Overview
- The IBF sent invitations to Canelo Alvarez and Osleys Iglesias to enter negotiations for the vacant 168-pound title, with a three-day window to accept or decline.
- Camille Estephan characterized the move as an order, but reporters Jake Donovan and Dan Rafael said the IBF only inquired about availability.
- Alvarez underwent elbow surgery after losing to Terence Crawford and has indicated he does not plan to fight until September, making an immediate matchup unlikely.
- Iglesias, undefeated at 14-0 with 13 knockouts, holds the IBF’s No. 1 ranking after stopping Vladimir Shishkin in a final eliminator; Alvarez is ranked No. 3.
- The title became vacant when Crawford discussed retirement and relinquished the belt, and the IBF’s next step hinges on the fighters’ responses.