TWO proud fighting nations, steeped in boxing history, will be represented when unified minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo takes on rugged challenger Edwin Cano this Saturday.
The rivalry between Mexican and Puerto Rican fighters has delivered plenty of iconic matchups over the years, with every battle showcasing the tenacity and fearlessness of each combatant.
Acknowledging this, WBO and WBA titlist Collazo, 11-0 (8 KOs), refuses to overlook his next opponent, knowing full well that the underdog, like him, is fighting for more than just belts.
Their showdown will feature on the undercard of William Zepeda and Tevin Farmer’s rematch, with Cano, 13-2-1 (4 KOs), enjoying a home advantage in Cancun, Mexico.
Yet despite showing the 27-year-old every degree of respect, Collazo is nonetheless drenched in confidence ahead of what should be a fifth successful defence of his WBO strap.
‘El Pupilo’ added the WBA title to his collection last November, producing a mightily impressive performance to halt seasoned operator Thammanoon Niyomtrong in the seventh round of their one-sided contest.
With him being co-promoted by pound-for-pound legend Miguel Cotto, too, the 28-year-old certainly looks to have a bright future in the lower divisions.
Cotto, of course, is no stranger to Mexico-Puerto Rico showdowns, as his fierce rivalry with Antonio Margarito, for instance, has become one of the sport’s most iconic.
Collazo, meanwhile, is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his mentor by dominating each division before leaving behind an illustrious legacy.
But first, the talented technician must retain his belts in order to then chase a potential undisputed fight at 105lbs down the line.
“My opponent is a good fighter,” Collazo said at his media workout. “He wants to be a world champion like everyone else. This is my fifth title defence, and a lot of people have tried to dethrone me, so this won’t be the exception.
“It is a great rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico. This fight is just another one for the list. With Cano in Mexico with all his fans, they’re all out there waiting for me. It is going to be a great show for the Puerto Rico and Mexican fans out there.”
