JAYSON Vayson will try to become the third Filipino to become a world champion in the crowded strawweight division when he challenges unbeaten Puerto Rican Oscar Collazo for the World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Association belts on Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila) at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Indio, California.
A heavy underdog, the Filipino “Striker” is bidding to join the ranks of Melvin Jerusalem and Pedro Taduran, who hold the World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation versions in the 105-pound class, respectively.
But it definitely won’t be a cakewalk for Vayzon, 27, as he takes on “El Pupilo,” 28, who is undefeated in 12 matches, nine of them knockout victories, and making his sixth title defense.
Considered the man to beat in the strawweight category, the Puerto Rican southpaw has won five of his last six fights by stoppage.
Sporting a record of 14 wins (8 KOs), the Pinoyfighterwho will be making his American debut, is also on a roll, having won three of his last four fights via the short route and enjoys a slight two-inch edge over the 5-foot-2 titleholder.
Collazo will enter the ring having vanquished two other Filipino fighters, including Jerusalem, who was forced to retire by the hard-hitting Puerto Rican before the start of the seventh round in wresting the latter’s WBO strap on May 27, 2023 at the same arena.
The Collazo-Vayson title clash serves as the co-headliner of the card also featuring unbeaten and undisputed women’s world flyweight champion Gabriela Fundora of the US.
With 16 wins (8 KOs) under her belt, Fundora, 23, will stake her WBC, IBF and WBO straps against Canadian AlexasKubicki, who has a slate of 13 (2 KOs) and one loss.
