Oscar Collazo’s title defense has hit late uncertainty after original opponent Joey Canoy was unable to secure the visa needed to enter the United States.
Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions have asked the WBO to approve Luis “Flechita” Castillo as a short-notice replacement for Saturday’s minimumweight title fight in California. Castillo is not currently rated by the WBO at 105lbs, so the sanctioning body must first decide whether he can be added to the rankings before approving the bout.
WBO president Gustavo Olivieri said the Ratings and Championship Committee will meet Wednesday to review the request. “The Committee will render the appropriate ruling,” Olivieri said after evaluating the circumstances and Castillo’s merits.
Canoy had been set to challenge Collazo in what looked like one of the stronger matchups at minimumweight, but his visa issue forced promoters to move quickly. Castillo has previous world title experience, having lost a decision to Knockout CP Freshmart in 2024 before rebuilding with wins.
Collazo previously unified the WBO and WBA minimumweight titles last November by stopping Thammanoon Niyomtrong in the seventh round.
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