Neider Valdez (15-3-3, 12 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico, has answered the call to challenge undefeated WBA / WBO minimumweight 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 twelve-round tw-belt championship bout will stream live worldwide on DAZN on Saturday, June 20th, 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 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.”
Valdez 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-feature Mexico's Yair “Manotas” Gallardo (11-0, 9 KOs) will look to continue his knockout streak when he takes on Canada’s Buneet Bisla (14-1, 7 KOs) in a ten-round light heavyweight clash. Gallardo is coming off a 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, Uzbek Olympian Ruslan Abdullaev (4-0, 2 KOs) will take on Las Vegas’ Orestes Velazquez (8-1, 7 KOs) in a ten-round junior welterweight showdown. U.S. Olympian Joshua “The Rocket” Edwards (6-0, 5 KOs) of Houston returns 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 junior middleweight 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 junior welterweight contest. Tickets for Collazo vs. Valdez can be purchased at AXS.com or GoldenBoy.com.
