Canoy Out, Valdez In to Take on Minimumweight Champion Oscar Collazo on Saturday

Oscar Collazo's upcoming world title defense has taken an unexpected turn, but the undefeated Puerto Rican champion insists his focus remains unchanged as he prepares to face late replacement Neider Valdez this weekend.

Collazo (14-0, 11 KOs), the reigning WBA, WBO, and Ring Magazine minimumweight champion, was originally scheduled to defend his titles against Joey Canoy. However, visa complications forced Canoy to withdraw from the bout, opening the door for Mexico's Neider Valdez to step in on short notice.

The championship clash will headline a Golden Boy Promotions card at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California, on June 20, with the event streaming live worldwide on DAZN.

Despite the late change in opponent, Collazo says his preparation and mindset remain exactly the same.

"My job is to stay ready for whoever my team puts in the ring,” said Collazo. “While the Canoy fight didn't happen, my focus has shifted entirely to Neider Valdez this Saturday. Trust me, we’re about to add another unforgettable chapter to the historic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry."

Collazo has quickly established himself as one of boxing's most dominant champions in the lower weight classes. Since capturing his first world title, the Puerto Rican star has unified belts while earning a reputation for aggressive performances and knockout power rarely seen in the minimumweight division. At just 14 professional fights, many already regard him as one of the sport's top pound-for-pound talents.

For Valdez (15-3-3, 12 KOs), the opportunity represents the biggest fight of his career.

The Monterrey native received the call on short notice but immediately accepted the challenge of facing one of boxing's most highly regarded champions.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank God, Golden Boy, Cotto Promotions, and my team for this incredible opportunity. When I received the phone call, I couldn’t believe it, but without hesitation, I accepted the challenge,” said Valdez.

“I stay in the gym and work hard every day, always waiting for an opportunity like this. I know who Oscar Collazo is—he is the best fighter in his division today, and I have looked up to him for a long time. It is a great honor to share the ring with him on such a big stage. I am ready to deliver the performance of my life and take full advantage of this incredible opportunity.”

Valdez enters the contest with 12 knockouts in 15 victories and has earned a reputation as a tough, aggressive fighter willing to take on difficult opposition. Although he fell short in a 2024 world title bid and most recently fought to a majority draw in Mexico, he now has a chance to dramatically alter the trajectory of his career.

The undercard features several intriguing matchups. Undefeated Mexican light heavyweight Yair "Manotas" Gallardo (11-0, 9 KOs) faces Canada's Buneet Bisla (14-1, 7 KOs) in the co-main event, while undefeated Uzbek Olympian Ruslan Abdullaev (4-0, 2 KOs) meets hard-hitting Orestes Velazquez (8-1, 7 KOs).

Also appearing on the DAZN broadcast are U.S. Olympian Joshua Edwards, unbeaten prospect Cayden Griffiths, and rising Denver contender Daniel Garcia.

Still, the spotlight belongs to Collazo. With another title defense looming and a proud Puerto Rico-Mexico rivalry once again taking center stage, the champion will look to continue his rise while Valdez attempts to author one of the year's biggest upsets.