COLLAZO DETHRONES JERUSALEM BY 7TH ROUND TKO
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 28 May 2023
Oscar Collazo made history by becoming the fastest Puerto Rican world champion in his 7th fight by stopping defending champion WBO Melvin Jerusalem of the Philippines in the 7th round at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA Saturday night (Sunday in Manila).
Jerusalem started very well by dictating the tempo of the fight in the first three round connecting with precision punches that held Collazo at bay and inflicting a welt below the left eye of the Puerto Rican. But after Collazo connected to the head and body of Jerusalem in the 4th round everything abruptly changed for Jerusalem who suddenly was on his back foot and was too timid to return fire.
A continuing body shots by Collazo going forward broke down Jerusalem who appeared to lost steam by the 5th round and by the 6th clearly was already a defeated man with Referee Ray Corona just waiting for the right moment to stop the fight. Although Jerusalem tried his best to stay standing and threw several counterpuches in the midst of Collazo's undending barrage of combos, it was clear that there was nothing left from the Filipino. But he was able to finish the round.
Back in his corner, Jerusalem was asked by his trainer Michael Domingo if he wants to continue where he shook his head in surrender.
The undefeated Collazo thus captured the WBO minimumweight title in his 7th pro fight and delivered to his promoters Golden Boy and Miguel Cotto Promotions the belt in exchange for their faith in his capabilities.
Jerusalem lost the title he won by knocking out Masataka Taniguchi in Japan last January 6 and absorbed the third loss of his career and dropped to 20-3-0, 12KOs.
After Jerusalem's loss, the Philippines now has only one world champion in Marlon Tapales.
Photo: Melvin Jerusalem has his hands wrapped before his fight against Oscar Collazo at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California on May 27, 2023. Photo by Jhay Otamias / PhilBoxing.com.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Vitor vs Subkhankulov, Tapales vs Kalsynov in Double IBF Asia Title Fights in Moscow on Feb. 13
By Dong Secuya, Tue, 27 Jan 2026“It’s about owning my own journey” Jeanine Brown retuns for Title Clash March 13 – Thunderdome 53
Tue, 27 Jan 2026Long Boxing Journey settles in New Bedford, MA for Junior Featherweight prospect Joshua Alvarado
Tue, 27 Jan 2026Steph Curry is 19th leading scorer of the NBA
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 27 Jan 2026Ocum is WBC Asian lightweight champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 27 Jan 2026Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh Believes he will stop Jarrell Miller this Saturday at Madison Square Garden
Tue, 27 Jan 2026David Ray Sarmiento finishes second place in Cologne January Blitz 2026.
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 27 Jan 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 JANUARY 2026: Raymund Muratalla Edges Andy Cruz; Walsh Outpoints Ocampo
By Eric Armit, Mon, 26 Jan 2026MFPI 5th Mindanao Summit at Mt. Apo on February 19-22
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 26 Jan 2026OLYMPIC BOXING 8: 1948 OLYMPICS AT LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
By Maloney L. Samaco, Mon, 26 Jan 2026Golden Gloves Launches on Meta Quest Store, Establishing the First Official Esports Competition Pathway for Amateur Boxing
Mon, 26 Jan 2026Andy Cruz vs Raymond Muratalla: Who Will Execute?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Libranza to fight undefeated Tso for IBF Pan Pacific bantam
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 24 Jan 2026Filipino Cue Artist RJ Bautista Ready to Shine at the Las Vegas Open 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 24 Jan 2026MURATALLA VS. CRUZ WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
Sat, 24 Jan 2026