Interim Super Welter Champ.

At this rarefied level opponents show oodles rather than modicums of resistance and they fight back with the spirit of Johnny Walker. Far from being surprised that Brian “The Bullet” didn`t fold or buckle in the face of a non stop welter of blows, round after round, Serhii had planned for it and factored it in. Smart and smarting strategy!

He explains: “I was ready for Brian. He is physically very strong and he had KO’d Sebastian Fundora. So I prepared myself to fight not for twelve rounds but fifteen and it worked. I`m so grateful to my Coach Manny Robles. He`s smart but he also has a good heart. He asks me what do you want? How can I help you? I like him and his style!”

Before Martes a Cafe started, smartly attired Serhii came and sat quietly at the podium, savoring the lovely ambiance of verdant Hacienda De Cortes, bathed in warm sunshine, situated in the lovely Coyocan area of Mexico City. But…it wasn`t long before people came up to him requesting to take photos, or be in a photo snap with him or for him to sign autographs. No hint of a parry. Serhii smilingly embraced all of them, thanking them sincerely for their attention. When he speaks he does it softly and precisely. Not a hint of snap or snarl or bombast. He`s earned his stripes but he talks as mildly as he fights ferociously.

Tom Loeffler who is the Chief of 360 Promotions, is also known for his calm demeanor, common sense, down-to-earth approach and his shy smile. Tom praised Serhii for adapting so well on such short notice, because he was due to be fighting Sebastian Fundora for the vacant WBC title, but then was against Brian Mendoza. Tom says: “It was a tremendous performance from Serhii. He had just two weeks to change from a tall southpaw opponent to a smaller right handed fighter. His condition and his motivation were just tremendous.

“Serhii will be fighting in July. The plan is for Serhii to defend his Interim titles one or two times and then as soon as we can we will make a very, very big fight for the Absolute World Championship and potentially a unification fight.”

Serhii`s broadest and proudest smile was reserved for when WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman and WBC Vice President Alberto Leon presented him with the Green and Gold Belt. Mauricio also gave Serhii a pink baby grow and a mini belt, because Serhii and Wife and eagerly awaiting the birth of a daughter in May. Former champion and now accomplished boxing promoter Tomoki Kameda who was also a very welcome guest on the podium, received a blue baby grow and a mini belt, following the birth of his son.
Both Serhii and Tomoki who are known for their adept footwork in the ring, are awaiting the patter of tiny feet.