Collazo intends to keep WBO belt: ‘What’s mine, stays mine’

Oscar Collazo (left) and Garen Diagan (right) face each other after the press conference for their world title bout in San Juan, Puerto Rico. | Photo from Miguel Cotto Promotions Facebook page

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) world minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo said he was determined to keep his WBO belt as he defends his title for the first time on Saturday August 24, 2023 (Aug. 25 Manila Time) against Filipino challenger Garen Diagan in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“He (Diagan) wants what’s mine and I’m not going to let him. What’s mine, stays mine,” Collazo said during the pre-fight presser that was streamed live on Miguel Cotto Promotions’ Facebook page.

Collazo and Diagan faced each other during the presser that was held in front of a largely Puerto Rican crowd. The presser was held shortly after Diagan arrived in Puerto Rico earlier this week.

The two fighters earlier met during a promotional activity, but this time, both boxers shared their thoughts on their upcoming world title showdown. 

“I’m grateful for Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and DAZN for making my dreams come true. I’m aware that Diagan is ready to fight me and he will come at me hungry. But I’m ready for this fight and for him. The world title belt will stay in my home in Puerto Rico,” Collazo said.

Sunday’s fight will be Collazo’s first voluntary title defense following his impressive seventh round stoppage win against erstwhile champion Melvin Jerusalem last May 27 in Indio, California. 

Collazo, a former amateur standout has an unbeaten record of seven wins with five knockouts. Diagan will be his third Filipino opponent after he also beat Vic Saludar in a world title eliminator last year. 

For his part, Diagan has vowed to give his best for his family and the Philippines.

“I’m happy for this opportunity to be here in Puerto Rico. I thank Miguel Cotto Promotions for this opportunity. I have a lot of respect for Collazo because he’s a good fighter. I’ve done everything in my training camp and I’m ready to give my best on Saturday for my family and the Philippines,” said Diagan, a first time world title challenger. 

Diagan is best known for his upset knockout victory against ARQ Boxing Stable’s April Jay Abne in 2021 where he knocked the latter out in the first round.

He has a record of 10 wins with five knockouts and three defeats. 

The former Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) light flyweight champion is also not new in fighting in foreign soil. Diagan fought in Thailand and in South Africa in 2022. 

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