Villalba, Puerto Rico – The entire town of Villalba, especially the children and youth, made their presence felt in the public recreation plaza, when the unified World Boxing Organization (WBO) Mini Flyweight champion, Oscar Collazo, received a special ring that the WBO awards to world champions who successfully defend their world titles five consecutive times.
Legends and champions such as Terence Crawford, Oscar de la Hoya, Joe Calzaghe, Juan Manuel Márquez, Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, and Iván Calderón, among others, have had the privilege of wearing the exclusive WBO ring.
Collazo received the ring surrounded by fellow world champions. These were: new International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) inductee Iván Calderón, WBO Lightweight World Champion Keyshawn Davis, WBO Junior Flyweight World Champion René Santiago, former world champions Nelson Dieppa, Alex “El Nene” Sánchez, and Alberto Machado, along with a vibrant crowd that chanted “Oscar, Oscar, Oscar” during all the event.
Collazo’s successful fifth title defense took place last Saturday, March 29, in Cancún, where he defeated Mexican Edwin Cano, ranked number three by the WBO, via fifth-round knockout.
Oscar Collazo, unified WBO Mini Flyweight Champion:
“I am grateful to all of you for the support you have given me from the beginning. The WBO for this great ring, and for always supporting me from the beginning. I tell young people not to see me as the best boxer, but as an inspiration that I want to be for you. Dreams can be achieved, no matter where you’re from or how many setbacks you may have. You can achieve everything with faith in God. Remember to listen to your parents, teachers. Difficult times will come, but after the storm comes the sun. We will continue making history, we will continue bringing more glory to Puerto Rico, with God’s favor”.
WBO President, Gustavo Olivieri, Esq.:
“Collazo’s relationship with the WBO began in 2019 when former WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel recognized him for winning gold at the Pan American Games. Upon his professional boxing debut, in his third fight, he became the WBO Latino champion, and, in just his seventh fight, he became the first world champion from Puerto Rico in history to be crowned in the fastest way.”
“With just 12 professional fights, Oscar Collazo has already made five world title defenses, with five impressive victories. He is a hero for the city of Villalba, and for us, it is a true honor to have a champion like Collazo, who represents what the WBO aspires to have in world champions. Not only an extraordinary athlete, but also a good citizen, a good son, a good husband; exemplary in every way. Oscar is a champion inside and outside the ring.”
Héctor Soto, promoter of Cotto Promotions and H2 Entertainment:
“I want to especially thank the WBO for supporting us in every way. We thank our partners, Oscar de la Hoya and Eddie Gomez of Golden Boy, for trusting us. This journey of Collazo’s great career has only just begun. His dedication, discipline, and desire to be great are what make him so special, and believe me, he’s the closest I’ve seen in my years in boxing to Miguel Cotto. I simply want to thank Oscar and his family for their trust.”
