Osleys Iglesias vs. Bruno Surace is in the works for a super middleweight clash on January 31st in a card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The unbeaten #1 IBF mandatory Iglesias (14-0, 13 KOs) and #10 IBF and #13 WBO Surace (26-2-2, 5 KOs) are reportedly negotiated for the co-feature spot on the Christian Mbilli vs. Jaime Munguia card.
Carlos Linares reported the Iglesias-Surace news on his Substack site.
A Showcase or a Real Test for Iglesias?
The Havana-born, Germany-based Cuban, Osleys Iglesias, has shone like a priceless emerald during his short six-year professional career, knocking out many of his opponents inside three rounds. Is this a showcase for Osleys Iglesias—or a genuine test fighting Surace?
The way the southpaw Osleys has looked in his last six fights, his fight with the 27-year-old Frenchman Surace may be a showcase-type fight.
Iglesias: The Uncrowned King at 168 Pounds
Although Surace gave the former WBO junior middleweight champion Munguia fits in their two fights, splitting them 1-1, he’s facing what many boxing fans believe could be the uncrowned King of the 168-lb division in Iglesias.
That’s not a knock on undisputed super middleweight champion Terence Crawford. It’s the size, natural power, youth, and pedigree of Iglesias that set him apart from all the top fighters in the division, including the 38-year-old Crawford and Canelo Alvarez. Those guys obviously aren’t going to tangle with Osleys and have him potentially add them to one of his highlight reel knockouts.
Why Crawford and Canelo Won’t Go Near Him
So, it’s going to be Surace who is looking like the next victim. In an ideal world, Crawford would show a sporting spirit and agree to fight Iglesias. That’s not going to happen, though. Iglesias would potentially jeopardize his membership in the exclusive Mount Rushmore of boxing.
Despite his surprise sixth-round knockout of Munguia in their first fight on December 14, 2024, Surace isn’t considered a big puncher. He’s still not an easy out for anyone with his cobra-like right hand that he throws at unpredictable times.
Surace Steps Into Dangerous Territory
Can he handle the leap in firepower going up against the lethal Cuban, Osleys, who possesses one-punch power with his right hook and straight left? Even when his opponents have their guards up, Iglesias punches through them. He doesn’t need to target his shots around the guards because he hits so hard that the impact travels through their gloves. It won’t be a pretty picture for Surace getting hit flush or with his guard up against Iglesias.
Choosing to fight Surace next, Iglesias positions himself for a world title fight or, more likely, be elevated if Crawford decides to vacate rather than face the Cuban fire. Is Iglesias taking this fight with Surace to gain visibility and showcase his talent to Turki Alalshikh and the boxing world? It’s an excellent way for Iglesias to show the hidden gem.