The unbeaten IBF super middleweight champion says Canelo is unlikely to agree to the matchup despite growing pressure at 168 pounds
Osleys Iglesias says he wants the biggest fights at super middleweight, but the unbeaten Cuban champion doubts Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will agree to face him. Iglesias mentioned Christian Mbilli, Jaime Munguia, Hamzah Sheeraz, and Canelo while discussing the opponents he wants next at 168 pounds.
“I think there are no easy fights. All fights are difficult. Munguia, Mbilli, Sheeraz, Canelo, I think those would all be good fights, but I would prepare differently for each one,” said Osleys to InsideRingShow.
“It’s complicated. Canelo is not going to want this fight.”
Osleys also said he hopes Alvarez eventually gives him the opportunity to prove himself against boxing’s biggest star.
“Hopefully, God willing, he gives me the fight,” said Iglesias.
“And show the world what Cuban fighters are about. Osleys Iglesias is built differently.”
Iglesias recently captured the IBF super middleweight title with his stoppage win over Pavel Silyagin last April and has quickly turned into one of the most dangerous names in the division.
The Cuban southpaw suggested a fight with Canelo would make for an entertaining style clash because of the contrast between Canelo’s patient counter punching and his own aggressive approach.
“It’s an interesting fight because I’m more combative. Canelo is more selective, looking for openings.”
Iglesias (15-0, 14 KOs) is already seeing how difficult it can be to break into the top tier at 168 pounds. Hamzah Sheeraz and Jaime Munguia are being discussed more heavily around the division’s biggest fights, while Iglesias remains almost invisible in conversations involving the other belt-holders despite owning a title himself.
That situation is unlikely to change quickly unless Riyadh Season eventually takes an interest in pushing him into the mix with the division’s bigger commercial names.
