Shishkin Eyes IBF Title, Wants Canelo Next

Vladimir Shishkin plans on beating William Scull for the vacant IBF Super Middleweight Title, with an eye on Canelo Alvarez next. 

Shishkin is undefeated with a 16-0 record, which includes ten knockouts. He enters the fight with a knockout win over Mike Guy in his last fight. That took his record to three stoppages in his previous four fights. The 33-year-old is blossoming as he enters the latter parts of his career. He trains alongside SugarHill Steward in the famous ‘Kronk Style’, which explains his high KO rate. Hill currently has Tyson Fury under his banner, transforming him from a boxer to a front-foot aggressive fighter.

Shishkin worked his way through the ranks, leaving Russia five years ago before joining Hill’s gym. He has had eight fights since then, having beaten former super middleweight champion Jose Uzcategui. Shishkin’s camp has already confirmed that Edgar Berlanga’s team has contacted them about a fight. Berlanga’s stock rose after he went the distance with Canelo despite losing a one-sided unanimous decision. There have also been links with the former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant. However, Shishkin’s main focus is to get past Scull first.

Shishkin Reacts

“[The win] has already happened in my mind … my skills will get the best of (Scull). I don’t study my opponents too much. I check (them) in the opening (rounds) … I’ll get a knockout for sure. My style (was lacking) … I’m no drugs, no smoke, no party and (heading to Kronk/Steward) has made (boxing) like chess, like science. I love it. I think I would’ve quit boxing if not for ‘SugarHill.’ It’s not just work. It’s smart work,” Shishkin said 

Scull is undefeated, with an impressive 22-0 record. However, he only has nine stoppages to his name. This will give Shishkin confidence that he can walk his man down. Scull’s last KO was against Deneb Diaz in 2021. However, Scull has plenty of motivation, knowing he can join the likes of Yordenis Ugas and Guillermo Rigondeaux as Cuban world champions. If he comes out with a win, the focus is Canelo. That fight is highly likely since it allows Canelo to become undisputed again.

Shishkin On Canelo

Canelo was meant to face his mandatory, who was Scull. The IBF ordered it, but Canelo reacted by facing Berlanga instead. This was based on the fact that a fight with Berlanga could sell more. It was a Mexican going up against a Puerto Rican on Mexican Independence Weekend. The fight reportedly sold 650,000 PPVs, bringing in a live gate of $17 million. Canelo reportedly made $35 million from the fight, justifying his decision. But another undisputed shot could entice Canelo and earn Shishkin his biggest payday. That was at the back of his mind. 

“After the fight, I’ll be calling out ‘Ginger Boy,. I see that all happening here. I think (regaining his lost belt) … that’s (Alvarez’s) motivation…It’s everything. I’m ready to die for my dream. It’s why I’ve come to Berlin. “Since I’ve been 15, I’ve been alone with no parents. I haven’t seen them in five years. I will return to my motherland. I’m ready,” Shishkin stated