I tried to start a conversation with Jayson Vayson via Messenger twice, but he didn’t say much in response. He answered my two questions—about his preparation and his desire to fight Oscar Collazo—rather plainly: “OK lang” (just fine) and “Salamat po” (thank you). It’s either that he’s a snob, I’m not a good conversation starter, or maybe he’s simply not used to talking with strangers, for we haven’t met in person.
Regardless, the Philippines’ Jayson “Striker” Vayson is stepping into the biggest spotlight of his career as he challenges Oscar Collazo of Puerto Rico for the WBA and WBO minimumweight world titles. What makes this fight particularly remarkable is that Vayson hasn’t competed at the 105-pound limit in seven years. He’s been fighting at heavier weights, and dropping back down to minimum weight at this stage of his career is a serious gamble. Making that weight isn't just physically demanding—it’s risky. But he's taking that risk because the potential reward is historic: if he wins, the Philippines will hold all four major world titles in the minimumweight division—a rare and powerful statement in global boxing.
Collazo, meanwhile, is undefeated and considered one of Puerto Rico’s most promising champions. He already beat a fellow Filipino, Melvin Jerusalem, who quit on his stool during their 2023 bout—partly due to poor preparation and jet lag. Vayson’s team took that lesson seriously. He flew to the U.S. three weeks ahead of the fight and has been training at Knuckleheads Gym in Las Vegas, adjusting to the time zone and sharpening his form under top trainers. He’s not just preparing physically—he’s preparing smart.
This fight is about more than belts. For Vayson, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to change his life, elevate Filipino boxing, and prove that calculated sacrifice can overcome the odds. The drama of weight, national pride, and underdog ambition makes this matchup worth watching—regardless of the outcome.
Born on May 11, 1998, in Veruela, Agusan del Sur, Philippines, Vayson competes in the light-flyweight and flyweight divisions with an orthodox stance and a reputation for explosive power and precise timing.
He turned professional in 2016, debuting with a third-round TKO over Frankie Batuon. From there, he steadily climbed the ranks of the Philippine boxing scene, building a solid record and sharpening his skills. A turning point came when he faced Rene Mark Cuarto—an eventual IBF world champion—in a tightly contested bout that ended in a draw. That performance signaled that Vayson was ready for a higher level of competition.
In 2022, he captured the ABCO Asian Continental light-flyweight title, showcasing not just power but tactical ring IQ. However, his first major international test came in early 2023, when he traveled to Japan to face Seigo Yuri Akui. The fight ended in Vayson’s first professional loss, a unanimous decision that stung but didn’t shake his resolve.
What came next was a career-defining moment. In December 2023, Vayson returned to Japan—this time as the underdog—against former world champion Ryuya Yamanaka. Defying the odds, Vayson delivered a brutal second-round TKO, capturing the WBO Asia Pacific light-flyweight title. The boxing world took notice. Suddenly, the quiet Filipino prospect became a serious threat in the division.
In April 2024, he defended that title against Japanese fighter Takeru Inoue in Osaka. Vayson dominated the bout, even scoring a knockdown in the 10th round, and won by unanimous decision. That victory not only secured his title but also boosted him in the global rankings—earning him top-15 positions across the major boxing organizations, including No. 3 with the IBF.
The clash between Collazo and Vayson will be for the WBO, WBA, and The Ring minimumweight world titles—a massive stage for the young fighter from Mindanao. It will be held on September 20 at Fantasy Springs in Indio, California.
Let us all join hands in prayer, and perhaps this man of few words will upset the favored Collazo—and soon join the proud legacy of Filipino world champions.
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(Photo:
Champion.info)
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