31-year-old Russian super middleweight Vladimir Shishkin (14-0, 8 KOs) commented on the victory in the IBF semi-final eliminator over experienced Venezuelan Jose Uzcategui (32-5, 27 KOs) at the end of last week.
Recall that the boxers spent all 12 rounds in the ring, following which Shishkin was declared the winner with a score of 117-111 (twice) and 115-113, and the Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is the holder of the IBF title in this category.
“I felt that I was in control of the fight,” says Vladimir. “Now I’m at a higher level, so the fights will be harder. He specifically pressed me, it was something new for me. I moved to America and have been living here for the last few years to achieve my goal of becoming a world champion. It was a big step in that direction. A great opportunity that I took.”
Shishkin concluded by stating that he “wants big names” for super middleweight and especially Canelo.
We add that the IBF at 76.2 kg has another contender – the Cuban William Skull, and in order to get the legal right to fight with Alvarez, the Russian must first pass it.