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Philippines, 18 Jun 2026 |
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Rising Mexican Contender Neider Valdez Steps in to Face Pound-for-Pound Puerto Rican Champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo in WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Minimumweight World Championship Fight PhilBoxing.com Thu, 18 Jun 2026  Saturday, June 20 — Live from Frontwave Arena in Oceanside Calif. and Broadcast Worldwide Exclusively on DAZN TICKETS ON SALE VIA AXS.COM OCEANSIDE, Calif. (June 17, 2026) — Rising Mexican contender Neider Valdez (15-3-3, 12 KOs) of Monterrey, Nuevo León, has answered the call to challenge undefeated WBA, WBO, and Ring Magazine Minimumweight World Champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (14-0, 11 KOs) of Villalba, Puerto Rico. Valdez steps in as a late replacement for the previously announced Joey Canoy, who was forced to withdraw from the bout due to visa-related issues. The 12-round world championship bout will stream live worldwide on DAZN on Saturday, June 20, and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions from Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, Calif. "My job is to stay ready for whoever my team puts in the ring,” said Oscar 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." “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 Neider 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.” Neider Valdez is a rising contender from Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, with a professional record of 15-3-3 and 12 knockouts. A proven competitor, he has built his career by facing difficult opposition and making the most out of every opportunity. His aggressive approach and punching power have helped him steadily climb the ranks, recently fighting to a majority draw in a six-round bout in Mexico. Despite falling short in a hard-fought 2024 WBA light flyweight world title bout, he now looks to further establish himself as a threat in the minimumweight division. In the co-main event, hard-hitting Chihuahua, Mexico native Yair “Manotas” Gallardo (11-0, 9 KOs) will look to continue his knockout streak when he takes on Surrey, Canada’s Buneet Bisla (14-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight clash. Gallardo is coming off an impressive stoppage victory over Elio Heraldo Trosch in Puerto Rico and now faces a durable Bisla, whose lone professional defeat came more than three years ago. Also featured on the DAZN broadcast, undefeated Uzbek Olympian Ruslan Abdullaev (4-0, 2 KOs) will take on Las Vegas’ Orestes Velazquez (8-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight showdown. U.S. Olympian Joshua “The Rocket” Edwards (6-0, 5 KOs) of Houston, Texas, will return to action in an eight-round heavyweight contest against New Orleans’ Garreth “Da Lion” Payton (7-2, 4 KOs). Kicking off the DAZN telecast, Coachella fan favorite Cayden Griffiths (8-0, 7 KOs) will square off against Guadalajara, Mexico’s Alan Crisosto (12-6, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super welterweight bout. In preliminary action, Denver’s Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (13-0, 10 KOs) will put his undefeated record on the line against Miami’s Christopher Rodriguez (13-2-1, 11 KOs). Opening the evening, fellow Denver native Lorenzo Garcia will make his professional debut against Columbus, Ohio’s Tylan Smith (1-0-1) in a four-round super lightweight contest. Tickets for Collazo vs. Valdez are priced at $100, $75, $50 and $30 plus applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or GoldenBoy.com. ### Collazo vs. Valdez is a 12-round fight for the WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions and Paco Presents. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand. For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #CollazoCanoy  |
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