Oscar Collazo says a move up in weight could happen as soon as this year, with the unbeaten Puerto Rican champion identifying fellow Golden Boy fighter Ricardo Sandoval as one of the opponents he would like to face if he leaves the minimumweight division.
Collazo currently holds the WBA, WBO, and Ring Magazine titles at 105 pounds and will defend them against late replacement Neider Valdez on Saturday night at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California. Looking beyond that fight, Collazo says he still wants to become the undisputed champion at minimumweight but is also considering opportunities at junior flyweight and flyweight.
“After this fight, I want the WBC champion by September-October, or I could go up to 108 or 112 pounds,” Collazo told BoxingScene.
“I would love to fight the winner between Iwata and Erik Badillo. I know I could do it. We’re already talking about it, so I know it can happen as soon as this year.”
Sandoval recently captured the WBC and WBA flyweight titles and is also promoted by Golden Boy.
“Believe me, yes, I know I can make that fight,” Collazo said. “Puerto Rico-Mexico is a great rivalry. Ricardo Sandoval is a great fighter. I’m here to make big fights, to do the impossible.”
During Thursday’s final press conference, Collazo was asked about Sandoval.
“We’re in the same promoter. He had a long layoff. Hey, we’ll see,” Collazo said. “Mexico and Puerto Rico, it will be one of the best fights in the world.”
Golden Boy Promotions president Eric Gomez confirmed that a fight between the two champions has already been discussed.
“One of the things we talked about is maybe him moving up and fighting Ricardo Sandoval at 112,” Gomez said. “Collazo does want to unify and get all the belts. I don’t think it will be next, but we have talked about it.
“I get excited just as a fan to be able to see that fight. The skill level is so high for both fighters.”
Before any move up in weight can become reality, Collazo must first get past Valdez on Saturday’s DAZN main event. A victory would keep him on course toward either undisputed status at minimumweight or a move into the divisions above in search of bigger fights.
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Last Updated on 2026/06/18 at 10:50 PM
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