The IBF has begun the formal process to fill its vacant super middleweight title by reaching out to Pavel Silyagin about a possible fight with Osleys Iglesias.
Both camps have been given three days to confirm whether they will continue. Early signals from representatives on each side indicate a willingness to move forward. The sanctioning body will open negotiations as soon as written confirmation is received.
The opening exists because Troy Williamson is no longer available. His December knockout of Callum Simpson carried a rematch clause, which Simpson has since exercised. That second fight is now expected to take place in the UK in May.
Williamson’s removal forced the IBF to revise its rankings. Silyagin, who was ranked seventh, was the next eligible competitor willing to participate. Several more prominent names were bypassed due to scheduling and department priorities. Hamzah Sheeraz weighs up title options at junior middleweight. Jaime Munguia remains in talks about a WBA opportunity. Saul Alvarez is not expected to return until September and is not aiming for the IBF belt.
Silyagin has competed exclusively in Russia since turning professional in 2020. His record includes a draw in September 2023 against Evgeny Shvedenko, followed by three consecutive victories. His most recent outing was a ten round decision over Pablo Exequiel Corzo in July.
Iglesias earned a mandatory position with an eighth-round stoppage of Vladimir Shishkin last September in Montreal. The Cuban south leg is based in Berlin and managed by Eye of the Tiger.
The title became vacant after Terence Crawford retired in December. Of the belts he gave up at super middleweight, the IBF and WBC remain unassigned. The WBA title was awarded to Jose Armando Resendiz on January 1 following an interim promotion.
This is the point where theory gives way to obligation, and Iglesias is now close enough that refusing him carries consequences.
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Last updated on 16/01/2026
