TalkingBoxing Articles
A Star is Born - Mr. Luis Collazo
WED August 17, BUSTER PARIS - You’re most likely going to see that headline all over boxing websites this week.
After Miguel Angel Gonzalez didn’t come out for round eight and the towel dramatically landed right at the feet of referee John O’Brien it was official and in summing up the night that Luis Collazo had George Foreman laid it out beautifully for us...
“A Star is Born”
Saturday August 13 2005 – was a big fight night for us at the United Center in Chicago:
Luis Collazo vs. Miguel Angel Gonzalez
Przemyslaw Saleta vs. Oliver McCall
Ricardo Mayorga vs. Michele Piccirillo
Hasim Rahman vs. Monte Barrett
To be honest I could care less about 3 of these bouts, I’m really only interested in the Ricardo Mayorga fight – LOVE ‘el Matador’ – so I’m not really paying attention as Luis Collazo and Miguel Angel Gonzalez are introduced – I’m doing other very important things – popping popcorn, breaking out the cream soda and making notes about Mayorga.
“Pop, pop, whump, pop, whump” kept coming off my TV – the sound of a 5 shot combination – over and over again, compelling me to watch and drawing me in.
All I kept thinking though is isn’t this supposed to be a filler or fluff fight – isn’t Gonzalez 34 years old and nearing the end of his career? Hasn’t there been talk about him retiring? - And then there’s Collazo – “who?”
“Pop, pop, whump, pop, whump” – ok – I better pay attention – turns out this kid is one of boxings best kept secrets.
Here’s some highlights:
Round 4: Rounds 1 through 4 have pretty much been the same. It’s a great introduction for most of us to Luis especially watching this Southpaw’s 5 shot combinations continue – then a body shot lands on Gonzalez that stops time itself.
Round 5: Luis is poised, calm, in control and throwing as well as landing beautiful punches in bunches. Miguel is taking this punishment – the blows are causing damage and building points for Luis, but they are not overtly stopping Miguel. It’s like the punches are taking their toll, but no one has told Miguel.
Round 6: Starts differently than the others – Gonzalez has Collazo immediately on the ropes and begins working him over, but then Collazo turns the tables and has Gonzalez against the ropes – then back to the middle of the ring we go. Miguel’s face is getting pink and puffy.
Round 7: A tad slower in pace. Luis is still throwing great combinations, but Miguel seems back, imminent and landing some hard shots. Miguel won the round and there’s some trash talk as they head to their corners. Luis looks animated and intense as he thumps his chest and gives Miguel the eye. He lost the round, but walks away totally unscathed and almost energized by the exchange.
Round 8: Never happens – after round 7 Gonzalez’s corner asks him if he has one more round in him. Sounds like they are giving him one more chance to inflict some damage, but one member of the team thought better of it and let fly the towel. It was an 800-pound towel falling softly at referee John O’Brien’s feet – ending one career and ushering in another.
So – what’s next for Luis Collazo?
He’ll be plenty busy for a while as the Welterweight division is jam packed with talent. So this brings us to who’s next for Luis? He says anyone, anytime anywhere, but I don’t think so, yet – I don’t think he’s ready for “Sugar” Shane Mosley, Zab Judah or Corey Spinks…yet, but anyone else in the division – absolutely.
Also – 7 pounds lighter are the enormously talented Jr. Welterweights and they’re a hungry bunch.
He’ll be plenty busy for a while and I’ll be paying close attention.
Buster Paris can be reached at: bparis@talkingboxing.com - and always enjoys receiving your thoughts, comments and questions.
Forum
