Teófimo López officially receives his WBO world title; Special recognition to Oscar Collazo

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Earlier today in the neighborhood of Arecibo, the World Boxing Organization, accompanied by a group of legends, former champions, world champions and boxing prospects, presented the two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez with his new world title by defeating former undisputed Junior Welterweight champion and defending WBO champion Josh Taylor, from Scotland, by unanimous decision last June in New York.

Teofimo Lopez:

“Thanks to the WBO, Paco (Francisco Valcárcel, Esq.), to all the champions who are here right now. What I feel on this day is something very special, very emotional, what can I say, everything we do is for this title, it is a pleasure to achieve it. Today is a very special day. Thank you Puerto Rico.”

Oscar Collazo, 105-pound world champion, was also honored with a special commemorative plaque from the WBO for being the fastest world champion Puerto Rico has ever had.

“Grateful to Paco for this detail. Congratulations to Teofimo for his achievements, you deserve it”

“We keep growing. We made history and we will continue working hard to achieve all my goals. I do this for my fans. Let’s go for more”

Iván Calderón, former WBO world champion 105 and 108 pounds:

“Thank you WBO for everything you do with your champions and your former champions. Today we are here handing over the belt to the great Teófimo López and recognizing Oscar Collazo. On behalf of us, the champions and former champions who are here, we wish them the best and that they continue to achieve their dreams”.

Among the former champions, champions and prospects who were present participated: Samuel Serrano, Nelson Dieppa, Iván Calderón, Arely Muciño, Tatiana Ortiz, Xander Zayas, Juan Laporte, John John Molina, Ángel ‘Cholo’ Espada, Rafael del Valle, Carlos Quintana, Josué ‘Dickie’ Camacho, Alex ‘el Nene’ Sánchez, Ángel Acosta, Jonathan González, Orlando Fernández, José ‘Caguitas’ De Jesús, Daniel ‘La Cobra’ Jiménez, Orlandito del Valle, René Santiago, Wilfredo Rivera, Yomar Álamo, among others.

Photos by V. Planas / WBO

Fernando Gaztambide

WBO Press

787-598-4273