Luis Collazo vs. Kudratillo Abdukakhorov - October 18, 2019

[Ruthless-RKO]

A high-stakes welterweight co-feature will set the stage for the can’t-miss light heavyweight unification bout between IBF champion Artur Beterbiev and WBC champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk Friday, October 18 at the Liacouras Center.

Former world champion Luis Collazo will take on IBF No. 1 contender Kudratillo “The Punisher” Abdukakhorov in a 10-rounder with potential world title implications.

Collazo-Abdukakhorov will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes immediately preceding Beterbiev-Gvozdyk at 10 p.m. ET, while the undercard will stream on ESPN+, beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

“This is a fight that will deliver action and a top contender in the talent-rich welterweight division,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Collazo-Abdukakhorov is a great complement to Beterbiev-Gvozdyk, and it’s only fitting that a card like this is coming to the great fighting city of Philadelphia.”

“I’m just ready to go. The Jose Benavidez Jr. fight didn’t happen because he was hurt or whatever, but trust me, you are going to see an incredible performance that will steal the show on October 18,” Collazo said. “I’m coming for everything. It’s now or never. I can’t wait to show out in the great city of Philadelphia.”

“I would like to thank Top Rank for giving me this opportunity to fight a great former champion,” Abdukakhorov said. “I am looking forward to showcasing my talent to the world. This will be a great fight, as Luis Collazo is someone who comes and gives 100 percent every fight and his aggressive style is adored by many fans. He has the heart of a true warrior. I do believe his age will be a factor, and I will try to capitalize on it. I am coming to this fight with every intention of beating him to cement my status as the mandatory for the IBF world title."

Collazo (39-7, 20 KOs), the 38-year-old Brooklyn native who held a piece of the welterweight title from 2005-2006, is seeking one last crack at the brass ring. He has won three in a row since a 2015 KO loss to Keith Thurman, whom he hurt with a body shot and nearly knocked down. He is closing in on two decades as a pro and holds victories over the likes of Jose Antonio Rivera and Victor Ortiz. Most recently, he earned a split decision verdict over Samuel Vargas. Abdukakhorov (16-0, 9 KOs) earned the IBF No 1 ranking with a unanimous decision over Keita Obara March 30 in Philadelphia. A road warrior who was born in Uzbekistan, Abdukakhorov has fought in Uzbekistan, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia and the U.S.

[Lackeos]

I think Collazo is kind of underrated by boxrec's computerized formula. It claims that Collazo is about the same as Kudratillo's other previous opponents (Toth, Manyuchi, Obara, Mikhaylenko). But in real terms, I think Collazo is a step up from them.

Sometime after this, I'd like to see Kudratillo challenged against a #6-15 opponent like Ugas, Khan, Lipinets, Avanesyan, Broner, or Kavaliauskas (man, just think of how much money Kudratillo - Kavaliauskas won't make in front of an American audience.).

[Ruthless-RKO]

I think Collazo is kind of underrated by boxrec's computerized formula. It claims that Collazo is about the same as Kudratillo's other previous opponents (Toth, Manyuchi, Obara, Mikhaylenko). But in real terms, I think Collazo is a step up from them.

Collazo getting a lot of appreciation.. He might be a good test for Kud, who himself has not been tested.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight week..

A good solid undercard fight..

[Cent0089]

This fight will show if Abdukakhorov is real deal. Collazo is no joke

[Paci]

Im going with that Collazo will outbox him. No nothing about the other guy.

Collazo is always solid and in good condition. So yeah, going on the resumé for my tip.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Im going with that Collazo will outbox him. No nothing about the other guy.

Collazo is always solid and in good condition. So yeah, going on the resumé for my tip.

This fight will show if Abdukakhorov is real deal. Collazo is no joke

Yeh, this fight will he Kud's first real big step up, even though Collazi isn't at his peak anymore, he's still tough and game as f*ck. I just hope Collazo does bring it. I believe he's pushing for a final world title shot.. May just have to be Crawford.

[Paci]

Im going with that Collazo will outbox him. No nothing about the other guy.

Collazo is always solid and in good condition. So yeah, going on the resumé for my tip.

This fight will show if Abdukakhorov is real deal. Collazo is no joke

Yeh, this fight will he Kud's first real big step up, even though Collazi isn't at his peak anymore, he's still tough and game as f*ck. I just hope Collazo does bring it. I believe he's pushing for a final world title shot.. May just have to be Crawford.

Against Crawford? He is pretty locco then, so yeah. He is going in for the win

[Ruthless-RKO]

Yeh, this fight will he Kud's first real big step up, even though Collazi isn't at his peak anymore, he's still tough and game as f*ck. I just hope Collazo does bring it. I believe he's pushing for a final world title shot.. May just have to be Crawford.

Against Crawford? He is pretty locco then, so yeah. He is going in for the win

He was close to fighting Crawford before Khan got the job.. Thing is, TR don't have much WW's to choose from..

After Craw's next fight, if he can't get a good name like Garcia, Porter etc. I expect him to fight Collazo tbh.

[Paci]

He was close to fighting Crawford before Khan got the job.. Thing is, TR don't have much WW's to choose from..

After Craw's next fight, if he can't get a good name like Garcia, Porter etc. I expect him to fight Collazo tbh.

That makes perfect sense.

[boxing_rocks]

Collazo is 38 though. Abduk should be able to handle him convincingly.

[Jeff_lacy_ko]

Collazo ko 1

[Ruthless-RKO]

Collazo ko 1

Legit?

[Cent0089]

Speaking of Gvozdyk-Beterbiev undercard, what do you guys think of Adorno brothers ?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Speaking of Gvozdyk-Beterbiev undercard, what do you guys think of Adorno brothers ?

18 and 20 year olds..

Kinda like Conor Benn over in the UK.. Still lot's to learn I guess.. Only can improve on a fight by fight basis.

[Rgoodwin]

Abdukakhorov will beat Collazo Friday, possibly land a Crawford fight eventually.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Was a good dominant showing from Kud.

[Cent0089]

Btw one undercard fight was cancelled? i saw 2 guys at weigh in and they was not in ring yesterday

[JxhDel.]

Abdukakhorov mainly won due to Collazo being old and done. What will he do as a contender?