In a thrilling encounter at the Casino de Montreal, Osleys ‘El Tornado’ Iglesias displayed his prowess as he defeated Ukrainian fighter Petro Ivanov, maintaining his undefeated record with a fifth-round knockout. Iglesias, the current IBO super-middleweight champion, now boasts a professional record of 13 victories, with 12 of those coming by way of knockout. This bout not only solidified his dominance in the ring but also demonstrated his relentless pursuit of excellence in a sport where every match can significantly alter a fighter’s trajectory.
From the opening bell, Iglesias showcased his boxing acumen and formidable power. Standing at 6’2″ and utilizing his southpaw stance to advantage, he landed impactful right hooks and left hands that kept Ivanov, who entered the fight with an impressive 18-0-2 record, on the defensive. Notably, Ivanov’s game plan relied heavily on closing the distance to unleash his own shots, but this strategy was continually thwarted by Iglesias’s adept movement and powerful counter-punching.
The third round proved pivotal as Ivanov suffered a notable injury from a right uppercut that visibly stunned him. Despite his efforts to stay in the fight, the combination of speed and power from Iglesias made it difficult for Ivanov to mount a significant offense. The Ukrainian’s nose bore the brunt of the damage, leading to visible signs of weariness as the rounds progressed.
By the fifth round, the tide had turned decisively in Iglesias’s favor. A perfectly executed right-left combination sent Ivanov crashing to the canvas, and although he managed to rise before the referee’s count concluded, the official decided to halt the bout after assessing Ivanov’s condition. This decision, while controversial to some, underscored the referee’s commitment to fighter safety, recognizing that Ivanov had absorbed considerable punishment throughout the match.
With this victory, Iglesias has not only affirmed his status as a top contender but has also positioned himself among the elite of the super-middleweight division. Having secured four victories in this calendar year—all by knockout—he has emerged as a threatening force that contenders must now reckon with. As other luminaries, including David Benavidez and David Morrell, transition to the light heavyweight category, Iglesias’s moment to shine in the spotlight has arrived.
The question remains: who will step up to challenge Iglesias next? With his impressive blend of speed, power, and technical skill, he has quickly become the favorite against any of the current top contenders. Fans of the sport can only hope that his next fight will offer as much excitement and drama as the world witnessed in Montreal.
For Petro Ivanov, this loss represents a significant setback. With a record now standing at 18-1-2, he must return to the drawing board and reassess his strategies. While his past performances showcased his capabilities, this bout highlighted the gaps in his technique and the need for meticulous preparation against fighters of Iglesias’s caliber. The future holds uncertainty, but it is crucial for Ivanov to regroup and hone his skills if he plans on climbing back into the title picture.