Neider Valdez has landed the biggest opportunity of his career after agreeing to step in as a late replacement to challenge unified minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo this weekend.
Valdez (15-3-3, 12 KOs) will replace Joey Canoy, who withdrew from the fight because of visa issues. The Mexican contender is now set to face Collazo (14-0, 11 KOs) for the WBA, WBO, and Ring Magazine minimumweight titles on June 20 at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California.
The 25-year-old Valdez enters the fight on short notice but says accepting the challenge was an easy decision.
“When I received the phone call, I couldn’t believe it, but without hesitation, I accepted the challenge,” Valdez said. “I stay in the gym and work hard every day, always waiting for an opportunity like this.”
Valdez also acknowledged the size of the task ahead against one of boxing’s top lower-weight fighters.
“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,” Valdez said. “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.”
A native of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Valdez has compiled a 15-3-3 record with 12 knockouts. He challenged for a WBA light flyweight title in 2024 and is coming off a majority draw in his most recent bout.
Collazo, regarded by many as the top fighter in the minimumweight division, will be making another defense of the titles he has held since unifying the WBA and WBO belts. The fight will stream live on DAZN.
Click here to subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Latest Boxing News:
Last Updated on 2026/06/18 at 12:57 AM
