I was deeply impressed when EOTTM announced that — in my opinion — the future unified champion at 168 pounds, Osleys Iglesias, would be facing Vladimir Shishkin for the position of mandatory challenger to the IBF title currently held by Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez.
“In my eyes, this is the most important fight ever held at the Casino. The super middleweight division is the most competitive in boxing right now. We’ll have the top two contenders in the IBF rankings in the ring, right here at home, with a potential fight against Canelo Alvarez at stake. We’re raising the bar once again,” said Camille Estephan, president of EOTTM, in a press release.
I made a promise to always introduce you to high-level boxers who travel to Montreal. So, here is Vladimir Shishkin.
Photo: Premier Boxing Champions – Vladimir Shishkin vs Jose Uzcategui
In 2016, I quickly added the Russian boxer to my list of prospects to watch. His transition to the professional ranks was highly anticipated. He soon joined the legendary Kronk Gym, training under SugarHill Steward. In 2020, the renowned coach stated that Shishkin had the tools and talent to beat Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez — all that remained was to make him a can’t-miss contender with enough draw to attract the Mexican star.
“In my opinion, he’s already the best super middleweight in the world. I’ve seen him in training: he’s tall, skilled, and I believe he’s a future world champion,” said Dmitriy Salita in 2020.
Fighter Profile
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Full Name: Vladimir Igorevich Shishkin
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Age: 34 (born July 26, 1991)
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Nationality: Russian
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Current Residence: Miami, Florida, USA (previously lived in Detroit, Michigan)
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Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m)
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Reach: 73 in (185 cm)
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Stance: Orthodox
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Promoter: Dmitriy Salita (Salita Promotions)
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Manager: Michael Hobart
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Nickname: The Big Lion
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Division: Super Middleweight (168 lb / 76.2 kg)
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Pro Debut: July 31, 2016
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Amateur Record: 301 wins – 29 losses
Noé Cloutier often talks to me about the refined technique of Russian boxers: mastery of fundamentals, a sharp and active jab to control rounds. Shishkin’s mobility is also a strength. Defensively, he keeps his head high and uses a lot of head movement, which makes him hard to hit cleanly. He proved against José Uzcategui and William Scull that he can remain durable and effective even in the late rounds.
Photo: Bad Left Hook – Vladimir Shishkin vs William Scull
Even though he deserved the win against William Scull, it became clear that a disciplined, precise, and mobile boxing style can cause him problems. He also struggled with constant pressure and the moments when Scull picked up the pace. One must also admit: Shishkin doesn’t have one-punch knockout power — he doesn’t seem able to finish a fight with a single shot. Against Sena Agbeko, for example, the latter never looked seriously hurt.
The fight against Osleys Iglesias, and especially what’s at stake, represents exactly what Vladimir Shishkin has dreamed of since the beginning of his career: a showdown with Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. The Big Lion will need to be at his absolute best: work behind his jab, keep his hands high, and use his mobility to overcome the division’s hardest hitter — the Cuban, Iglesias.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Osleys Iglesias vs Sena Agbeko
On the Podcast
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Derek Pomerleau is on his way to becoming a ring millionaire thanks to the WBC tournament in Riyadh. He just beat Ukrainian Dmytro Rybalko and is only two wins away from taking it all… and becoming famous.
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Steve Claggett was injured during training and can no longer face Jamaine Ortiz. Samuel Décarie-Drolet and Arthur Biyarslanov are raising their hands to step in.
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I’m hearing that the October 30 card at the Casino de Montréal, presented by EOTTM, will be spectacular… and that some of you will be jaw-dropped by the surprises being planned.
