Osleys Iglesias has a fight date and – with a win – a clear path to his first career title shot. All he needs is an opponent.
The unbeaten Cuban is set to return to the ring on September 4, both Iglesias and promoter Camille Estephan have confirmed. His foe is not yet determined. However, the fight will be a sanctioned IBF super-middleweight title eliminator that could wind up as an interim title fight.
“I can’t wait to announce it, Osleys Iglesias will fight September 4,” Estephan confirmed. “We have the two most feared super middleweights here at Eye of the Tiger [Iglesias and Christian Mbilli]. We will announce his opponent soon.”
As previously reported by BoxingScene, the IBF called for a negotiation period between Iglesias, 13-0 (12 KOs) – a Cuban based in Berlin, Germany but who primarily fights in Canada – and the former title challenger Vladimir Shishkin, 16-1 (10 KOs). The two sides – Iglesias is with Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM) and Shishkin with Salita Promotions – quickly agreed to a forthcoming showdown, though talks stalled on the timing of such a bout.
Given that Iglesias is due to return in September, it would suggest that common ground was found between EOTTM and Salita. However, all involved parties remain cryptic in confirming or denying whether Shishkin is still involved.
Iglesias – a 27-year-old southpaw – is one spot below Russia’s Shishkin in the IBF’s 168lbs rankings. Shishkin is already due a shot at the IBF title, per a prior ruling by the sanctioning body.
The title is held by the undisputed champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, 63-2-2 (39 KOs), who is already tied up. Guadalajara’s Alvarez next faces Terence “Bud” Crawford, 41-0 (31 KOs) on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Iglesias has not fought since a fifth-round knockout of unbeaten Petro Ivanov in November at Montreal Casino in Montreal, Canada.
Given the lengthy inactive stretch, his enthusiasm was understood in revealing plans for his next fight.
“On September 4th, I'm returning to the ring for the IBF title eliminator and mandatory challenger to Canelo,” Iglesias confirmed. “The wait wasn't my fault; in this division, they avoid me a lot and then think they're the best.
“God willing, his timing is perfect. I'm going all out; ‘El Tornado’ is back.”
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as a senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home. Follow Jake on and .
