Oscar Collazo Eyes Career-Defining Victory in Unification Bout Against Knockout CP Freshmart

This Saturday, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Puerto Rican WBO strawweight champion Oscar Collazo aims to make history in a high-stakes unification bout. Facing Thailand’s WBA titleholder Thammanoon Niyomtrong, known as Knockout CP Freshmart, Collazo sees this fight as a pivotal moment, not only for his career but for the entire minimumweight division. As part of DAZN’s highly anticipated “Latino Night” event, Collazo hopes to elevate the often-overlooked lower-weight classes to the global spotlight.

Oscar Collazo’s Rise and Ambitions

Oscar Collazo, undefeated with a record of 10-0, including seven knockouts, has quickly gained recognition for his powerful punch—an unusual asset in the 105-pound weight class. While the Puerto Rican champion initially set out to achieve five title fights in 2024, circumstances limited him to three. Still, the current matchup offers a historic opportunity. As the first Puerto Rican strawweight to fight in Riyadh, Collazoviews this unification fight as a “dream fight,” one he believes can redefine his legacy.

Earlier this year, Collazo’sdecisive victory over Reyneris Gutierrezand a unanimous decision against Gerardo Zapatashowcased his aggressive and calculated fighting style. His promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, promised a significant reward for any fighter achieving five title fights in a year, but Collazoknows that winning this unification fight against Niyomtrong could yield an even greater prize—establishing himself as the best strawweight in the world.

The Unification Bout: A Platform for the Minimumweight Division 

Collazo’sopponent, Knockout CP Freshmart, brings an impressive 25-0 record and 13 title defenses since claiming the WBA belt in 2016. The Thai champion, who has mainly fought in Thailand with a recent win in Australia, poses a formidable challenge. Despite Niyomtrong’s vast experience, Collazo remains confident, stating, “We’re going to steal the show that night… This is going to be the best fight.”

For Collazo, this unification match is about more than personal achievement; it’s a declaration that minimumweights deserve respect on the sport’s biggest stages. Often overshadowed by higher-weight divisions, minimumweight fighters have historically struggled for mainstream recognition. But by participating in a major event like “Latino Night,” Collazoaims to make a statement that smaller fighters are equally deserving of prime-time billing.

Aiming for Greatness: Collazo’s Path to Undisputed Status

As Collazoprepares to face Knockout CP Freshmart, his goal is clear: to become the undisputed champion. Emphasizing the importance of patience, intelligence, and defense, Collazois ready to showcase his ring IQ and strategic approach. “I’ve got to be more intelligent in the ring, pick my shots patiently, and use my IQ and defense,” he explained, understanding that this battle will test every skill he’s honed.

Saturday’s fight has the potential to be a turning point in Collazo’scareer, allowing him to emerge as a unified champion and a driving force in his division.