It means a lot to Canelo Alvarez to be the undisputed super middleweight champion.
From Vladimir Shishkin’s mindset, that’s a clear play if he achieves his lifelong dream Saturday in Germany by becoming IBF super-middleweight champion and defeating mandatory fighter William Scull. The agency sanctioned it earlier this year. Alvarez was stripped of his fourth belt.
“After the fight, I’m going to call ‘Ginger Boy,’” Shishkin (16-0, 10 KO) told BoxingScene on Monday. in reference to the red-haired Alvarez. “I saw it all happen here, I think (getting back the lost belt) … that was the motivation. (Alvarez’s).”
Russia’s Shishkin, 33, has been elevated to a title opponent against Cuba’s Scull (22-0, 9 KOs) by virtue of his next-best position in the IBF rankings.
The assignments were not very attractive.
This is because Scull’s German promoter holds the promotional rights. They were fighting in Falkensee, Germany. outside berlin And no U.S. television deal has materialized, leading Shishkin’s publicist to joke that he’ll provide whatever footage he can on his Instagram Live. Feed.
Shishkin trains under the Kronk Gym banner with trainer Tyson Fury “SugarHill” Steward in his corner.
Shishkin left Russia and came to Kronk in Detroit five years ago. Entered combat eight times since then. and defeated former 168-pound champion Jose Uzcategui.
Promoted by Detroit’s Dmitry Salita, who also has multi-division women’s champion Claressa Shields in his stable, Shishkin was absent from fighting for the belt while streaming on DAZN when a deal to secure the deal fell apart.
Just because Saturday’s fight is an obscure option on boxing fans’ calendars doesn’t mean it won’t be huge.
Shishkin’s team said it has been approached by recent super-middleweight title challenger Edgar Berlanga as his next opponent if the more aggressive and powerful Shishkin defeats the more wily and complex Scull.
Former champion Caleb Plant also makes an appearance.
Victory Saturday “has already happened in my mind … my skills will be the best (backstroke),” Shishkin said. “I don’t study my opponents too much, I check (them) in the opening (round) … I will Definitely a knockout.”
Persisting as champion from a title fight will certainly bring a bright 168-pound spotlight to Shishkin.
“It has been an honor to work with and witness Vladimir’s rise through the ranks over the past six years. He has made incredible progress throughout his career. As he continuously searches for strong opponents and challenges as he rises up the world rankings. His journey reached its first climax Saturday night. As he strives to achieve his dream of professional boxing,” said Dmitry Salita of Salita Promotion.
“With the victory, Shishkin will sue Canelo Alvarez and other famous boxers. in the super middleweight division which is a division with a lot of talent Good luck and may the best person win.”
Four-division champion Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) of Mexico is being tipped to return to action in May. With fellow four-division champion Terrence Crawford, WBC top contender Christian Embili and the winner of Skull-Shishkin all competing for the spotlight. .
Shishkin credits his arrival to this point to the work he was given under Steward.
“My style (is lacking) … I don’t do drugs, I don’t smoke, I don’t party and (head Cronk/Stewart) has built (boxing) like chess. It’s like science,” Shishkin said. “I love it. I think I would have quit boxing if it wasn’t for ‘SugarHill.’ It’s not just work. It was smart work.”
And all of this happened away from family and friends in Russia.
He denied himself that he would not return home until he became world champion.
“It’s everything. I am ready to die for my dream,” Shishkin said. “That is why I came to Berlin.
“Since I was 15, I have been alone without my parents. I haven’t seen them in five years. I will return to my hometown.”
If he does so with a new IBF belt, an offer to return to the US is guaranteed. To defend the position will arrive quickly and densely.
“I’m ready,” Shishkin said.
