Boxer Oscar Collazo maintained his undefeated record as the World Boxing Association minimumweight world champion by defeating Neider Valdez at Frontwave Arena, California, United States.
Collazo scored a knockout over Valdez in the second round after taking the initiative with high pressure from the start of the fight.
The Puerto Rican boxer appeared faster and more accurate, landing several straight left hands to the head and body, which made it difficult for Valdez to find his rhythm. Valdez mostly defended and retreated in the first round.
Collazo's dominance increased dramatically in the second round. His signature left hand repeatedly penetrated Valdez's defense. Collazo's barrage of powerful punches knocked the Mexican boxer down three times.
After the third KO, the referee decided to stop the match because Valdez was no longer able to put up an effective fight.
With the win, Collazo improved his record to 13 wins, 10 of which came by knockout. Valdez's record now stands at 15 wins (11 by knockout) and three losses.
However, Collazo's resounding victory was not considered a defense of his WBA world title.
Previously, the WBA stated that it would not authorize the WBA minimumweight world title fight because Valdez is not currently ranked in the organization.
The decision came after the original challenger, Filipino boxer Joey Canoy, withdrew due to visa issues preventing him from traveling to the United States to face Collazo. With limited time remaining before the fight, the promoter then named Valdez as a replacement opponent.
Under WBA regulations, a boxer must meet several requirements to compete for a world title, including being in the organization's official rankings. Because Valdez doesn't meet these requirements, Collazo's world title status is not at stake in their fight.
