William Scull and Vladimir Shishkin will contest the vacant IBF super-middleweight title on October 19 at the Town Hall in Falkensee, near Berlin, Germany.

The title became vacant when Saul “Canelo” Alvarez relinquished it to fight Edgar Berlanga instead of honor a mandatory defence against the very capable but little-known Scull (22-0), 32 years old and who hails from Cuba. 

Scull began his professional career in Argentina but joined Agon Sport, who with Kuc Boxing will co-promote his next fight, in 2019. Agon – like other Germany-based promoters, Sauerland Events especially – followed the IBF’s rules; Scull became the mandatory challenger to the IBF title after beating Evgeny Shvedenko in 2022.

Shishkin (16-0), 33 and of Russia, beat Jose Uzcategui in another IBF title eliminator, also in 2022. 

Alvarez will defend the WBO, WBA and WBC titles against Berlanga at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.