In a performance that underscored his formidable talent, Cuban southpaw Osleys Iglesias delivered a resounding eighth-round technical knockout victory over Vladimir Shishkin. The IBO super-middleweight champion, fighting in Montreal, not only retained his title but also dramatically amplified his call for a super-fight against undisputed king Canelo Alvarez. What was billed as Iglesias`s sternest professional challenge quickly became a showcase of his overwhelming power and relentless pressure.
A Dominant Display in Montreal
From the opening bell, Iglesias asserted his authority. His southpaw stance, combined with a seemingly unending gas tank and formidable power, proved too much for the Russian challenger. Shishkin, known for his gritty durability, found himself under an incessant barrage, absorbing punishment that began to visibly and mentally wear him down. Veteran referee Michael Griffin, witnessing the escalating one-sidedness, intervened at 1:28 of the eighth round, wisely stopping the contest to prevent further damage to Shishkin.
This victory improves Iglesias`s impressive professional record to 14-0, with an astonishing 13 knockouts. His meteoric rise has been characterized by efficiency and destructive power, rarely leaving outcomes to the judges` discretion. Shishkin, now 16-2 (10 KOs), had previously contested for the IBF title, offering a credible benchmark for Iglesias`s current standing. The ease with which Iglesias dispatched him speaks volumes about his current trajectory.
The Audacious Call-Out: Canelo Alvarez
With his arm raised in triumph, Iglesias wasted no time in articulating his next ambition: a confrontation with boxing`s pound-for-pound star, Canelo Alvarez. This declaration, while ambitious to some, is a testament to the young Cuban`s self-belief and the momentum he carries. In a division where Canelo has largely cleared out contenders, a fresh, dynamic challenger like Iglesias presents an intriguing proposition.
“My sights are clearly set on Canelo Alvarez. Some might call it far-fetched, but my ambition is undeniable. The division needs new challenges, and I am here to provide one,” Iglesias might as well have proclaimed, given his post-fight demeanor.
The super-middleweight landscape could certainly benefit from such a high-stakes encounter. Canelo`s recent bouts, including a “drab affair” against William Scull (who also previously challenged Shishkin), have left some yearning for more explosive and competitive challenges. Iglesias, with his aggressive style and knockout power, could be precisely the antidote, injecting new life and genuine excitement into the championship picture.
Undercard Highlights: A Glimpse into Canada`s Boxing Future
Beyond the main event, the Montreal card offered a robust showcase of emerging talent. Belarus`s Dzmitry Asanau continued his impressive professional run, securing his 11th victory by stopping France`s Laid Douadi, who suffered his first defeat in 29 outings. This result highlights Asanau as another intriguing prospect to watch.
Local favorite `The Future` Avery Martin Duval lived up to his moniker, dominating Mexican `Tornado` Luis Campos Cortez over five rounds, demonstrating a bright outlook for Canadian boxing. Further adding to the night`s knockout reel were Jhon Orobio and Moreno Fendero, both securing third-round stoppages. Former Olympian Wyatt Sanford also demonstrated his technical prowess, winning his bout decisively on points over six rounds. These undercard performances collectively underscored the health and vibrancy of the Canadian boxing scene.
Conclusion: A New Force Emerges
Osleys Iglesias`s dominant victory over Vladimir Shishkin was more than just a title defense; it was a powerful statement. He has firmly established himself as a significant force in the super-middleweight division, possessing the skill, power, and audacious confidence to aim for the very top. While a clash with Canelo Alvarez might still be a few steps away, Iglesias`s recent performance has undoubtedly put him squarely on the radar of serious boxing enthusiasts and, perhaps more importantly, the strategic minds within Canelo`s camp. The question now is not if Iglesias will face an elite opponent, but when, and how quickly his undeniable talent will propel him to the sport`s biggest stages.
