The IBF has formally invited Osleys Iglesias and Canelo Alvarez to enter negotiations for a vacant super middleweight title bout, opening up one of the three major titles left behind at 168 pounds after Crawford's retirement. Both camps have been given three days to accept the invitation before the IBF moves down its list of available contenders.
Iglesias enters the picture as the IBF’s top-rated contender. The Cuban southpaw, promoted by Eye of the Tiger Management, made his lone appearance of 2025 count with a dominant eighth-round stoppage of former title challenger Vladimir Shishkin on September 4 in Montreal, extending his knockout streak to eight.
Alvarez has not fought since his loss to Crawford and is considered an unlikely participant in the proposed bout. His longtime trainer Eddy Reynoso has confirmed that Alvarez recently underwent elbow surgery and is not expected to return until at least May, with previous indications suggesting a possible September comeback.
Despite the logistical and timing concerns, Iglesias’ camp has expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity. His promoter Camille Estephen described the invitation as the start of a new chapter, even as the likelihood of the fight materializing remains slim. Should Alvarez decline, the IBF will move down its rankings, with former junior middleweight champion Jaime Munguia next in line.
The Iglesias–Alvarez invitation is one of three title scenarios triggered by Crawford’s retirement. The other two vacant belts involve Hamzah Sheeraz, who has been ordered into talks for both the WBO and WBC titles.
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