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:
Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
By Chris Carlson, Sun, 15 Feb 2026“The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 15 Feb 2026Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Feb 2026WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 14 Feb 2026BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
Fri, 13 Feb 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 13 Feb 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 11 Feb 2026