Osleys Iglesias wants a unification against the winner of Canelo Alvarez’s October 31 fight with Christian Mbilli. Getting that fight could prove harder than defending his IBF title. Canelo has bigger commercial options, while Mbilli could be drawn into a lucrative rematch if he wins.
“I hope the winner [of Canelo-Mbilli] faces me. I’d like my next fight to be a unification,” Iglesias said after stopping Oliver Zaren in Quebec on Thursday.
The seventh-round stoppage lifted Iglesias to 16-0 with 15 knockouts. Those numbers help explain the difficulty of finding a willing opponent. He brings a world title, southpaw skills and heavy power, but lacks the name recognition that would turn a Canelo fight into a major event.
Canelo would be risking more than another points defeat. Iglesias has the power to hurt him and force a punishing fight, with a stoppage a serious possibility. Another belt might not be enough compensation when better-known opponents could offer more money and a better chance of winning.
Hamzah Sheeraz and Chris Eubank Jr. would give Canelo fresh opponents with British interest behind them. Neither is a guaranteed victory, but his team could view both as less dangerous choices than Iglesias.
Canelo also has a remaining fight under his agreement with Turki Alalshikh’s boxing operation. What Alalshikh wants to fund will influence the selection, leaving Iglesias competing against names that could sell a bigger show.
Mbilli appears more likely to accept a unification, but beating Canelo could change his immediate plans. A rematch would be difficult to turn down financially, provided Canelo wanted another attempt. His defeats against Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol did not produce second meetings.
If Canelo moves on, Mbilli against Iglesias would offer plenty in the ring. Mbilli’s relentless pressure would test the Cuban, while also bringing him within range of dangerous southpaw counters.
That is Iglesias’ best opening. A Canelo victory could leave him making another defense while the Mexican pursues a more profitable opponent.