Overview
- Alvarez informed the IBF on Jan. 3 that he cannot face Osleys Iglesias while recovering from elbow surgery.
- The IBF title at 168 pounds became vacant after Terence Crawford announced his retirement following his win over Alvarez last September.
- With Alvarez unavailable, Munguía is next in the IBF rankings and is viewed as the likely replacement to fight for the belt.
- Iglesias’ promoter, Camille Estephan, told The Ring that his fighter is ready to proceed regardless of the opponent.
- Coverage notes speculation about Alvarez’s long-term plans, with reports indicating he still has two bouts remaining on a contract tied to Turki Al-Alshikh.