Hamzah Sheeraz and Jaime Munguia have been accused of avoiding fights against IBF champion Osleys Iglesias, according to Boxing News.
What happened
Boxing insiders express concerns that super-middleweight champions Hamzah Sheeraz and Jaime Munguia are evading bouts with IBF champion Osleys Iglesias. Camille Estephan, promoter for Iglesias, indicated that his athlete represents a formidable challenge, making others reluctant to face him. Estephan said, “People recognise his skill, that is why they don’t want to fight him.”
Iglesias, who boasts a record of 15-0 with 14 KOs, has dismantled top contenders. Estephan noted the fates of previous opponents who faced Iglesias, including Silyagin and Shishkin. He stated, “Every single guy that he has fought, he has destroyed. The people that are fighting him, they are never the same after that.”
Why it matters
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges within boxing regarding unification bouts. With all four major titles in play, the reluctance of champions to engage with Iglesias may hinder potential major matchups, disappointing fans eager for high-stakes fights. Estephan remarked, “They would rather fight anybody but Iglesias. He is clearly the bogeyman of boxing.”
Background
On September 30, 2022, Terence Crawford defeated Canelo Alvarez, becoming boxing’s first three-weight undisputed champion since Henry Armstrong in 1938. His retirement left the super-middleweight division open, with new champions emerging, including Sheeraz, Munguia, and Iglesias. This change has prompted hopes for future unification challenges.
Recently, the IBF hosted its 41st annual convention in Vietnam, where fighter Troy Williamson was expected to negotiate a title eliminator against Diego Pacheco. However, Williamson appears set to face Callum Simpson in July instead.
What’s next
On September 12, 2026, Canelo Alvarez will challenge Christian Mbilli for the WBC title, an event that may serve as a platform for potential matchups between Sheeraz and Munguia. Discussions also persist about including Iglesias in this significant fight night.
