Osleys Iglesias seems on the fast track to impact with the best at 168 pounds

Super middleweight Osleys Iglesias has been on a quick rise of late, with two first-round knockouts already in 2024. Iglesias took just two rounds total to stop Evgeny Shvedenko and Marcelo Coceres, in June and March, respectively.

Despite his impressive performances, there’s some debate about whether Iglesias (11-0, 10 KOs) should be considered a prospect or a contender. With fewer than 15 fights, he is still viewed by many as a prospect. But his competition speaks for itself: Shvedenko previously competed in a 2022 IBF eliminator, while Coceres pushed Edgar Berlanga to a decision and took Diego Pacheco into the later rounds before being stopped. And his skill level places him closer to an elite-level prospect, akin to Andy Cruz.

Iglesias wlil return to the ring Saturday on the ESPN+ undercard against Sena Agbeko at the Centre Vidéotron in Quebec City, Canada.

Regardless of labels, the 26-year-old Iglesias is in a relentless pursuit of top-tier opposition.

“I’m a guy who’s very disciplined and focused,” Iglesias said through a translator at Thursday’s press conference. “Currently, I’m ranked third [by The Ring Magazine], but that’s not where I see myself. I see my position on top.”

Agbeko (28-3, 22 KOs), originally from Ghana and now training in Nashville, is coming off a second-round technical knockout loss to David Morrell in December. Before that, the 32-year-old Agbeko was on a five-fight winning streak. When asked about his progress since joining Eye of the Tiger promotions, Iglesias highlighted the importance of his recent victories.

“I’ve been having good wins,” Iglesias said. “We’ve gained new fans here in Quebec.”

Iglesias, previously an unknown figure to many in the boxing world, has quickly gained attention with his dominant performances under the Eye of the Tiger banner. As the super middleweight division remains in flux, particularly with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez holding three of the four major titles, Iglesias is focused on climbing the ranks. He also has his eyes on potential matchups within his division, including those in the main event featuring Christian Mbilli and Sergiy Derevyanchenko. It is clear Iglesias wants one thing: to be seen as the best fighter in the division. 

“There are very good fighters out there, even at Eye of the Tiger,” Iglesias said. “I’m staying focused and disciplined to reach No. 1.”