Osleys Iglesias sends warning to super middleweight division: ‘I’m here to be undisputed’

On October 8 at the Capitole de Quebec, Quebec, Osleys Iglesias vs Oliver Zaren will headline an Eye of the Tiger card, with Iglesias’ IBF super middleweight title for grabs, live on DAZN. Ahead of this world title bout, Iglesias spoke to The Ring, discussing his desire to have the biggest fights and his upcoming battle with Zaren.

Osleys Iglesias and Oliver Zaren set for IBF world title battle

Iglesias (15-0, 14 KOs) comes into the fight as the big favourite, with only Isaac Chilemba taking him the distance. The Cuban has dominated many opponents, with four consecutive KO wins, defeating Sena Agbeko, Petro Ivanov, and Vladimir Shishkin, then stopping Pavel Silyagin to win the vacant IBF title.

Zaren (19-0-1, 8 KOs) is a talented fighter, but hasn’t operated at the level of Iglesias. It remains to be seen just how good Zaren is, but we will find out if he can not only live with Iglesias, but upset the talented Cuban.

With Christian Mbilli set to defend his WBC title against Canelo, and Munguia set to return and defend his WBA title, the super middleweight division appears to be heating up once again. Janibek Alimkhanuly and Jacob Bank are also set to battle for the vacant WBO title, vacated by Hamzah Sheeraz.

Osleys Iglesias targets undisputed glory at 168 pounds

With plenty of talented fighters at 168 pounds, interesting showdowns look likely for Iglesias. Speaking to The Ring, the Cuban said:

“It’s not about me coming – I’m already here.”

“They can’t duck me anymore. After this fight, they’re gonna have to show up, because I’m here now. I’m here to be undisputed.

“Whoever has the titles, it’s time for a new king in the division. And I’m gonna crown myself the new king of the division, so I’m coming for anybody who has a title,” added Iglesias.

However, despite being the big favourite, Iglesias is not underestimating his Danish opponent:

“He’s a great opponent, the type of opponent where you can’t get cocky,” Iglesias said. “It’s a title fight, so you can’t disrespect any of them. I’m ready for it,” said the Cuban.

“Of course it’s frustrating,” Iglesias said. “At the same time, it’s God’s timing. Whenever he thinks I’m ready, I’ll be ready. But they don’t wanna fight me. I know I’m not an easy fight. I know I’m young, hungry and ready. I understand why they’re ducking me,” said the Cuban, talking about the biggest fighters at 168 pounds.

The Big Fight Weekend verdict

Osleys Iglesias is nicknamed “El Tornado,” and when you watch him, it’s easy to see why. He’s aggressive and throws everything with intent. Zaren will need to be ultra disciplined and keep the fight long, but we just don’t see him having the power to keep the Cuban at bay, who we are backing to get the stoppage win between rounds 6-9.

Assuming Iglesias wins as we expect, the Cuban has all the attributes to become one of the bigger players in the 168-pound division.

Osleys Iglesias vs Oliver Zaren full fight card

• Osleys Iglesias vs Oliver Zaren, 12 rounds, for Iglesias’ IBF super middleweight title
• Wilkens Mathieu vs Vladimir Shishkin, 10 rounds, super middleweights
• Leila Beaudoin vs Brisa Alfonzo, 10 rounds, for Beaudoin’s WBA women’s interim super featherweight title
• Imam Khataev vs Padraig McCrory, 10 rounds, light heavyweights
• Dzmitry Asanau vs Luis Santana, 10 rounds, lightweights
• Thomas Chabot vs Jose Antonio Sanchez, 10 rounds, featherweights
• Daylen Pepin vs Matias Pinilla, 4 rounds, lightweights
• Jacob Blais vs Yoan Trottier, 4 rounds, welterweights

Stay with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of Osleys Iglesias vs Oliver Zaren, including results and video highlights, and post-fight analysis.

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Eye of the Tiger