Collazo Weathers Storm to Defend WBO Strawweight Title

In a highly anticipated all-southpaw clash, reigning WBO strawweight champion Oscar Collazo overcame a torrid second-round assault to retain his title against challenger Gerardo Zapata. The Puerto Rican-born titleholder emerged victorious via lopsided decision, improving his unblemished record to 10-0 (7 KOs).

Collazo Showcases Skills Early, but Faces Second-Round Challenge

Collazo, fighting out of Villalba, Puerto Rico, showcased his skills early, utilizing his lead right hand to keep the pressure on Zapata. However, the Nicaraguan challenger landed a heavy shot in the second round that sent Collazo reeling into the ropes. The champion managed to regain his footing, but was forced to retreat in the final moments of the round.

Collazo Reasserts Dominance, Outboxes Zapata

Determined to reassert his dominance, Collazo picked up the pace in the third, landing a series of sharp body shots and an eye-catching left uppercut. While Zapata continued to apply relentless forward pressure, the champion’s quicker hand speed and intelligent movement allowed him to outbox his opponent round after round.

“I knew I was in control from that fifth, sixth round and I know he was trying to catch me with one shot, after he’d caught me with one shot, but I didn’t let him.”

– Oscar Collazo

As the fight progressed, Collazo’s shot selection and ring generalship became increasingly apparent. He pivoted and changed direction, mixing up his attacks to the head and body, and keeping Zapata on the backfoot with a steady stream of jabs and uppercuts. By the later rounds, the challenger was visibly struggling to mount a meaningful response, having soaked up considerable punishment.

Collazo Retains Title, Looks Ahead to Future Defenses

Ultimately, the judges’ scorecards of 119-109 (twice) and 117-110 reflected Collazo’s comprehensive victory. The champion expressed satisfaction with his team’s ability to adapt following the second-round scare, stating, “I knew I was in control from that fifth, sixth round and I know he was trying to catch me with one shot, after he’d caught me with one shot, but I didn’t let him.”

Collazo, who was cheered on by Puerto Rican boxing legends Miguel Cotto and Ivan Calderon, is now eyeing a return to the ring in September or October, eager to capitalize on his momentum and secure further title defenses.

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