Boxing: Vasquez-Collazo Co-Feature Added to July 16 PBC on Fox

Undefeated welterweight contender Sammy Vasquez Jr. (21-0, 155 KOs) will engage in the biggest test of his young career the next time he climbs through the ropes. “The Sergeant” will oppose former world champion Luis Collazo in the co-featured bout Premier Boxing Champions’ next event on Fox, which goes down July 16.

Vasquez will fight Collazo in a 10-round affair that will serve as the direct precursor to the heavyweight title fight between champ Deontay Wilder and Chris Arreola. The action will commence from within the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala. And Fox will televise the action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Vasquez, who did two tours of duty in Iraq while serving for the National Guard, last fought on Jan. 23 when he stopped veteran Aron Martinez after six rounds. He has not yet taken on someone with the experience or talent as Collazo, and it’s something he’s been waiting for.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I'm looking forward to showcasing my talent and skills,” said Vasquez Jr. “Luis Collazo is one of the toughest guys I've fought so far and he's definitely going to test me. My job is to go in there, handle my business and beat him worse than anyone else has. I think our styles will combine for a great battle and I'm excited to give the people another great fight.”

Collazo (36-7, 19 KOs) captured the WBA welterweight title in 2005 and defended it once before losing it to Ricky Hatton. The New Yorker came up short three years later against Andre Berto in a bid to win the WBC welterweight strap and then last July he fell short against Keith Thurman for his old WBA belt. He’s amped for the chance to take on another young fighter with a wealth of potential.

“I'm totally stoked about this fight against Sammy Vasquez,” said Collazo. “He is a talented fighter and I'm excited to test his abilities and the will that he has to keep that zero. This will be a good one.”