OSCAR Collazo emphatically ended the latest installment of boxing’s ongoing Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry by dissecting Edwin Cano Hernandez at 1-12 of round five. Collazo successfully defended his WBA ‘Super’ and WBO minimumweight titles in the process.
While 105 pounds might not be the sport’s glamour division, Collazo brings excitement and ferocity to every contest. This latest slot arrived on the undercard of William Zepeda’s return bout with Tevin Farmer. Once Collazo got into the body shot groove, it was one-way traffic.
Cano initially targeted the body, and due to his aggression, the Mexican had patches of success through three rounds. Collazo swiftly found his southpaw range, whipping hooks from all angles, leaving Cano wincing and reeling.
Cano shelled up and tried to swing when able, but a final assault sent him spinning into the ropes, flat on his back. Referee Miguel Angel Canul counted him out as Collazo, 28, celebrated across the ring.
Collazo improved his slate to 12-0 (9 KOs), while game Cano slipped to 13-3-1 (4 KOs). The winner has a great chance to become undisputed at 105 pounds. His previous win over Thammanoon Niyomtrong was in Saudi Arabia, so Turki Alalshikh seems interested in showcasing his talents.
Collazo has already beaten the current WBC champion, Melvin Jerusalem, who defends his belt later today in Japan. IBF champion Pedro Taduran defends his title against the man he won it from, Ginjiro Shigeoka, on a May 24 rematch. Collazo is a strong favourite to have all four titles around his waist by 2026.
