Camille Estephan sees possible unification fight between Christian Mbilli and Osleys Iglesias in the super middleweight division.
Montreal-based promoter Camille Estephan believes a future super-middleweight unification fight between Christian Mbilli and Osleys Iglesias could be inevitable. Both talents are on the verge of a world title fight in a weight class currently dominated by Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, who holds all four major belts.
“They are definitely the two best challengers in the super middleweight division, they are ahead of everyone else,” Estephan exclusively told Boxsport. “I think both are a nightmare for any opponent. Mbilli is the type who puts you under constant pressure until every drop of energy is sucked out of you. Iglesias, on the other hand, can punch hard with both fists, is tall, lean and technically very accomplished. Both have exceptional skills and a great understanding of boxing.”
Bremen-based Cuban Osleys Iglesias (13-0, 12 knockouts) faces an IBF eliminator in Quebec on September 4. Estephan was originally in negotiations with the number 2 in the IBF rankings, Vladimir Shishkin, but these have stalled. Instead, Iglesias could now face the IBF’s fifth-ranked Callum Simpson from England.
Christian Mbilli (29-0, 24 knockouts), on the other hand, recently caused a stir with a spectacular first-round knockout of Maciej Sulecki to secure the WBC Interim world title. The Frenchman is set to return on the undercard of the mega-fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford in September, according to Turki Alalshikh.
“Neither of them are pleasant opponents and are avoided by many,” Estephan continues. “I think we could end up in a situation where each of them holds a few titles – and then it comes to a unification fight. Mbilli is going the WBC route, while Iglesias is currently pursuing the IBF route.”