IBF Eliminator: Iglesias Vs. Shishkin, 168, Sept 4, Montreal

Osleys Iglesias will fight Vladimir Shishkin in an IBF super middleweight title eliminator to determine the mandatory challenger for champion Canelo Alvarez on September 4th at the Montreal Casino in Montreal, Canada.

It’s a big step for the Cuban talent Iglesias (13-0, 12 KOs), who has been fighting under the radar against primarily veterans and unknowns in Canada and Germany since he turned professional in 2019. Iglesias, 27, is ready to put himself in a position to fight for the IBF title.

Iglesias’ Knockout Power

“The Tornado is unstoppable. On September 4, I will be victorious, defend my IBO title, and become the IBF mandatory challenger. Step by step, belt by belt, I’ll be at the top very soon,” promises Osleys Iglesias.

Known for his one-punch power, Iglesias has knocked out his last five opponents within five rounds. One of them was the well-known former middleweight world title challenger, Marcelo Coceres, whom Osley annihilated in one round. Coceres is the guy who dropped Edgar Berlanga in the ninth round of their fight in 2021.

Shishkin (16-1, 10 KOs) is ranked #2 IBF, and is coming off a highly questionable 12-round unanimous decision loss to William Scull last October in Germany. He outworked Scull in every round, and he appeared to have done more than enough to win a wide shutout decision. Surprisingly, the judges gave it to Scull.

The IBF chose to keep Shishkin ranked despite that loss. So, he has a chance now to secure a lucrative world title shot against Canelo if he wins against Osley on September 4th.

IBF Title Implications 

Knowing how IBF champion Canelo has operated in the past, he’ll avoid fighting Iglesias if he becomes his mandatory. As such, Alvarez will wind up being stripped of his IBF title just like when he chose not to defend against William Scull.

Iglesias will then be elevated to IBF champion status outside of the ring. Hopefully, that scenario doesn’t play out because fans would want to see Canelo get his fist true test at 168, as he’s had a pretty easy ride since moving up to the division in 2020.