It meant so much for Canelo Alvarez to reign as an undisputed super-middleweight champion.
From Vladimir Shishkin’s line of thinking, that equates to there being an obvious play should he achieve his life’s dream Saturday in Germany by becoming the IBF super-middleweight champion and defeating William Scull, the fighter who in effect forced the sanctioning body earlier this year to strip Alvarez of his fourth belt.
“After the fight, I’ll be calling out ‘Ginger Boy,’” Shishkin (16-0, 10 KOs) told BoxingScene Monday in reference to the red-headed Alvarez. “I see that all happening here. I think (regaining his lost belt) … that’s (Alvarez’s) motivation.”
Russia’s Shishkin, 33, elevated to become the title opponent for Cuba’s Scull (22-0, 9 KOs) by virtue of his next-best position in the IBF rankings.
The assignment is not so attractive.
Because Scull’s German promoter carries the promotional rights, they’re taking the bout to Falkensee, Germany, outside Berlin, and there’s no U.S. television deal in place, prompting a Shishkin publicist to joke he’ll provide what footage he can on his Instagram Live feed.
Shishkin trains under the Kronk Gym banner with Tyson Fury trainer “SugarHill” Steward in his corner.
Shishkin left Russia and came to Kronk in Detroit five years ago, logging eight fights since and defeating the likes of former 168-pound champion Jose Uzcategui.
Promoted by Detroit’s Dmitry Salita, who also has multiple-division women’s champion Claressa Shields in his stable, Shishkin was deprived of fighting for the belt while streamed by DAZN when a deal to secure that arrangement crumbled.
Making Saturday’s fight an obscure option on the boxing fan’s calendar doesn’t mean the fight isn’t immense.
Shishkin’s team says it’s already been contacted by recent super-middleweight title challenger Edgar Berlanga to be a next opponent should the more aggressive and powerful Shishkin defeat the more crafty and sophisticated Scull.
Former champion Caleb Plant also looms.
Victory Saturday “has already happened in my mind … my skills will get the best of (Scull),” Shishkin said. “I don’t study my opponents too much. I check (them) in the opening (rounds) … I’ll get a knockout for sure.”
Standing as a champion coming off a title-fight knockout will certainly bring the bright 168-pound spotlight to Shishkin.
“It has been an honor to work with and witness Vladimir’s ascent over these past six years. He has made remarkable progress throughout his career as he has consistently sought tough opponents and challenges as he’s risen up the world rankings. His journey reaches its first pinnacle on Saturday night as he attempts to achieve his dream in professional boxing,” said Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions.
“With a win, Shishkin will make his case to fight Canelo Alvarez and the other big names in the super middleweight division, a division with a wealth of talent. Good luck and may the best man win.”
Mexico’s four-division champion Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs) is being pointed at a May return bout, with fellow four-division champion Terence Crawford, top-ranked WBC contender Christian Mbilli and the Scull-Shishkin winner all jockeying for attention.
Shishkin credits his emergence into this spot for the work he’s put in under Steward.
“My style (was lacking) … I’m no drugs, no smoke, no party and (heading to Kronk/Steward) has made (boxing) like chess, like science,” Shishkin said. “I love it. I think I would’ve quit boxing if not for ‘SugarHill.’ It’s not just work. It’s smart work.”
And all of it has happened away from family and friends in Russia.
He’s denied himself a homecoming until he becomes a world champion.
“It’s everything. I’m ready to die for my dream,” Shishkin said. “It’s why I’ve come to Berlin.
“Since I’ve been 15, I’ve been alone with no parents. I haven’t seen them in five years. I will return to my motherland.”
Should he do so with a new IBF belt, it’s guaranteed the offers to return to the U.S. for a title defense will arrive quickly and in bunches.
“I’m ready,” Shishkin said.