In the vibrant city of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, located at the Felix Pagán Pintor municipal gym, the WBO World Champion in the Mini Flyweight division, Oscar 'El Pupilo' Collazo put the final touches on his upcoming August 26th bout.
Collazo is the lone male world champion signed to Golden Boy Promotions at the current moment, though internal hopes seem to have faith that welterweight Alexis Rocha and junior middleweight Vergil Ortiz will secure titles in the near future. The other world champions are all female that is under the Golden Boy Promotions banner, as Marlen Esparza is the unified WBC and WBA flyweight women's flyweight world champion, Yokasta Valle holds the IBF and WBO strawweight world title, and Arely Mucino is the IBF flyweight world champion.
Given the status of Golden Promotions, which has many world champions, Collazo now despite being at a weight class most casual, and even hardcore fight fans don't watch - is a major pillar of the future of Golden Boy Promotions.
As the anticipation builds for his first title defense, Collazo opened the doors of his training camp to the Puerto Rican media, and Golden Boy Promotions' esteemed staff, sent us quotes as ProBox TV News was not able to be there on-site.
"I am very happy," said Collazo. "There is little time left and we are in the best condition for August 26 everyone will see and we will defend our Championship in front of all my people."
Collazo's first world title fight scheduled for next Saturday, August 26, at the iconic Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, holds a special significance for Collazo. As the world will watch Collazo steps into the ring to defend his hard-earned title against the formidable Filipino contender Garen 'Hellboy' Diagan, as the title fight will air on DAZN.
"For me, it is a pride to fight and be the face of all Puerto Ricans," said Collazo. "I look forward to seeing you all on August 26 at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum."
Collazo's journey has been nothing short of remarkable, as he has become arguably the best fighter in a division that often doesn't get television time. With an undefeated record and an impressive knockout ratio, Collazo has set himself apart from his peers and now we are wondering if we are not just looking at a world champion, but a multi-weight world champion.
The undercard will feature local fighters eager for the opportunity to fight in Puerto Rico. Amongst those featured on the card, super flyweight Juan Carlos 'El Indio' Camacho Jr., set to face Luis Orozco, as well as the popular former world champion Angel 'Tito' Acosta and Carlos 'El Chocorroncito' Buitrago in a flyweight bout. Also, Kiria Tapia will face Simone Aparecida in a six-round bout, as Tapia has a strong team behind her and is being fast-tracked.
Oscar 'El Pupilo' Collazo's journey exemplifies the heart and soul of a dedicated athlete, but also a proud Puerto Rican. Next Saturday, he returns home with a world title and is eager to show the world that he is the future of Puerto Rican boxing. As it took Collazo only seven fights to win a world title, a feat for any fighter regardless of weight class.
