Photo: Vincent Ethier – Osleys ‘El Tornado’ Iglesias (10-0, 9 KOs) surpassed expectations upon his arrival in Quebec last March, and is ready to do it again, on June 6, this time with his IBO title at stake against Evgeny Shvedenko (16-1-1, 7 KOs).
An 8 questions interview with the Cuban Tornado:
N.C. Your last opponent, Marcelo Coceres, gave a lot of problems to several elite boxers. Were you yourself surprised that it ended in the first round?
O.I. My performance seemed good to me. He was a good opponent with a lot of experience who had already fought with good rivals… but in boxing, anything can happen! If the fight ended quickly, it was because it had to be that way. For the rest, I trust in God, in my preparation and in myself. With all that combined, nothing can ‘surprise’ me in the ring.
N.C. The belt obviously wasn’t on the line anyway, but what happened at the weigh-in? Do you see yourself staying at 168 pounds for much longer?
O.I. At the weigh-in, there was only one mistake with the weight: the scale I was using before arriving… I was sure that my weight was correct, but hey, I can’t justify it, it’s already arrived. For the future, I see myself at this weight for a few more years. In fact, until I got the belts in my division!
N.C. Otherwise, outside the ring, what did you think of Canada?
O.I. It was my first time in Montreal and Canada. I really liked the country and its diversity. In addition, people received me very warmly. I feel very comfortable there. So I’m very happy to come back.
N.C. And precisely, for your return to the ring and to the country, what do you expect from Shvedenko?
O.I. My team and I study all opponents before fights. Shvedenko is a good boxer, but I don’t expect anything special from him. The only thing I hope for is a good fight, because I know what I’m giving. I’ll stop there, because I can’t speak for him… once in the ring, my actions will speak for themselves.
N.C. His only defeat comes from William Scull (22-0, 9 KOs), Canelo’s mandatory challenger. We were wondering, since you are both Cuban by German adoption, have you ever trained together?
O.I. Me and Scull have known each other and gotten along well for many years. He and I have already put on the gloves in Berlin and even though we are the same weight, we have always advised and supported each other.
N.C. Speaking of Scull, at 168 lbs, we saw that said that you see yourself facing your EOTTM teammate Christian Mbilli one day. Knowing that Canelo probably won’t be in a hurry to face you, do you have any particular opponents on your radar?
O.I. I chase the best and I want the best. I’m not afraid of anything or anyone and my goal is to become the best in my division. That being said, I will compete against anyone who gets in my way to get there.
N.C. And if everything goes well against Shvedenko, which will be your 2nd fight in less than 3 months, how many times would you like to fight this year?
O.I. I have no limits. Whenever an opportunity presents itself, for me, the time is right. When Camille Estephan and the EOTTM team call me, I answer.”
N.C. In our first interview, you told us about the four women in your life, including your daughter who had not yet been born. So a few months later, how is your new life as a father?
O.I. It’s the greatest gift of my life… I can say it now, being a father is the great fortune of life!
TORNADO ALERT
Bonus | N.C. Where does your nickname come from: ‘El Tornado’?
O.I. It was a German commentator who gave it to me after my first fight. It was to describe my style in the ring and, honestly, I think it’s pretty representative.
