Late last month, Ring, WBA and WBO strawweight titleholder Oscar Collazo retained his titles by dismantling Edwin Cano in five-rounds in Cancun, Mexico.
Today, in his hometown of Villalba, Puerto Rico his people came out to recognize his achievement at a special gathering in which the WBO President Gustavo Olivieri presented his with his commemorative WBO ring for making 5 successful defenses.
Keyshawn Davis was also in town to receive his WBO belt as was Rene Santiago, who recently won the WBO junior flyweight title. They were joined former WBO champions Ivan Calderon, Nelson Dieppa and Alex Sanchez.
"I am grateful to all of you for the support you have given me from the beginning," Collazo said in his speech. "The WBO for this great ring, and for always supporting me from the beginning.
"I tell young people not to see me as the best boxer, but as an inspiration that I want to be for you. Dreams can be achieved, no matter where you're from or how many setbacks you may have. You can achieve everything with faith in God. Remember to listen to your parents, teachers. Difficult times will come, but after the storm comes the sun. We will continue making history, we will continue bringing more glory to Puerto Rico, with God's favor."
Olivieri joined Collazo on the podium and praised his achievements as a person as well as a boxer.
"Collazo's relationship with the WBO began in 2019 when former WBO President Francisco 'Paco' Valcárcel recognized him for winning gold at the Pan American Games," said Olivieri. "Upon his professional boxing debut, in his third fight, he became the WBO Latino champion, and, in just his seventh fight, he became the first world champion from Puerto Rico in history to be crowned in the fastest way.”
"With just 12 professional fights, Oscar Collazo has already made five world title defenses, with five impressive victories. He is a hero for the city of Villalba, and for us, it is a true honor to have a champion like Collazo, who represents what the WBO aspires to have in world champions. Not only an extraordinary athlete, but also a good citizen, a good son, a good husband; exemplary in every way. Oscar is a champion inside and outside the ring."
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