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“I can guarantee that I am going to beat him up. If the knockout is there, I will take it. I am going to do what I do best, and that’s box. I am going to win, mark my words!”-Luis Collazo.
Brooklyn’s own Luis Collazo is ready to embark on history. The outspoken Puerto Rican has made it abundantly clear, that April 2nd will be a huge night for the entire group of New York boxers fighting on the night of the cruiserweights. Luis was making references to Elio Rojas, Lou Del Valle, himself as well as Wayne “Big Truck” Braithwaite. Tune in to hear Luis’ thoughts just before the most important fight of his career, as well as his plans for the future.
SaddoBoxing: Luis, you aren’t ranked in the top ten and you have never fought for a minor title. Inform the readers on why you’re the best fit for the job as a replacement opponent against Jose Antonio Rivera?
Luis Collazo: I have been extremely underrated for some time now. I feel that a lot of people have been sleeping on me. My time is definitely due, and after April 2nd, the public will have no choice but to give me the respect and recognition I feel has eluded me. You will see a new star born tomorrow night. After tomorrow, the boxing public is going to have to give me my “props” whether they like it or not.
You do not want to miss the rest of this exclusive interview with fired up world welterweight title challenger Luis Collazo, only at SaddoBoxing.com
SB: In taking the fight on such short notice, do you feel you have the proper preparation for a fight of this magnitude?
LC: Absolutely, I am a gym rat. I stay in the gym religiously, not only that, I was training for a fight with Miguel Angel Gonzalez. So to answer your question, oh yeah I am ready. I am going to make it happen.
SB: With twenty-five fights in your young career, did you ever envision your dream of fighting for a world title materializing so soon?
LC: No, I was actually expecting to fight for a world title at the end of the year. But I received that magical phone call a few weeks ago, obviously much sooner than expected. Whatever the case may be, I am ready. I am going to make the most out of this opportunity, you will see.
SB: We saw Zab Judah fight Cory Spinks in his hometown of St. Louis. Floyd Mayweather will be fighting Arturo Gatti on his home turf of Atlantic City and now you’re fighting Rivera in his hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts. Is this a trend that we as fans can begin to grow accustomed to?
LC: I am hoping it does happen like that. Zab went to St. Louis and brought the crown back to New York. Floyd and Arturo Gatti is sure to be another great fight. As for me, I am going to make it happen. I am bringing the crown back to New York. Real men like challenges and real champions overcome the challenges. Going into someone else’s backyard to fight isn’t easy, especially if you are a fighting for a world title. Jose got the crowd on his side but hey, it’s all good. My back is against the wall, and I am enjoying it. I have been dealing with adversity all of my life, this isn’t a new concept to me.
SB: What’s your take on Thomas Damgaard pulling out of the fight yet again?
LC: Well Damgaard pulled a suspicious maneuver. Again I don’t really know what went on behind the scenes, but if you ask me, I“ll tell you that he wanted to fight in Denmark. The idea of fighting in Worcester, Massachusetts wasn’t too appealing to Tommy. Too bad for him, that’s his problem. I just thank God every day for that phone call. I was already in the process of training and here I am ready to go.
SB: His loss became your gain. Do you feel that you have properly paid your dues? Also, do you seeanother opportunity to fight for another world title again, down the line in your career?
LC: As far as paying my dues, I believe I did. I have been a pro for five years, and my time is here now. I was waiting “till the end of the year to get my title shot, but I am ready now. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. As for another title shot down the line, of course. This fight will be my coming out party. After I am victorious April 2nd, everyone is going to want to take a shot at the “champ.”
SB: Luis, could you explain to the readers where you went wrong against Edwin Cassiani? And what did you gain from the knockout loss?
LC: This was very early in my career. I did not have the proper experience to fight someone of the caliber of Edwin Cassiani at the time. I shouldn’t have taken the fight, but I never duck anyone. The promoters made the fight and I said lets do it. As a result of the loss, I gained experience. I now know what is to be knocked out. I overcame that obstacle, this loss made my offensive game stronger. Also, it made me do some soul searching. I had to dig deep down inside of me to find out what I was made of. I found out that I was champion.
SB: What can you tell us about your opponent Jose Antonio Rivera?
LC: Well, Jose is the man. I give him his “props,” he got the W.B.A. belt. He is a rough and rugged fighter. He is very strong and comes forward at all times. But all of that don’t mean jack. I will school him, you’ll see.
SB: In forty-one professional fights Rivera has never been knocked out. In fact, he hasn’t even been knocked down. Do you feel that you need a knockout to win to prevent it from going to the scorecards? Or, are you confident enough that you can pull a decision in his hometown?
LC: Anything is possible. This is boxing so expect the unexpected. I do what I have to do to win. If I don’t get to knock him out, I will beat him up so it’s convincing. In a case like that, I don’t care where you fight; you can’t rob a person of a convincing victory. But to make it official while I am pounding on him, hopefully the ref or the fight doctor comes in and stops it.
SB: Luis, give me your take on how the fight with Jose Antonio Rivera will play out?
LC: I can guarantee that I am going to beat him up. If the knockout is there, I will take it. I am going to do what I do best, and that’s box. I am going to win, mark my words! No particular round, just make sure you tune in afterwards.
SB: Is there anything you would like to address that you feel is important for the readers to know and be aware of before we close.
LC: I don’t want to sound redundant, but I got to. Come tomorrow night there will be a new W.B.A. welterweight champion of the world. His name is Luis Collazo and he hails from Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Much love to Brooklyn! Take care everybody and thank you.
SB: SaddoBoxing.com would like to thank Luis Collazo for taking the time out of his busy schedule to come and talk to us. The entire staff at SaddoBoxing.com wishes Luis the best of luck for April 2nd. All the best my friend and God bless.
Edwin Gonzalez can be reached at prpapa427@aol.com
