11/05/2024
Where To Watch: 📺 ESPN+, PunchingGrace.com, TVA Sports (Canada), BrunchBoxing.com (Live Round by Round Coverage)
Programming Note: The entire event will stream live exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+, beginning at 6:30 PM EST.
Video Credit: Eye of the Tiger
This Thursday, November 7, at Casino de Montréal in Montreal, Canada, Eye of the Tiger presents an electrifying night of boxing headlined by a super middleweight clash between Cuban power puncher Osleys Iglesias (12-0, 11 KOs) and Ukraine’s Petro Ivanov (18-0-2, 13 KOs) in a 12-round main event. This event also features several compelling matchups, including a co-feature between Steven Butler and Fernando Farias in an eight-round super middleweight bout.
The main event sees the undefeated Iglesias defending his IBO Super Middleweight Championship against Ivanov. Iglesias, known for his destructive power, is riding high on a series of quick knockouts, while Ivanov, returning from a year-long layoff, is looking to prove himself at a championship level. The clash promises to be explosive, as both fighters are undefeated, with a combined 24 knockouts in 32 fights.
Brunch Boxing previews Thursday’s action.
Osleys Iglesias (12-0, 11 KOs) vs. Petro Ivanov (18-0-2, 13 KOs)
Photo Credit: Vincent Ethier/Eye of the Tiger
What’s At Stake: Oglesias’s IBO Super Middleweight Championship
Analysis: Iglesias, a former standout in the amateur boxing world, turned professional in September 2019. His quick rise has seen him dominate the super middleweight division, with his most recent victories all coming by way of knockout. In 2024, he dispatched three tough opponents, including Agbeko, Coceres, and Shvedenko, all by stoppage before the second round. Iglesias’s devastating power and southpaw stance have made him a challenging puzzle for opponents. Nicknamed “Iglesias the Tornado,” he has built a reputation for overwhelming opponents early and efficiently.
The 26-year-old Ukrainian Ivanov is a formidable opponent for Iglesias, bringing a strong record and plenty of power to the ring. His orthodox style and excellent timing have helped him remain undefeated, with recent victories over Kanters and Boada showcasing his versatility. Ivanov, while highly skilled, is returning after a lengthy layoff, which could be a factor against the active and fast-starting Iglesias. He’s eager to prove himself on a bigger stage and secure a world title opportunity, making this a crucial matchup for his career.
This fight itself has major implications for both fighters’ futures. For Iglesias, it’s a chance to solidify his standing as a top contender in the super middleweight division. Retaining his IBO Super Middleweight Championship would inch him closer to a world title opportunity, likely against bigger names in the division. Ivanov, meanwhile, is aiming to return from inactivity in dramatic fashion. A win would bolster his resume, moving him into the conversation for world titles.
Iglesias has shown remarkable finishing power, particularly in the early rounds, making him a dangerous opponent right from the start. As a southpaw, he holds an advantage in awkwardness that can throw off opponents’ timing and positioning. His high knockout ratio (11 of 12 wins by KO) and aggressive style suggest he will look to close the distance and assert his power early, not giving Ivanov much time to settle in.
Ivanov’s layoff raises questions about ring rust, but he has shown strong composure and adaptability in past fights. Known for his counter-punching ability, Ivanov may look to exploit any openings in Iglesias’s aggression. If he can effectively evade and neutralize Iglesias’s power, he could potentially tire out his opponent and control the later rounds.
Gambling Odds
Iglesias: -1600 ML
Ivanov: +800 ML
Final Thoughts: The odds heavily favor Iglesias, given his recent form and destructive knockout power. Ivanov’s layoff and lack of recent top-tier competition may hinder him, especially if Iglesias starts fast. The likely outcome appears to be an Iglesias victory by KO or TKO within the first half of the fight, as his early explosiveness and ring activity should overwhelm Ivanov.
Prediction: Iglesias KO/TKO
Photo Credit: Vincent Ethier/Eye of the Tiger
Steven Butler (34-5-1, 28 KOs) vs. Fernando Farias (12-2-3, 4 KOs)
Photo Credit: Vincent Ethier/Eye of the Tiger
What’s At Stake: No title at stake
Analysis: Butler has had an up-and-down career, with significant wins interspersed with tough losses, especially at the world title level. Known for his power (28 KOs in 34 wins), he can be a tricky opponent, particularly when he’s looking to bounce back from a loss. His recent defeat to Volny has left him hungry for redemption, making this a pivotal fight.
Farias is a skilled and resilient fighter, though he lacks the power that Butler possesses. With only four knockouts in 12 wins, Farias is more likely to rely on his technical ability and ring craft. His recent victory over Falabella gives him momentum, but he faces a tough test against Butler’s experience and firepower.
Butler’s experience and power give him a significant edge in this matchup. Farias may attempt to slow the fight down and look for counterpunching opportunities, but Butler’s motivation to recover from his recent losses likely means he’ll press for an early stoppage.
Gambling Odds
No gambling odds available
Final Thoughts: Expect Butler to dominate, with a likely TKO finish.
Prediction: Butler KO/TKO
Full Card:
Osleys Iglesias (12-0, 11 KOs) vs. Petro Ivanov (18-0-2, 13 KOs), 12 rounds for the IBO Super Middleweight Championship
Steven Butler (34-5-1, 28 KOs) vs. Fernando Farias (12-2-3, 4 KOs), 8 rounds, super middleweight
Thomas Chabot (11-0, 8 KOs) vs. Jesus Daneff (13-12-4, 4 KOs), 8 rounds, junior lightweight
Wilkens Mathieu (11-0, 7 KOs) vs. Marcos Karalitzky (8-9-2, 2 KOs), 8 rounds, light heavyweight
Dzmitry Asanau (8-0, 3 KOs) vs. Matias Rueda (38-2, 32 KOs), 10 rounds, lightweights
Jhon Orobio (11-0, 10 KOs) vs. Jacopo Colli (9-0-1, 4 KOs), 8 rounds, junior welterweights
Subscribe to the Brunch Boxing website, Twitter and Podcast for more updates and in-depth coverage of the world of boxing in and out of the ring.
Brunch Boxing Support Links:
Comments