Former weltweight titlist Luis Collazo is hoping to reignite his stalled career by announcing his signing with Golden Boy Promotions.
In April, Collazo returned afer a two-year absence from the ring to knock out journeyman Franklin Gonzalez in three rounds. Before his sabbatical, Collazo was a Top 10 ranked welterweight, facing the likes of Ricky Hatton, Shane Mosley and Andre Berto in title bouts. The Berto fight was a back and forth battle that raised the profile of both men, receiving numerous nominations for 2009’s Fight of the Year.
Although many observers thought Collazo won, his tricky southpaw style caused him to struggle in securing another high-profile fight. Having turned 30 in April, Collazo says his time away from the spotlight served to intensify his desire to win another title.
“I’m honored to be a part of the best team in boxing and now I finally have a chance to show the world what I can do in the ring,” Collazo explained. “I’m hungrier and better than ever and I’m not gonna stop until I’m back on top of the welterweight division.”
After a few years as the most talented weight class in boxing, the welterweight division has lost its depth. Outside of superstars Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, the division’s deep pool has evaporated due to weight-jumping (Cotto, Margarito, Williams, Judah), inactivity (Clottey) and aging (Mosley). Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer believes this is the perfect environment for Collazo to re-establish his name.
“Luis Collazo has been a well-kept secret for too long,” Schaefer stated. “He’s a talented former world champion who has fought some of boxing’s best and is eager to regain his crown. We will make sure he gets every opportunity to shine in the coming years.”
At press time, a tentative date for Collazo’s first Golden Boy fight has not been confirmed.
************************************************************************
Solid signing on Golden Boy’s part. I expect Collazo to have a spot on the Mayweather-Ortiz card. Assuming Ortiz loses, Collazo would make a good comeback fight for Victor. When Amir Khan decides to move up as planned in his next fight 2-3 fights, Collazo will be waiting. And let’s not forget the “unfinished business” that exists with Andre Berto, who’ll need a credible opponent to bounce back from the Ortiz loss. Collazo won’t be favored to win the majority of these fights, but it’s a nice list of potential paydays for the Brooklyn southpaw.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 