Luis Collazo
Luis Collazo (born April 22, 1981) is an American former professional boxer who competed primarily in the welterweight division and held the WBA world welterweight title from 2005 to 2006.[1][2] Known by the nickname "God's Way," he was a southpaw fighter standing 5 feet 9 inches tall with a 72-inch reach, and he retired in 2023 after a professional career that began in 2000 and included bouts against several world champions.[3][4][2] Born in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Fernando and Magerita, Collazo experienced a challenging early life marked by his parents' divorce and periods of living on the streets in a drug-influenced environment.[1] He began boxing at age 9 at the Starrett City Boxing Club in Brooklyn, encouraged by his father's girlfriend Victoria after reuniting with his father, and compiled an impressive amateur record of 97 wins and 7 losses, including a victory in the 147-pound novice division of the New York Golden Gloves.[1][5] Turning professional on May 16, 2000, at age 19, Collazo quickly established himself as a durable contender in the welterweight division.[2] Collazo's career peaked when he won the vacant WBA welterweight title on April 2, 2005, by defeating Jose Antonio Rivera via unanimous decision, followed by a successful defense against Miguel Ángel González via RTD in the seventh round on August 13, 2005.[1][4] He lost the title in his next fight to Ricky Hatton by unanimous decision on May 13, 2006, but rebounded with notable victories, including a second-round knockout of former world champion Victor Ortiz in 2014.[6][2] Throughout his career, he faced elite opponents such as Shane Mosley, Andre Berto, Keith Thurman, and Amir Khan, finishing with a record of 39 wins (20 by knockout), 9 losses, and no draws.[2][4] Collazo announced his retirement at age 41 following a sixth-round knockout loss to Angel Ruiz on April 19, 2023, in Plant City, Florida, citing a desire to focus on family and grandchildren.[2]Early life
Upbringing in Brooklyn
Luis Collazo was born on April 22, 1981, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Fernando and Magerita.[4][1] Of Puerto Rican descent, he grew up in a family with strong ties to the island, as his mother later returned to live in Puerto Rico while his father remained in New York.[3] Collazo was raised in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, a challenging urban environment marked by socioeconomic hardships common to many inner-city communities during the late 20th century.[7] As the youngest of two brothers, he faced early family upheaval when his parents divorced at age eight, leading to periods of living on the streets in a drug-influenced environment, an event he later described as profoundly disruptive: "My parents got divorced when I was eight, that was the worst thing that could have happened to me at that time. I thought I started getting rebellious and started acting out."[8][1] Influenced by his older brother, who was involved in drug dealing, Collazo began selling drugs and smoking marijuana at age nine, placing him on a precarious path amid risks of gang involvement, incarceration, or worse in the tough neighborhood surroundings.[8] Details on Collazo's formal education remain limited in available accounts, reflecting the broader socioeconomic struggles of his upbringing, including the distractions and dangers that diverted many youth from academic pursuits.[8] These early challenges shaped a resilient character, with boxing later emerging as a pivotal outlet to steer clear of negative influences.[8]Introduction to boxing
Following the divorce, Collazo's father Fernando reunited with his son, encouraged by his new girlfriend Victoria, who urged him to reconnect with his family. Recognizing Collazo's natural fighting talent from street scuffles and stickball games, his father, a boxing enthusiast, decided to channel it positively by introducing him to the sport at a local gym around age 11. This move was motivated by a desire to keep Collazo away from the dangers of the streets and provide structure amid his disinterest in school and behavioral issues.[1][9][8] Collazo's initial training began at the Starrett City Boxing Club in Brooklyn, where he first stepped into the ring and began honing his fundamental skills under the guidance of local trainers. There, he discovered the discipline and camaraderie of the gym environment, which offered a stark contrast to the chaos outside. As a natural left-hander, he quickly adopted and developed a southpaw stance, building core techniques like footwork and defensive maneuvers before any formal competitions. This early exposure transformed his raw street aggression into a more controlled outlet.[5][9] In his amateur career, Collazo compiled an impressive record of 97 wins and 7 losses, including a victory in the 147-pound novice division of the New York Golden Gloves.[1][5] Boxing's immediate impact on Collazo's life was profound, serving as a lifeline that steered him clear of incarceration and deeper involvement in crime. In a 2014 interview, he reflected, "Without boxing, I would have gone to prison, no question," crediting the sport with giving him purpose and preventing a destructive path. His Puerto Rican heritage, inherited from his parents, further fueled his passion for boxing, a sport deeply revered in Puerto Rican culture.[10]Professional career
Debut and early fights (2000–2004)
Luis Collazo made his professional boxing debut on May 16, 2000, at the age of 19, defeating Jose Maldonado by first-round technical knockout in a scheduled four-round bout at the Raceway Park in Yonkers, New York.[4] Fighting out of Brooklyn as a welterweight southpaw, Collazo quickly established himself with aggressive pressure and sharp combinations, stopping Maldonado after landing a series of unanswered punches that prompted the referee to intervene.[4] This victory marked the beginning of a rapid ascent, as he secured wins in his next several outings against modest opposition, often finishing fights inside the distance to build confidence and ring experience.[5] Over the following years, Collazo's record progressed steadily, reaching 22 wins and 1 loss by the end of 2004, with 9 of his victories coming by knockout.[4] A notable early setback occurred on April 20, 2002, when he dropped a six-round unanimous decision to Edwin Cassiani in Hollywood, Florida, exposing areas for improvement in his defensive footwork against a crafty opponent.[4] However, Collazo rebounded impressively, stringing together 8 consecutive victories thereafter, including stoppages against fighters like Sean Thomassen (TKO 2, December 2000) and Felix Flores (UD 8, October 2004), which helped him gain regional recognition and climb welterweight rankings.[4] These bouts showcased his ability to mix technical boxing with power punching, often overwhelming opponents with volume from his southpaw stance.[4] Standing at 5 feet 9 inches with a 72-inch reach, Collazo developed a versatile style during this period, leveraging his orthodox left-handed guard to create awkward angles for right-handed foes.[4] His southpaw origins stemmed from early amateur training in Brooklyn gyms, where he honed a jab-heavy approach that frustrated conventional boxers and set the foundation for his professional success.[5] By 2004, without yet contending for major titles, Collazo had positioned himself as a promising contender through consistent performances against fringe prospects, amassing experience in over 20 fights that emphasized endurance and tactical adaptability.[4]WBA welterweight title win (2005)
On April 2, 2005, Luis Collazo, riding a wave of momentum from his 24-1 record and recent victories in regional bouts, stepped in on short notice to challenge Jose Antonio Rivera for the WBA welterweight title after original opponent Thomas Damgaard withdrew due to illness.[11] The fight took place at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts—Rivera's hometown—before a crowd of 8,567 hostile fans.[12] The bout was a tactical clash from the outset, with Rivera, the defending champion at 37-3-1, applying relentless pressure early by targeting Collazo's body with hooks and combinations, winning the initial rounds through aggression.[12] Collazo, a 23-year-old southpaw, countered effectively in the middle rounds (7 through 9) using superior hand speed, footwork, and counterpunching to outmaneuver Rivera and take control.[12] In the later stages, Rivera mounted a comeback, landing heavier shots amid visible cuts and swelling on both fighters, but Collazo closed strongly, dominating the final two rounds with precise combinations to secure the victory.[12] Judges Nelson Vasquez and Levi Martinez scored the 12-round fight 115-113 for Collazo, while local judge Paul Barry favored Rivera 115-113, resulting in a split decision win for the challenger.[11] At 23 years old, Collazo captured his first world title, dethroning the 34-year-old Rivera in an upset that highlighted his resilience under pressure.[13] Post-fight, Collazo celebrated the hard-fought triumph in the ring, raising the WBA belt amid boos from the partisan crowd, marking his entry into the elite welterweight division as a legitimate contender.[14] Media outlets praised the performance, with reports hailing it as a stunning short-notice victory and "Fight of the Year" for its intensity, positioning Collazo as a rising champion from Brooklyn's tough boxing scene.[15]Title reign and major losses (2006–2007)
Collazo's tenure as WBA welterweight champion began promisingly after his split decision victory over José Antonio Rivera on April 2, 2005, but proved brief, lasting just over a year with only one successful defense. He retained the title against Miguel Ángel González via RTD in the seventh round on August 13, 2005, in Chicago, showcasing his technical southpaw style, though the fight highlighted his vulnerability to aggressive pressure fighters. This defense solidified his status as a legitimate champion, but no further bouts were scheduled before his mandatory challenge, underscoring the short duration of his reign from 2005 to 2006 without additional successful defenses.[16] The end of Collazo's championship came on May 13, 2006, against undefeated British contender Ricky Hatton at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. In a closely contested unanimous decision loss (115-112, 115-112, 114-113), Hatton dropped Collazo early in the first round with a left hook but faced stiff resistance throughout, as Collazo rallied strongly in the later rounds, including a near-knockdown of Hatton in the 12th.[6] The verdict drew controversy, with some observers, including ESPN's scorecard (114-113 for Collazo), arguing the American outboxed Hatton in a tactical battle where Collazo landed 213 of 712 punches (30%) to Hatton's 259 of 741 (35%).[6] This defeat stripped Collazo of the WBA title, marking his first loss as champion and exposing defensive lapses against high-volume punchers. Following the Hatton setback, Collazo aimed to rebound but suffered another high-profile defeat against former three-division champion Shane Mosley on February 10, 2007, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mosley claimed the vacant WBC interim welterweight title via unanimous decision (119-108, 118-109 twice), dominating with precise right hands and flooring Collazo in the 11th round, though Collazo fought through a hand injury sustained in the third.[17] CompuBox stats reflected Mosley's control, outlanding Collazo 200-87 in total punches and 173-72 in power shots, limiting the southpaw's output to 14% accuracy.[18] Despite the lopsided scores, Collazo's resilience earned praise from Mosley, who called him a "warrior."[17] These consecutive losses to elite opponents like Hatton and Mosley significantly altered Collazo's career trajectory, ending his title reign without further defenses and dropping him from WBA champion to a mid-tier contender in welterweight rankings.[19] The defeats, particularly the debated Hatton outcome, stalled his momentum at age 25, shifting focus from titleholder to one seeking redemption against top competition, as his record fell to 27-3.[6] This period marked a challenging phase, with the back-to-back setbacks against pound-for-pound talents highlighting areas for improvement in durability and adaptability.[20]Mid-career resurgence (2008–2013)
Following his defeats to Ricky Hatton in 2006 and Shane Mosley in 2007, which served as motivational turning points in his career, Luis Collazo focused on rebuilding his standing in the welterweight division through a series of tune-up bouts against solid mid-level opposition.[4] In January 2008, he secured a unanimous decision victory over Edvan dos Santos Barros in a 10-round fight at Madison Square Garden, showcasing his technical southpaw style and ring control to earn a clear win on the scorecards. Later that year, in September, Collazo stopped Russell Jordan via TKO in the eighth round of a scheduled eight-round bout at the Home Depot Center, demonstrating improved stamina and defensive prowess to halt a potential skid. However, Collazo encountered a setback in January 2009 when he dropped a unanimous decision to undefeated WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto in a 12-round title eliminator at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, where Berto's speed and power edged out Collazo's volume punching despite a competitive effort. He rebounded quickly in June 2009 with a third-round TKO of David Gogichaishvili at the Radisson Hotel in Columbia, South Carolina, overwhelming the Georgian with body shots and combinations to end the bout decisively. These victories helped restore confidence, but Collazo then endured a full year of inactivity in 2010, a period marked by challenges in securing consistent matchmaking and promotional support that stalled his momentum.[4] Returning in April 2011, Collazo stopped Franklin Gonzalez in the third round via TKO at Oceana in Brooklyn, using sharp counters to drop his opponent and force the referee's intervention. He followed this in October 2011 with a unanimous decision loss to Freddy Hernandez at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Another extended layoff ensued from late 2011 to early 2013, again attributed to promotional hurdles and limited opportunities in a crowded welterweight landscape, which tested his resolve but kept him sharp through rigorous training.[4] Collazo's resurgence culminated in 2013 with back-to-back stoppage and decision wins that positioned him for greater contention, preceded by a unanimous decision win over Steve Upsher Chambers in October 2012 at the Barclays Center. In April 2013, he dismantled Miguel Callist with a fifth-round TKO at the Barclays Center, landing a flurry of punches that prompted the stoppage and highlighting his power against durable foes. Five months later, on September 7, he defeated Alan Sanchez by unanimous decision over 10 rounds at Cowboys Dance Hall in San Antonio to capture the vacant WBA International welterweight title, controlling the pace with superior ring generalship and earning scores of 100-90 across the board.[21] This belt win, his first regional title since 2005, reignited interest in Collazo and set the stage for high-stakes opportunities in the following year.2014 comeback and key victories
After a period of mid-career inactivity and inconsistent results, Luis Collazo staged a significant resurgence in 2014, capturing momentum with two high-profile welterweight bouts that reestablished his contention status.[22] On January 30, 2014, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Collazo delivered a stunning second-round knockout victory over Victor Ortiz, a former WBC welterweight champion known for his aggressive style. In the fight, which drew a crowd of 8,050, Collazo defended his WBA International welterweight title by landing a devastating right hook at 2:59 of the round, dropping Ortiz to the canvas and ending the bout decisively.[23][24][25] This upset, widely regarded as the biggest win of Collazo's career to that point, earned widespread media acclaim for its precision and shock value, with outlets highlighting Collazo's counterpunching prowess against Ortiz's wild swings.[25][26] The Ortiz knockout propelled Collazo into the welterweight top 10 rankings across multiple sanctioning bodies, marking a sharp boost from his pre-fight unranked status and positioning him for bigger opportunities.[27][28] Capitalizing on this momentum, Collazo challenged Amir Khan on May 3, 2014, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, in a bout for the vacant WBC Silver welterweight title and Collazo's WBA International welterweight belt. Khan, making his welterweight debut after holding IBF and WBA junior welterweight titles, dominated with superior speed and power, scoring three knockdowns en route to a unanimous decision victory (scores of 117-106, 119-104, 119-104).[29][30] Despite the loss, the fight underscored Collazo's resilience in a competitive, rough-and-tumble affair that tested both fighters' durability.[31]Final bouts and retirement (2015–2023)
Collazo's later career was marked by sporadic activity and mixed results, following his loss to Amir Khan in 2014, which represented his final major world title opportunity.[2] After a win over Chris Degollado in April 2015, Collazo faced undefeated WBA welterweight champion Keith Thurman on July 11, 2015, in Tampa, Florida. The bout ended in a technical knockout victory for Thurman after the seventh round when Collazo's corner retired him due to a severe cut over his right eye sustained from a punch.[32] Despite the loss, Collazo had rocked Thurman with a body shot in the fifth round, showcasing his enduring power.[33] Following the loss, Collazo won decisions over Sammy Vasquez in February 2017 and Bryant Perrella in August 2018. Collazo returned on March 17, 2019, defeating Samuel Vargas by split decision in a 10-round welterweight bout at Madison Square Garden in New York. The judges scored it 96-94 and 98-92 for Collazo, with one card 96-94 for Vargas, in a competitive fight where Collazo's experience edged out Vargas's aggression.[34] Just seven months later, on October 18, 2019, Collazo suffered a technical decision loss to Kudratillo Abdukakhorov in Philadelphia. The fight was stopped in the 10th round due to a cut from an accidental headbutt, with scores of 99-91, 98-92, and 97-93 favoring the younger Abdukakhorov, who dominated with superior movement and volume punching.[35] After the technical decision loss, Collazo had a no contest against Eimantas Stanionis in August 2021 due to an accidental head clash. After a period of inactivity, Collazo's final professional bout occurred on April 19, 2023, against Angel Ruiz Astorga in Plant City, Florida. Astorga secured a sixth-round knockout victory with a left hook to the body, dropping Collazo for the count.[2] Following the defeat, which left him on a two-fight losing streak, Collazo announced his retirement from boxing, concluding a career that spanned from 2000 to 2023 with a record of 39 wins, 9 losses, and 1 no contest.[2]Championships and accomplishments
Major titles held
Luis Collazo captured the WBA welterweight regular title on April 2, 2005, defeating defending champion Jose Antonio Rivera via split decision over 12 rounds in Uncasville, Connecticut, marking his breakthrough to world championship status. He held the belt for approximately 13 months, making one successful defense on August 13, 2005, against former IBF super featherweight champion Miguel Ángel González at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, where González retired on his stool after the seventh round due to a severe cut. Collazo's reign ended on May 13, 2006, when he lost the title to Ricky Hatton by unanimous decision in a 12-round bout at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. In the regional ranks, Collazo won the vacant WBA International welterweight title on September 2, 2013, securing a unanimous decision victory over Alan Sanchez in a 10-round fight at the Cowboys Dancehall in San Antonio, Texas.[4] He defended the strap once, knocking out Victor Ortiz in the second round on January 30, 2014, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, in a performance that revitalized his career trajectory.[23] The title changed hands on May 3, 2014, as Collazo dropped a unanimous decision to Amir Khan over 12 rounds at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a contest also for the vacant WBC Silver welterweight belt. Throughout his career, Collazo compiled a 2–3 record in world title bouts, with victories over Rivera and González offset by defeats to Hatton, Shane Mosley (for the WBC interim welterweight title in 2007), and Andre Berto (for the WBC welterweight title in 2009).[36]| Title | Date Won | Opponent | Result | Duration Held | Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBA Welterweight Regular | April 2, 2005 | Jose Antonio Rivera | SD 12 | ~13 months | 1 |
| WBA International Welterweight | September 2, 2013 | Alan Sanchez | UD 10 | ~8 months | 1 |
Notable fight highlights
One of the most memorable moments in Luis Collazo's career came on January 30, 2014, when he delivered a stunning second-round knockout against Victor Ortiz at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. As a heavy underdog against the former WBC welterweight champion, who was returning after a 17-month layoff, Collazo capitalized on a perfectly timed right hook to the body followed by a left uppercut, dropping Ortiz and prompting a stoppage at 2:59 of the round. This upset victory, which marked Collazo's fourth consecutive win following a period of inactivity, showcased his resilience and power, propelling him back into title contention.[37] In 2019, at age 37, Collazo achieved a late-career highlight by edging out Samuel Vargas via split decision in a competitive welterweight bout on March 16 at Madison Square Garden Theater in New York. The judges scored it 96-94 and 98-92 for Collazo, with one card favoring Vargas 96-94, in a fight where Collazo's volume punching and ring generalship outworked Vargas's aggression over 10 rounds. This win extended Collazo's winning streak to three and demonstrated his enduring competitiveness against ranked contenders.[34] Throughout his 23-year professional career, Collazo maintained an impressive knockout percentage of approximately 51%, with 20 stoppages in 39 victories, often leveraging his southpaw stance to create awkward angles and land devastating counters. His left-handed style proved particularly effective in disrupting orthodox opponents early in fights, as seen in bouts where it initially confounded more experienced foes before they adjusted.[4][38] Collazo's in-ring achievements, bolstered by his 2005 WBA welterweight title win, earned him consistent recognition in welterweight rankings, including top-10 placements by outlets like Bad Left Hook during his peak years around 2008.[39]Personal life
Family and cultural background
Luis Collazo was born on April 22, 1981, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents of Puerto Rican descent, Fernando and Magerita Collazo.[1] His family maintained strong ties to Puerto Rico, where his mother resided later in life, alongside extended relatives including his grandmother, brothers, cousins, nieces, and nephews.[40] Growing up in the tough streets of Brooklyn, Collazo was raised in a household shaped by his parents' divorce when he was around eight years old.[8][1] His father, Fernando, an avid boxing enthusiast typical of many in the Puerto Rican community, played a pivotal role in instilling discipline and introducing Collazo to the sport at age nine through the Starrett City Boxing Club.[5][8] This parental guidance provided structure amid early challenges, countering negative influences from his older brother, who was involved in street life and drugs.[8] Collazo's father remained in New York, fostering a bicoastal family dynamic that reinforced his cultural connections.[3] Collazo has expressed deep pride in his Puerto Rican heritage, often honoring it by embroidering the Puerto Rican flag on his boxing trunks during fights.[40] This reflects the broader cultural significance of boxing within Puerto Rican communities, a tradition his father's passion exemplified.[5] In his personal life, Collazo is married and a father to four children, including a daughter named Kayla, though he has kept details limited in public discussions.[1][3]Faith and post-boxing pursuits
Collazo's nickname, "God's Way," originates from his deep Christian faith, which he credits with guiding his life and boxing career. Following a spiritual awakening around 2013, he emerged from a period of personal darkness involving alcohol abuse and suicidal thoughts, attributing his renewed purpose to a direct plea to God.[41] Faith played a pivotal role in helping Collazo overcome career setbacks, including injuries and losses that tested his resilience. In a 2017 interview, he described being "saved" and serving the Lord, noting tattoos symbolizing his devotion, such as an image of Jesus and praying hands, as constant reminders of divine support during tough times. He emphasized that criticism from naysayers only strengthened his resolve, viewing it through a lens of spiritual growth and giving glory to God for his perseverance.[3][41] After retiring from professional boxing in April 2023 following a sixth-round knockout loss to Angel Ruiz, Collazo has shown no signs of returning to the ring as of November 2025. Since retiring, Collazo has worked as a boxing fitness trainer, helping adults and children become mentally and physically stronger. His post-boxing life continues to reflect his commitment to faith, aiming to inspire others who feel overlooked by demonstrating how reliance on God can open new paths.Professional boxing record
Overall career statistics
Luis Collazo's professional boxing career spanned from May 16, 2000, to April 19, 2023, encompassing a total of 49 bouts over 23 years.[4] His overall record stands at 39 wins, 9 losses, and 1 no-contest, with 20 of his victories coming by knockout.[4] This yields a knockout ratio of 51.28%.[4] Collazo competed primarily in the welterweight division throughout his career, maintaining consistency in the 147-pound weight class for the majority of his fights, though he ventured to junior middleweight in later bouts.[2][4] The fighter experienced several periods of inactivity exceeding 12 months, including a 22-month gap from June 2009 to April 2011, a 19-month hiatus from July 2015 to February 2017, and a 20-month layoff from August 2021 to April 2023, which contributed to the intermittent nature of his later career stages.[4] His southpaw stance played a role in his knockout success, allowing for effective counterpunching against orthodox opponents.[4]Title fight summary
Collazo's career in world title fights resulted in a 2–3 record, with victories in two bouts and defeats in three, often by decision against highly ranked or champion-level opponents who showcased superior speed or volume punching. These fights highlighted his resilience as a southpaw technician but also the challenges of facing elite competition at welterweight. The following summarizes his world title bouts:- April 2, 2005 vs. Jose Antonio Rivera (WBA welterweight title): Collazo captured the vacant WBA welterweight regular title with a split decision victory over 12 rounds (115-113 twice for Collazo, 115-113 for Rivera) in Uncasville, Connecticut, outlanding the defending champion in a competitive affair.[4]
- August 13, 2005 vs. Miguel Angel Gonzalez (WBA welterweight title defense): Collazo retained the WBA welterweight title by RTD in round 7 (3:00) in Chicago, Illinois, after Gonzalez's corner stopped the fight due to cuts and damage.[4]
- May 13, 2006 vs. Ricky Hatton (WBA welterweight title defense): In his next title defense, Collazo lost the WBA welterweight title by unanimous decision over 12 rounds (115-112 twice, 114-113) in Boston, Massachusetts, in a controversial bout where Hatton's pressure and body work edged a close fight.[4]
- February 10, 2007 vs. Shane Mosley (WBC interim welterweight title): Collazo lost by unanimous decision over 12 rounds (116-112, 115-113 twice) in Las Vegas, Nevada, for the vacant WBC interim welterweight title, with Mosley dominating the later rounds.[4]
- May 3, 2014 vs. Amir Khan (IBF welterweight title challenge): Collazo lost by unanimous decision over 12 rounds (119-104 twice, 117-106) in Las Vegas, Nevada, as Khan scored three knockdowns and used hand speed to secure the IBF welterweight title.[4]