Osleys Iglesias vs Oliver Zaren

This looks like a respectable challenger being moved several levels above anything he has faced before. Oliver Zaren is unbeaten, well-schooled and has earned his opportunity, but Osleys Iglesias is not merely another belt-holder. He is a spiteful, technically educated puncher who has stopped 14 of his 15 opponents.

Both are tall southpaws, so neither enjoys the usual open-stance advantage. Zaren does his best work at long range behind an educated jab. He was leading Jose Luis Navarro after three rounds when their European-title contest was abandoned during a thunderstorm. He has decent feet, remains composed and should make Iglesias think early.

The problem is authority. Iglesias has already broken down Vladimir Shishkin and Pavel Silyagin, two decent operators. He closes distance behind small, balanced steps and delivers the straight left without needing much room. Zaren has not shown the power required to discourage him.

Zaren must jab, turn and force Iglesias to reset repeatedly. He cannot remain directly in front of the champion after punching. Iglesias must stay patient rather than loading up and looking for an early finish. Once he starts driving the left into Zaren’s body, the Dane’s movement will slow, and his guard will narrow.

I expect Zaren to box competently for three or four rounds, but he will not keep Iglesias honest for twelve. The champion will take away his legs, trap him near the ropes and finish with straight lefts and right hooks. Iglesias wins by stoppage.