William Scull-Vladimir Shishkin Reach Agreement For Vacant IBF Title Bout

The IBF purse bid for the vacant super middleweight title bout between undefeated contenders William Scull and Vladimir Shishkin has been canceled. This comes after AGON Sports announced that an agreement had been reached between both parties, averting the need for today’s scheduled purse bid. AGON Sports will serve as the lead promoter for the bout, with the date and location to be announced shortly.

The IBF title was previously held by the Mexican superstar, Canelo Alvarez. Back in June, Scull and Alvarez reached a step-aside agreement that would have seen Scull fight on Alvarez’s undercard in September. However, sources told Brunch Boxing that this deal was contingent upon Alvarez facing long time rival, David Benavidez. When Alvarez chose to face Edgar Berlanga instead, the IBF decided to rescind its approval of the step-aside arrangement and strip Alvarez of their title. The vacant title bout between Scull and Shishkin was subsequently ordered.

This fight will mark a significant opportunity for both William Scull and Vladimir Shishkin, as they vie for a world title for the first time. The winner of the bout could find themselves in line for a shot at Canelo Alvarez down the road.

Scull, with an undefeated record of 22-0, including 9 knockouts, has steadily built his reputation as a formidable, but unknown contender in the division. His opponent, Shishkin, also boasts an unblemished record of 16-0, with 10 of those victories coming by way of knockout. Both fighters aim to become the first non-Canelo champion in the super middleweight division since 2021.