While Canelo didn’t rule out the possibility of facing Sheeraz, he pointed the undefeated champion to IBF titleholder Osley Iglesias and suggested that the two belt holders should settle matters first.
“I think they (Sheeraz and Osleys) should fight each other, and then I’ll fight the winner,” Canelo said on the Mr. Verzace Podcast. “That’s the smartest thing they can do. We all deserve what we deserve, and they deserve it. I’m not saying they deserve it, they deserve it. That’s why they’re champions or number one or whatever, but they have to fight each other, and then after my fight, we’ll see.”
The comment shifted attention to Iglesias at a time when Sheeraz was openly discussing a future fight with Canelo. After stopping Begic to win the WBO title, he expressed interest in facing Canelo if the Mexican defeated Mbilli.
“Listen, I’m not calling him out; he’s a GOAT in the sport. If he wins against Mbilli, why not? Let’s get it on. If Canelo wins, it’s on him,” said Sheeraz.
Canelo’s comments put the spotlight on Iglesias, a fighter many observers consider one of the most dangerous men in the division. The Cuban southpaw stopped Pavel Silyagin to win the vacant IBF title in April and has repeatedly called for unification fights since capturing the belt.
A fight against Iglesias would likely answer lingering questions some fans still have about Sheeraz’s standing at 168 pounds. The British fighter moved up from middleweight after his controversial draw against Carlos Adames and has since defeated Edgar Berlanga and Begic. Those victories earned him a world title, but critics argue that Iglesias would represent a much tougher test than either opponent.
From Canelo’s perspective, the request is hard to turn down. The former undisputed champion prepares for an undefeated Mbilli, one of the division’s most dangerous contenders. Asking Sheeraz to take on Iglesias before receiving a shot at boxing’s biggest attraction will put both fighters on demanding paths.
Whether that route appeals to the people around Sheeraz is another question. A win over Iglesias would strengthen his case for a Canelo fight and remove much of the doubt attached to his record. A loss could send him into a rebuilding phase and put the biggest payday of his career much further away.
Canelo offered his preferred route. Beat Mbilli, let Sheeraz and Iglesias settle their own debate, then bring the winners together.
