BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom is eager to deliver a potentially life-changing opportunity for Mark Jeffers while, at the same time, keeping a contingency plan in place for the Lancashire man.
Jeffers, 20-0 (7 KOs), told Boxing News’ Shaun Brown yesterday that his team is exploring a possible clash with Osleys Iglesias, a formidable super-middleweight operator, for this summer.
The matchup, should it materialise, is set to feature on the undercard of Shakur Stevenson-William Zepeda, which headlines a stacked show in New York on July 12.
Needless to say, Iglesias, 13-0 (12 KOs), represents a tremendous leap in levels for Jeffers, with the IBF’s number-four ranked contender remaining within touching distance of a world title shot.
All but one of his victories, after all, have arrived in devastating fashion, putting the Cuban in a strong position to challenge for countryman William Scull’s red and gold strap.
That belt, however, is highly likely to be reclaimed by Canelo Alvarez on May 3, presenting Iglesias with an even greater incentive to earn himself a mandatory position.
Jeffers, meanwhile, returned to the ring last Sunday, securing a ruthless second-round stoppage victory, albeit against a limited opponent, ahead of his imminent wedding day.
As for his career-best win, that arrived back in 2023 when ‘The Dog’ pulled off a sizable upset to comprehensively outpoint Zak Chelli.
So despite not having the world-level experience just yet, the IBF’s seventh-ranked contender nonetheless insists that he would collide with Iglesias in a heartbeat.
But while his promoter, Shalom, is keen for the fight to take place, there is also a chance of Jeffers featuring at Oakwell Stadium, Barnsley, on June 7.
“[The Iglesias fight is] something that’s been offered to us, and we’re trying to make it happen,” Shalom told Boxing News.
“The deal’s not done, but it’s something we’re very interested in. If it’s not [Iglesias], [Jeffers’] next fight will be on June 7, on the Callum Simpson show.
“So we’ll just see which deal gets done the quickest. I know Mark wants that [Iglesias] fight and we’re happy to take it. Hopefully it gets over the line.”
And so, while Jeffers and Simpson, who is gearing up for a European title clash with Ivan Zucco, appear to be on a collision course, Iglesias, it seems, is the preferred option at this stage.
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