Following the dethronement of Filipino Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem as World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight or strawweight champion last May 16, countryman Joey “Babyface” Canoy will get a chance to bring back at least two versions of the minimumweight (105 lbs.) crown when he clashes with unified WBA-WBO champion Oscar Collazo of Puerto Rico on June 20, in California.
Canoy, who hails from General Santos City, is getting his first shot at a genuine world title.
Between 2017 and 2019, Canoy fought for the fringe International Boxing Organization (IBO) crown.
In February 2017, Canoy was stopped in seven rounds by South African Hekkie Budler in a bid for the IBO light flyweight (108 lbs.) crown.
Just five months later, July 2017, Canoy bounced back to title contention with an upset win over Jerusalem in Cebu City. Jerusalem sleepwalked and was never in the fight.
In December 2018, Canoy battled Simpiwe Konkco for the IBO minimumweight crown but the fight was declared a No Contest after four rounds. Canoy knocked down Konkco in the second round before an accidental clash of heads resulted in the fight being declared a No Contest. Konkco retained the crown under the said circumstances and wisely declined a rematch with Canoy.
In December 2019, Canoy received another shot at the IBO minimumweight crown but lost a 12-round unanimous decision to Nkosinathi Joyi in East London, South Africa. Joyi, a superb tactician, completely outclassed Canoy.
Canoy has been a roll lately, having won his last eight contests. In December 2022, he knocked out Kenichi Horikawa in seven rounds for the Orient Pacific Boxing Federation light flyweight title. In April 2025, Canoy added to his collection the WBC International minimumweight crown with a victory over Minh Phat Sam.
Collazo represents a huge jump in competition for Canoy.
The southpaw Collazo is recognized as one the best fighters in the lower weight divisions.
Collazo totes a record of 14-0 with 11knockouts. Nicknamed “El Pupilo” (The Ward), Collazo became a world champion in May 2023, after defeating Jerusalem for the WBO minimumweight belt.
In November 2024, Collazo stopped Thai Knockout CP Freshmart in seven rounds to win the WBA’s version of the minimumweight crown. The victory unified the WBO-WBA titles.
As unified WBO-WBA minimumweight champ, Collazo has successfully made three successful defenses, all by stoppage.
Early this year, Collazo was supposed to face then WBC champ Jerusalem in a rematch, but the fight was scrapped due to promotional issues. Collazo settled for Jesus Haro and predictably won by knockout within six rounds.
Canoy, who has been stopped only twice in his career, is an aggressive, pressure fighter. The Filipino is never shy to engage in a punchout and is known to be a high-octane puncher. Canoy owns a vicious left uppercut and he demonstrated this when he used the punch to flatten Horikawa.
Collazo is the smart money bet, but he has looked vulnerable lately.
Last September, Filipino challenger Jayson Vayson picked himself up from an early knockdown and found his rhythm in the middle rounds. Vayson even hurt Collazo with some body shots in the fourth round. Vayson appeared to be holding his own when his cornermen inexplicably threw in the towel in the seventh round.
Canoy-Collazo figures to be a barnburner. Canoy has been pushing leather since December 2012 and is finally getting a shot at a genuine crown after fourteen years. At age 32, Canoy knows that he is a must-win situation as he may never get another crack at a world title.
You can bet the rent money that the Filipino challenger will not go out without a fight.