On the dynamic evening of the “Latino Night” in Riyadh, Oscar Collazo showcased his boxing prowess, cementing his status as a formidable force in the minimum weight division. Facing Knockout CP Freshmart, the fight represented a significant unification bout. Collazo stepped into the ring as the WBO titleholder from Puerto Rico, while Freshmart carried the WBA belt, having held it for an impressive eight years. From the outset, the air was thick with anticipation as fans looked forward to the culmination of this intense rivalry.
The bout commenced with both fighters assessing each other, a trend that dominated the early rounds. Collazo, a southpaw at the age of 27 and seven years younger than Freshmart, gradually found his rhythm. As the sixth round approached, he executed a perfectly timed right hook, sending Freshmart crashing to the canvas. This pivotal moment shifted the momentum firmly in Collazo’s direction, showcasing not only his striking power but also his strategic approach in exploiting his opponent’s vulnerabilities.
While Freshmart attempted to respond with power punches, his efforts were overshadowed by Collazo’s sharper technique and superior footwork. The seasoned fighter had flashes of skill, particularly evident in his body work, yet he struggled to contend with the relentless pressure imposed by Collazo. The turning point came in the sixth round and carried through to the seventh, where Collazo continued to assert his dominance.
A Knockout to Remember
As the seventh round unfolded, the crowd erupted when Collazo, sensing victory, knocked Freshmart down again with another right hand. The final blow—a devastating left uppercut coupled with a precise right to the body—sealed the fight, ending it at 1:29 of the seventh round. As the referee signaled the stoppage, it marked not only a notable achievement for Collazo, who maintained an unbeaten record now at 11-0 with eight knockouts, but also signaled the end of Freshmart’s reign, bringing his record to 25-1.
Collazo’s victory was not merely a personal triumph; it was a statement that reverberated through the boxing community. Guided by boxing legend Miguel Cotto, who stepped into the ring to commend Collazo, the fighter demonstrated a remarkable ascent in the competitive landscape of boxing. His comprehensive performance throughout the match positioned him as arguably the best fighter in the 105-pound category, an accolade that solidifies his status in the sport.
This bout serves as an important turning point, illustrating how young boxers like Collazo can disrupt long-standing champions. By dismantling a well-regarded titleholder so emphatically, Collazo not only claimed multiple championships—WBO, WBA, and the prestigious Ring Magazine title—but also established himself as a new beacon of hope for boxing enthusiasts, particularly from Puerto Rico. With this fight, he has set the stage for potential future showdowns that could further elevate his profile globally.