Oscar Collazo: Puerto Rico’s rising boxing star with Undisputed ambitions

Oscar Collazo is quickly becoming one of Puerto Rico’s most exciting boxing champions. Recently, the 27-year-old fighter made a significant mark in the sport by becoming a unified champion in the minimum weight division, securing the WBO, WBA, and The Ring titles. However, this is just the beginning of Collazo’s journey, and he has big dreams for the future, including becoming the first undisputed male champion from Puerto Rico.

A Dominant Win in Saudi Arabia

Collazo’s latest achievement came on November 16, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he faced the undefeated Knockout CP Freshmart. Despite the grueling 20-hour flight from Puerto Rico, Collazo showed no signs of fatigue once he stepped into the ring. The fight was a showcase of his skills, as he dominated Freshmart, knocking him down three times before securing a seventh-round stoppage. The victory not only handed Freshmart his first career loss but also solidified Collazo as a force to be reckoned with in the minimum weight division.

During the fight, Collazo was in complete control, and by the middle rounds, he began to feel confident in his strategy. “I said, ‘Whoa, this is going to be an easy fight,’” Collazo recalled. His well-executed plan, which included strong defense, intelligent footwork, and perfect timing, ensured that he was always one step ahead of his opponent. With this win, Collazo now holds three world title belts and has firmly placed himself at the top of his weight class.

Advice from Puerto Rican Boxing Legend Ivan Calderon

One key to Collazo’s success has been the guidance of Puerto Rican boxing legend Ivan Calderon. Known for his defensive brilliance and tactical approach, Calderon has been a mentor to Collazo, providing invaluable advice both inside and outside the ring. “He says, in the ring, always be intelligent,” Collazo shared, emphasizing the importance of strategy and discipline. Calderon also taught him about managing finances wisely, a lesson Collazo values greatly as he navigates the business side of boxing. With such mentorship, Collazo is poised for continued success.

Puerto Rican Pride – Champion with Charisma

While Collazo is making waves in the boxing world, he has also gained considerable recognition at home in Puerto Rico. The island’s rich boxing tradition, with legends like Felix Trinidad and Miguel Cotto, has set a high bar for its fighters, but Collazo’s unique style and charismatic personality have earned him a strong following. “The people recognize me more, they want me to go to their school or to their houses to visit them, and it’s been a great experience being a unified champion,” Collazo shared. His connection with fans is growing, and they are excited to see where his career will take him next.

Interestingly, Collazo was named after none other than Oscar De La Hoya, a testament to his mother’s admiration for the legendary boxer. Despite the family’s Puerto Rican roots, there were no objections to the name. Collazo embraces this connection with pride, knowing it comes with high expectations.

Undisputed Champion and Beyond

Collazo is not content with just being a unified champion. He has set his sights on becoming the first undisputed male champion from Puerto Rico. With his 2024 success—including three wins and two knockouts—Collazo is determined to keep building momentum. “We’re looking to do the same thing as this year,” he said, hoping to face and defeat the WBC and IBF champions in 2025. After achieving dominance in the 105-pound division, Collazo plans to move up to 108 pounds and continue his quest for undisputed glory.

Representing Puerto Rico on the world stage is an honor for Collazo, who recognizes the weight of his heritage. “We have a huge impact on the sport and on the heritage of everything in Puerto Rico,” he said. As one of the island’s rising stars, Collazo is ready to make his mark and join the ranks of Puerto Rican boxing legends.