This Thursday, starting at 6:30 PM, one of the most important fights ever held at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal will take place.
Headlining the event, IBO super middleweight world champion Osleys “El Tornado” Iglesias (13-0, 12 KOs) will try to defend his title while also aiming to become the mandatory challenger for the IBF world title, currently held by Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. But standing in his way is a major threat: hard-hitting Russian and IBF #2 ranked contender, Vladimir Shishkin (16-1, 10 KOs).
Who will win? How? Who will be next?
Those are the questions Punching Grace, in partnership with Mise-o-jeu and its new app Mise-o-jeu+, asked boxing experts!
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Osleys Iglesias
Pressure on Iglesias
In an interview, Osleys Iglesias promised to “eat Shishkin alive.” That’s putting it mildly. But to his credit, that’s exactly what he’s done to 12 of the 13 opponents he’s faced in his career. Proof? A KO rate of over 92%—the highest among any top 50 super middleweights worldwide.
So, will the trend continue? According to Francis Paquin from RDS, it’s looking good:
“Osleys Iglesias keeps impressing with his mastery of boxing fundamentals, which is no surprise given his training in the Cuban school. The question isn’t whether Iglesias will win, but whether he’ll stop Shishkin before the final bell. Everything points to yes!”
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Osleys Iglesias
But beware…
“It’ll be a tough fight for Iglesias,” says Éric Martel of La Presse. “He’ll be up against a tactician and will need to rely on counterattacks. Shishkin has never been knocked out—but the same was true for Evgeny Shvedenko before he met Iglesias. Shishkin will hit the canvas before giving up in the 10th round.”
And what if it goes beyond the 10th?
“If Shishkin can take it into the later rounds, things could get interesting,” says Ryan Songalia from Boxingscene.
He adds that—like many—he believes Shishkin should have won his last bout, a controversial loss to William Scull in Germany. That fight could’ve made him a world champion.
“This is definitely the toughest fight of Iglesias’ career,” he concludes.
Photo: Boxingscene – Vladimir Shishkin vs former world champion Jose Uzcategui
Back in Montreal
Even though this will be Iglesias’ 3rd fight in Montreal (4th in Quebec), and Shishkin’s 1st in Canada, the Russian won’t be on entirely unfamiliar ground.
“At Marc Ramsay’s gym, we know Shishkin well, as he’s already been to Montreal to spar with Artur Beterbiev while preparing for his rematch with Dmitry Bivol,” said coach Samuel Décarie-Drolet in a July column.
“He’s good, he moves well. That’s why he was chosen to emulate Bivol’s style… It won’t be a walk in the park.,” he added.
Photo: BLH – William Scull and Vladimir Shishkin
A 50/50 Fight?
Even if the odds seem tilted toward Iglesias, the only man who’s fought both boxers says it’s “almost” a 50/50 matchup.
“I don’t know how much experience Shishkin has against southpaws, so I’d give Iglesias the edge there. That might be the one thing that throws him off. Otherwise, honestly, I think it’ll be very close,” says Sena Agbeko, who fought Shishkin in 2021 and Iglesias in 2024.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Osleys Iglesias and Sena Agbeko
A Rare Talent
One thing’s certain: Iglesias is the favorite. But why?
“It would be an understatement to say Iglesias has world championship talent,” says Laurent Poulin from Boxingtown Québec. “I truly believe he has what it takes to become a unified champ—and if Canelo stops wasting our time, an undisputed one too.”
From the prestigious Ring Magazine, Anson Wainwright goes even further:
“I believe Iglesias is one of the most dangerous fighters—not just in the super middleweight division, but across all weight classes. Last year, he fought some solid opponents, but all four fights combined lasted under nine rounds. He’s an intelligent boxer who doesn’t waste time once he’s in the ring. I expect the same against Shishkin—not to diminish Shishkin’s skills, but to highlight Iglesias’ level.”
Photo: DAZN – Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez
What’s Next?
September 4th promises fireworks. And if IBO world champion Osleys Iglesias delivers on all fronts against IBF #2 Vladimir Shishkin, he will officially become the mandatory challenger to Canelo Alvarez’s IBF world title.
So, could a Canelo vs. Iglesias or even a Crawford vs. Iglesias clash be realistic?
Given that the IBF is known for strictly enforcing its rules, will the winner of Canelo vs. Crawford give up the title rather than face “The Tornado”?
Why not ask the man himself?
“The only thing I’m focused on right now is my fight—with Shishkin. But since we’re talking about him, I’ve got a clear plan. And once I execute it, I think if [Canelo and Crawford] are smart, they won’t be in a hurry to fight me,” says Osleys “El Tornado” Iglesias.
