“We Don’t Lower Our Guard”: Oscar Collazo Pursues Victory Over Jayson Vayyson
Oscar Collazo, the Puerto Rican world champion, is preparing to defend his title against Jayson Vayyson of the Philippines this Saturday at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Collazo (6-0) made history on May 27, 2023, becoming the fastest Puerto Rican fighter to win a world championship, achieving the feat after only six professional fights.
Vayyson (12-0, 9 KOs) will be making his debut in the United States and his first appearance in a boxing ring outside of the asian region. His previous 16 fights have taken place in the Philippines, Indonesia, Dubai, Japan, and Thailand.
This will be Collazo’s fourth fight against a Filipino opponent. He has previously defeated two Filipino fighters by knockout. In 2022, he secured a unanimous decision victory over Vic saludar in Los Angeles. he then claimed the world championship by technical knockout over Melvin Jerusalem in seven rounds at the same Fantasy Springs Resort Casino venue. Three months later, on August 26, 2023, Collazo defended his title in Puerto Rico, defeating Garen Diagan by exceeding six assaults at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum.
Vayyson will be defending his title for the sixth time. He most recently defeated Edwin Cano Hernández by knockout in five rounds in Cancun, Mexico, in march.
Collazo emphasized the similarities in style among Filipino fighters, noting a tendency to emulate Manny Pacquiao with speedy movements and aggressive punching. “They have the same style almost all, they have that brinquito, who want to be like manny Pacquiao… They come to throw strong blows, they want to put pressure, that is rather. That is the style they do and that is the style of Jayson Vayyson. He comes to throw, comes to hit you, to throw strong blows to get you connect,” Collazo stated.
The Puerto Rican champion expressed his desire to continue unifying titles, having previously unified the AMB and OMB 105-pound titles with a November 2024 knockout victory over thammanoon Niyomtron. He is also targeting potential unification bouts with current champions Pedro Taduran (FIB) and Melvin Jerusalem (CMB). Collazo indicated his team is actively working towards these opportunities, stating a fight with Jerusalem would be “more viable.” He is represented by Miguel Cotto Promotions in conjunction with Golden Boy Promotions, led by Oscar de la Hoya.
Collazo affirmed his readiness for the fight, stating, “I feel good, thank god. Well prepared as always. Something we want is to always defend our flag.” He stressed the importance of maintaining focus throughout the bout, stating, “We don’t lower our guard.”