Oscar Collazo: Puerto Rico’s Boxing Star on the Rise

Oscar Collazo is making serious waves in the boxing world. At just 27, the unified minimumweight champion is determined to carve his name among Puerto Rico’s greatest fighters. Whether it’s enduring grueling travel or taking out top contenders, Collazo’s journey is the kind of story that grabs fans’ attention and doesn’t let go. From Long […]

Dec 3, 2024 - 15:00
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Oscar Collazo: Puerto Rico’s Boxing Star on the Rise

Oscar Collazo is making serious waves in the boxing world. At just 27, the unified minimumweight champion is determined to carve his name among Puerto Rico’s greatest fighters. Whether it’s enduring grueling travel or taking out top contenders, Collazo’s journey is the kind of story that grabs fans’ attention and doesn’t let go.

From Long Flights to Career-Defining Wins

Oscar Collazo’s recent trip to Saudi Arabia wasn’t easy. The 20-hour flight from Puerto Rico to Riyadh was rough. “Man, it hurt a lot,” Collazo said. “When we got there, I was already thinking about the flight back.”

But the pain was worth it. Collazo stepped into the ring against Knockout CP Freshmart and delivered a dominant performance, securing a seventh-round TKO win. He handed Freshmart his first career loss and walked away with three titles: the WBO, WBA, and The Ring championships.

Collazo knew early in the fight that victory was within reach. “In the second, third round, I thought, ‘Whoa, this is going to be easy; I’m going to knock him out,’” he recalled. His sharp strategy, defensive moves, and footwork neutralized Freshmart’s game plan. By the seventh round, Collazo had scored three knockdowns, forcing the referee to call it.

This wasn’t just another win—it was a message to the boxing world: Oscar Collazo is here to dominate.

Guidance from a Hall of Famer

Collazo doesn’t just rely on raw talent. He has a mentor in Ivan Calderon, a Hall of Famer and Puerto Rican boxing legend. Calderon has been instrumental in helping Collazo navigate not only the ring but also the business side of the sport.

“He always tells me to be smart in the ring and make the right moves outside it,” Collazo shared. Calderon has also taught him how to handle his finances—an essential skill for fighters in the smaller weight classes, where the paychecks aren’t always huge.

Thanks to Calderon’s guidance, Collazo is building a career that’s about more than just boxing—it’s about securing his future and inspiring others.

The Goal: Becoming Undisputed

Collazo isn’t satisfied with just being a unified champion. His sights are set on making history by becoming Puerto Rico’s first undisputed male champion. To do that, he plans to claim the WBC and IBF titles in 2025.

“We’re looking to do the same thing as this year—three or four fights, and two of them being unified fights,” Collazo said.

And he’s not stopping there. After cleaning out the 105-pound division, Collazo plans to move up to 108 pounds to chase another round of titles. It’s an ambitious plan, but Collazo has the determination and talent to make it happen.

Representing Puerto Rico with Pride

For Collazo, being a Puerto Rican boxer is more than just a career—it’s an honor. The island has a rich history of boxing greatness, and Collazo is proud to be part of that legacy.

“It’s a privilege and an honor because this is such a big fanbase,” he said. “We have a huge impact on the sport and on Puerto Rican heritage.”

Collazo’s success has made him a hometown hero. Fans in Puerto Rico have embraced him not just for his skills but also for his charisma and dedication. He’s more than just a champion—he’s a symbol of pride for his island.