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Neider Valdez Steps In To Face Oscar Collazo
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.
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