Last Updated on September 2, 2025 12:07 pm by Erwin Noguera
Super middleweight boxing is about to witness a fight that could redefine the immediate future of the division: Cuba’s Osleys “El Tornado” Iglesias will face Russia’s Vladimir Shishkin in a playoff ordered by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).
The winner will not only secure a prestigious victory but will also become the mandatory challenger for the 168-pound world title held by Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez.
For Iglesias, this is the most important fight of his professional career so far. With just 13 professional fights under his belt, the Cuban southpaw has managed to make his way in a complicated field, showing power, aggressiveness, and maturity in the ring. Under the Eye of the Tiger promotion in Canada, his rise has been meteoric, and each performance has brought him closer to the elite conversation.
He will face Vladimir Shishkin, a fighter with a 16-1 record who combines refined technique with a solid physique and experience on the US circuit. The Russian, based in Florida, is also pursuing the dream of a world title and sees this elimination bout as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Two undefeated fighters, a direct ticket to face the undisputed champion of the division, and styles that promise sparks from the start.
At Gambyl Exchange, you can explore all the boxing predictions, the final bets for this bout, and the odds for each fight.
Osleys Iglesias vs. Vladimir Shishkin Betting Odds and Info
Osleys Iglesias -1052 | Vladimir Shishkin +630 |
When? | Thursday, September 4 at 9:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM CST, 7:00 PM MT, and 6:00 PM PT |
Ringwalks | 10:00 PM ET, 9:00 PM CST, 8:00 PM MT, and 7:00 PM PT |
Where? | Casino Montreal. |
Where Can I Watch it? | DAZN |
Why Bet on Osleys Iglesias?
At 27, Osleys Iglesias represents the new generation of Cuban boxers who have left behind the island’s amateur sports system to build a professional career in other markets. With a record of 13-0 and 12 knockouts, he has displayed an aggressive style that is uncommon among his compatriots, who are traditionally known for a more defensive and technical style of boxing. Iglesias, on the other hand, relies on pressure, power, and a killer instinct.
His transition to the professional ranks was strategic.After settling in Germany, he found stability in Canada, where the Eye of the Tiger promotion company provided him with the right platform. There, he began to make his mark with performances that quickly caught the attention of fans. In 2022, he won the NABF 168-pound title by knocking out the then-undefeated Marcelo Coceres, a result that cemented his reputation as a real championship prospect.
Later, he faced the experienced Ezequiel Maderna and defeated him by unanimous decision in a fight that showcased his versatility. Although he is primarily known for his punching power, on that occasion, he displayed distance control, pace management, and efficient defense. Every step has been calculated, without shortcuts, building credibility based on legitimate victories.
Nicknamed “The Tornado,” Iglesias is known for his aggressiveness, his ability to apply pressure from the first round, and his finishing power that forces his opponents to retreat. However, the big question is how he will respond against an undefeated opponent with greater experience and technical discipline, such as Shishkin.
Why Bet on Vladimir Shishkin?
On the other side of the ring will be Vladimir Shishkin (16-1, 10 KOs), a 34-year-old Russian boxer who has spent much of his career in the United States. Based in Florida, he has trained at prestigious gyms and faced top-level opponents who have given him first-rate experience.
Shishkin is a tall fighter for his weight class, with good reach and a style based on jabs and mid-range control. He can adapt to different scenarios: he can box on the back foot, counterpunch, or take the initiative with long combinations. He is not an explosive knockout artist, but his power is enough to command respect and wear down his opponents over the rounds.
His most notable victory came in 2022 against former world champion José Uzcátegui, whom he dominated in a fight that showcased his competitive maturity. More recently, he faced fellow Cuban William Scull in a close fight that left mixed feelings but reinforced the idea that Shishkin is a legitimate contender in the division.
Unlike Iglesias, Shishkin does not base his boxing on an all-or-nothing approach, but rather on progressive attrition and the accumulation of clean punches. His challenge will be to prove that he can handle the Cuban’s pressure and neutralize their aggressiveness without getting into an exchange that exposes him.
Final Betting Analysis: Osleys Iglesias vs. Vladimir Shishkin
Everything points to an explosive fight, especially in the early rounds. Iglesias will try to impose his fast pace and pressure Shishkin against the ropes, while the Russian will seek to cool the fight down with his jab and mobility.
The key will be in the middle rounds: if Iglesias manages to maintain his aggressiveness without wearing himself out too much, he has a good chance of landing the punch that defines the night. But if Shishkin survives the initial storm, his tactical discipline and greater experience could lead him to win on the scorecards.
Our prediction is that Iglesias will find a way to break the Russians’ resistance in the second half of the fight. His punching power, combined with the intensity he brings to every attack, will ultimately make the difference.