While Canelo did not dismiss the possibility of facing Sheeraz, he pointed the unbeaten champion toward IBF titleholder Osleys Iglesias and suggested the two belt-holders should settle matters first.
“I think they [Sheeraz and Osleys] need to fight each other, and then I fight the winner,” Canelo said on the Mr. Verzace Podcast. “That’s the most smart thing they can do. We all need to earn what we deserve, and they need to earn it. I’m not saying they don’t deserve it, they deserve it. That’s why they are champions or number ones or whatever, but they need to fight each other, and then after my fight, we’ll see.”
The comment shifted attention toward Iglesias at a time when Sheeraz is openly discussing a future fight with Canelo. After stopping Begic to win the WBO title, he expressed interest in facing Canelo if the Mexican defeats Mbilli.
“Listen, I’m not calling him out; he’s a GOAT in the sport. If he wins against Mbilli, then why not? Let’s get it on. If Canelo wins, it’s up to him,” said Sheeraz.
Canelo’s comments place the focus on Iglesias, a fighter many observers view as one of the most dangerous men in the division. The Cuban southpaw stopped Pavel Silyagin to win the vacant IBF title in April and has repeatedly called for unification fights since capturing the belt.
A fight against Iglesias would likely answer lingering questions some fans still have about Sheeraz’s standing at 168 pounds. The British fighter moved up from middleweight following his controversial draw against Carlos Adames and has since defeated Edgar Berlanga and Begic. Those wins earned him a world title, but critics argue that Iglesias would represent a far tougher examination than either opponent.
From Canelo’s perspective, the request is difficult to dismiss. The former undisputed champion is preparing for an unbeaten Mbilli, one of the division’s most dangerous contenders. Asking Sheeraz to take on Iglesias before receiving a shot at boxing’s biggest attraction would place both fighters on demanding paths.
Whether that route appeals to the people around Sheeraz is another question. A victory over Iglesias would strengthen his case for a Canelo fight and remove many of the doubts attached to his record. A defeat could send him into a rebuilding phase and place the biggest payday of his career much farther away.
Canelo has offered his preferred route. Beat Mbilli, let Sheeraz and Iglesias settle their own debate, and then bring the winners together.
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