In California, at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions staged the clash between WBA and WBO minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo and challenger Jayson Vayson.
The champion came in with a record of 12 wins (9 by KO) and no losses, while the Filipino opponent had 14 wins (8 by KO), 1 defeat, and 1 draw.
At the end of the match, the reigning champion remained unbeaten and retained his belts by technical knockout in the seventh round.
The fight began with “El Pupilo” in a southpaw stance, very calm and focused, while Vayson tried to press forward but without much conviction. Both fighters went through a study phase with some exchanges, but in the last 15 seconds the champion floored the challenger.
The second round started with Vayson on the attack, applying pressure and landing accurate right hands, while Collazo worked very well with his left to the body.
Both boxers were extremely fast, given the weight division, producing continuous exchanges—two different styles, two completely different mindsets.
In the fourth round, the hardest punches arrived, particularly from the Filipino, who began sinking in his lightning-fast and accurate right hand, while Collazo kept working with sudden and unpredictable level changes.
The fifth round was another face-to-face battle, with the champion taking the center of the ring and increasing the pace with precise combinations, which continued into the sixth. “El Pupilo” sought to apply heavy pressure, knowing it was the moment to step up.
The seventh became a war, with no punches spared. Collazo drove his opponent to the ropes, leaving him with no escape, when suddenly the referee stopped the fight—even though Vayson still seemed competitive.
In yet another event overshadowed by the Riyadh Season, the main event turned out to be enjoyable thanks to the speed and skills both fighters displayed. It was a very balanced bout, two very different styles clashing, but referee Thomas Taylor—whom I respect—made what I consider a premature decision, apparently in agreement with the Filipino’s corner, thus preserving Collazo’s unbeaten record and his crown.