Oscar Collazo says the late change of opponent has not disrupted his mindset ahead of Saturday’s title defense against Neider Valdez in Oceanside, California.
Collazo was originally set to face Joey Canoy, but Valdez stepped in on short notice after Canoy withdrew from the fight. The Puerto Rican champion will now defend his WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine minimumweight titles against Valdez at Frontwave Arena, live on DAZN.
“I don’t let that affect me,” Collazo said at the final press conference. “Golden Boy did the work. They told me to stay relaxed. I did my job, made weight, and stayed relaxed.”
Collazo said his training camps are not built around one specific opponent. He explained that he prepares for different looks in sparring, whether that means lefties, righties, aggressive fighters or opponents who box off the back foot.
“Give me one or two rounds, and I got them,” Collazo said.
Golden Boy president Eric Gomez admitted it was not easy to find a late replacement willing to face Collazo, calling him a “world-class fighter” and saying not many fighters are eager to take that type of challenge on short notice.
Gomez also revealed that Golden Boy has discussed a future move to flyweight for Collazo, including a possible fight with Ricardo Sandoval at 112lbs.
Image Credit: Golden Boy