Negotiations are officially underway for a vacant IBF super middleweight title fight between unbeaten contenders Osleys Iglesias and Pavel Silyagin. BoxingScene has confirmed that both fighters immediately accepted the IBF’s invitation, triggering a negotiation period before any potential purse bid is scheduled to determine promotional rights.
Iglesias is a Cuban southpaw now based in Berlin and fighting under the Eye of the Tiger Management banner in Canada. He has held mandatory status since his eighth-round knockout of former title challenger Vladimir Shishkin last September in Montreal, a win that positioned him prominently once the title picture opened up.
Silyagin represents Russia’s RCC Boxing and enters his first major title opportunity after a patient climb through the rankings. The 32-year-old has fought exclusively in Russia since turning pro in 2020 and rebounded from the lone blemish on his record - a draw with Evgeny Shvedenko in 2023 - with three straight wins, including a dominant 10-round performance over unbeaten Pablo Exequiel Corzo last July in Ekaterinburg.
The matchup only materialized after a series of higher-ranked contenders declined the opportunity. Canelo Alvarez passed due to surgery, Jaime Munguia opted to pursue a WBA title route, and Hamzah Sheeraz chose to explore WBC and WBO options. England’s Troy Williamson expressed interest but was sidelined by a rematch clause.
With both Iglesias and Silyagin eager to proceed, the IBF finally has its title fight lined up in principle. If negotiations fail, a purse bid could determine whether Iglesias defends his mandatory position on neutral ground or whether Silyagin brings the championship bout to Russia for the biggest fight of his career.
Image Credit: The Ring