Osleys Iglesias revealed today on X that he’ll be fighting next on September 4th in an IBF super middleweight title eliminator for the mandatory challenger spot to face champion Canelo Alvarez. #3 IBF Iglesias (13-0, 12 KOs) didn’t mention who his opponent will be, but he’d reportedly been in talks to face #2 IBF Vladimir Shishkin.
Avoided But Back: Iglesias Fights
The Cuban Iglesias last fought in November, knocking out Petro Ivanov in the fifth round. That was the big-punching southpaw Iglesias’ fourth knockout in 2024. He likes to stay active in his career, but he says he’s been avoided in 2025. That’s why he’s been on the shelf.
If Iglesias becomes the IBF mandatory challenger to Canelo’s belt, it’s not likely that he’s going to get a chance to fight the Mexican superstar. He may get frozen out by him forever. Predictably, Iglesias will eventually be elevated to IBF super middleweight champion status if Canelo chooses to bypass him to take money fights the Saudis want for him.
Iglesias’s IBF Eliminator Awaits
“On September 4, I return to the ring for the IBF title eliminator and mandatory challenger for Canelo. It wasn’t my fault for the wait; in this division, they avoid me a lot and then think they’re the best 😏. I’m going all out; the tornado is back,” said Osleys Iglesias on X today.
It’s too bad that one of the better-known super middleweight contenders like Diego Pacheco, Caleb Plant, Edgar Berlanga, or Christian Mbilli wasn’t fighting Osleys for the IBF 168-lb title eliminator on September 4th. Beating one of those fighters would put Iglesias’ name on the map, helping him get more opportunities.
As an amateur, Iglesias defeated David Morrell and fought a two-time Olympic Cuban gold medalist, Arlen Lopez, four times, and Israil Madrimov twice. Since turning pro in 2019, Osleys has been moved quickly by his promoters.
Iglesias’ last four fights
– Petro Ivanov: TKO 5
– Sena Agbeko: TKO 2
– Evgeny Shvedenko: KO 1
– Marcelo Coceres: KO 1
Coceres is the same guy who dropped Edgar Berlanga and gave him a lot of problems. He was also a tough out for Diego Pacheco and Billy Joe Saunders.
Last Updated on 06/26/2025
Read the full article here