The “Latino Night” card held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, served as a significant platform for boxer Oscar Collazo to showcase his extraordinary talent. In a highly anticipated clash, Collazo faced off against the formidable long-reigning champion Knockout CP Freshmart in a unification bout that not only pitted two titles against each other but also brought forth the intensity and spirit of competitive boxing. With Collazo defending his WBO title and Freshmart putting his WBA belt on the line, the stakes were monumental, thus setting the stage for a riveting confrontation.
Oscar Collazo, at just 27, brought vigor and precision to the ring, demonstrating a boxing prowess that left little room for doubt. From the outset, the fight had a slow rhythm, yet Collazo’s strategic approach and keen awareness transformed the match into a tour de force once he settled into his groove. His southpaw stance was an asset, allowing him to find angles that consistently challenged Freshmart. In particular, the sixth round marked a pivotal moment; Collazo unleashed a perfectly timed right hook that not only sent Freshmart sprawling to the canvas but also ignited the crowd.
While Freshmart managed to exhibit flashes of brilliance—notably his effective body shots—Collazo’s dominance was undeniable. He maintained an impressive work rate and maintained control in the ring, showcasing not only his striking ability but also his tactical acumen and ring generalship. Each subsequent round saw Collazo grow into his role, increasingly dictating the tempo and flow of the fight.
The climax arrived in the seventh round, where Collazo demonstrated not just skill, but killer instinct. A second knockdown from another powerful right hand indicated that Freshmart was struggling to keep pace. Following this, Collazo delivered a devastating left uppercut, complemented by a precise right to the body, sealing the knockout victory at precisely 1:29 of the round. This pivotal achievement elevated Collazo’s professional record to 11 wins, 8 of which came by way of knockout, while Freshmart suffered his first professional defeat, falling to 25 wins and 1 loss.
With this victory, Collazo earned not just a title, but a place in the boxing elite as a unification champion holding the WBO, WBA, and recognition from The Ring magazine. His performance not only underscored his talent but also sent a message throughout the boxing community about his status as one of the top fighters in the minimum weight category. With boxing legend Miguel Cotto in his corner, Collazo displayed the hallmark of a champion, showing that he is a fighter to watch in the future. The implications of this fight are vast; Collazo’s decisive victory raises questions about the future of the lightweight division and hints at potential lucrative matchups on the horizon, further bolstering his career trajectory.