Latest Update / Dec 18,2023
Image: RAPPLER
Oscar Collazo, the rising star of Puerto Rican boxing, has been creating a stir in the professional boxing arena since stepping into it on February 15, 2020. Boasting an impeccable record of 6 victories in 6 bouts, including 4 knockouts, Collazo has firmly established himself as a promising talent to keep an eye on. Let's delve deeper into his boxing journey thus far. Collazo's
Explosive Entry into the Ring
Embarking on his professional boxing career with a bang, Collazo secured a third-round TKO victory over Vicente Castro Cheneque in his debut fight. From that point onward, he has maintained an unblemished record, triumphing in every match. Collazo faced Kevin John Cruz Jusino on December 5, 2020, for his second professional bout, clinching victory with a second-round technical knockout, one round faster than his debut. Transitioning to the flyweight division, Collazo took on Francisco Bonilla on March 25, 2021, as part of the Amanda Serrano vs. Daniela Romina Bermdez undercard. Demonstrating his versatility, he secured a career-first unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 6054 in his favor. Moving down to mini flyweight, Collazo faced Pedro Villegas for the vacant WBO Latino minimumweight title on December 3, 2021, claiming victory with a third-round technical knockout.
In a significant bout against former WBO and WBA (Regular) mini-flyweight champion Vic Saludar, scheduled as a WBA mini-flyweight title eliminator on July 16, 2022, Collazo emerged triumphant by unanimous decision. The sixth round saw both fighters knocked down, with Collazo delivering a right uppercut to Saludar. The victory set the stage for Collazo to face Wilfredo Mndez in a WBO mini-flyweight title eliminator on January 28, 2023. However, Mndez withdrew due to a back injury, and Yudel Reyes stepped in on short notice. Collazo sealed the win with a left hook at the 2:59 minute mark of the fifth round, having knocked Reyes down with a right hook in the preceding round.
WBO Mini-Flyweight Championship
On January 30, 2023, the WBO mandated that their Mini-Flyweight champion, Melvin Jerusalem, defend his title against Collazo. Unable to reach an agreement during the 30-day negotiation period, the WBO scheduled a purse bid for February 23. Initially declared void for non-compliance with bid terms, the bid was rescheduled for February 27 and ultimately secured by Golden Boy Promotions and Cotto Promotions with a winning bid of $152,000. The championship bout unfolded at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California, on May 27, 2023.
Collazo secured victory with a seventh-round stoppage, as Jerusalem opted to stay on his stool at the commencement of the eighth round. This achievement marked Collazo as the fastest Puerto Rican fighter to clinch a world title belt, surpassing Alex Snchez, who achieved the feat in his 11th professional bout. Subsequently, Collazo was set to make a voluntary title defense against the ninth-ranked WBO Mini-Flyweight contender, Garen Diagan, on August 26, 2023, at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The fight concluded with Collazo winning by a sixth-round stoppage, as Diagan chose to remain on his stool between rounds and retired before the commencement of the seventh.
Collazo's Ascendance in the Boxing Realm
Image: WBO
Collazo has already left an indelible mark on his burgeoning career, boasting notable victories over Vic Saludar, Yudel Reyes, Pedro Villegas, Kevin John Cruz Jusino, Vicente Castro Cheneque, and Francisco Bonilla. Maintaining an unblemished record in his professional boxing journey thus far, Collazo's undefeated status speaks volumes about his prowess and tenacity in the ring. While he may not have secured any titles at this point, Collazo's remarkable record and knockout prowess have positioned him as a rising star in the boxing landscape. His capacity to conclude matches early has garnered attention from boxing enthusiasts, who view him as a prospective champion. The trajectory of his career from this point forward promises to be intriguing.
Collazo Has a Unique Boxing Style
Collazo distinguishes himself from other boxers through his distinctive style in the ring. As an assertive fighter, he leans towards early knockouts, earning a reputation as a powerful puncher, with four of his six victories secured via knockout. Although this aggressive approach carries inherent risks, it has proven effective for Collazo thus far. Beyond his forceful boxing technique, Collazo's footwork and ring movement stand out. His agility and precision allow him to swiftly navigate around opponents, delivering well-placed punches. This nimbleness, coupled with his adept evasion of counterattacks, has proven advantageous in various fights, especially against adversaries known for their formidable punches. Looking ahead, Collazo's future in professional boxing appears promising. His combination of skill, speed, power, strategy, and unwavering determination positions him as a formidable force in the sport, and he is only at the beginning of his journey. While he may not yet boast any championship titles, his commendable record hints at an imminent impact in the boxing arena.
Conclusion
Oscar Collazo's unbeaten streak and formidable knockout abilities render him a captivating presence in the professional boxing landscape. His dynamic and forceful fighting style, complemented by agile footwork, has solidified his status as a rising star in the field. Although his career is in its early phases, there is little doubt that he holds the potential to ascend to championship heights in the realm of boxing. As he climbs up the ladder in the professional boxing circuit, he is going ot meet even tougher challenges. But his fans and well-wishers are sure that their champ is going to put in the work to come out on top of all the challenges that boxing and life throws at him.