Is Oscar Collazo afraid of Pedro Taduran?

No.

The Puerto Rican two-belt champion’s decision to instead pick on Melvin Jerusalem is simply a strategic move.

It’s a commercial and marketing maneuver as well.

Holder of the World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Association 105-pound belts, the undefeated Collazo began posting on social media as early as December last year his training sessions, including roadwork and gym time.

At around the same time, Jerusalem was also seen in Cebu City doing almost the very same thing.

Meanwhile, Collazo kept mum on who’s he going to fight next, leaving Filipino fight fans at a loss as to what’s going to happen down the road.

Taduran, thinking that he might secure that date with Collazo, flew to America on New Year’s Day 2026, fueling speculations that he could be the choice.

But just a couple of weeks into his stay, his team received the news that Collazo wasn’t interested in facing him.

Not now, at least.

So, here’s what Collazo is going to do.

By taking on Jerusalem in a rematch, he gets the opportunity to toughen up.

While Jerusalem is no longer the same fighter he mauled almost three years ago in Indio, California, Collazo has a psychological advantage over him.

In that fight, Collazo forced Jerusalem to quit on his stool, something that doesn’t happen frequently.

Knowing that he’s got Jerusalem’s number, he gets the chance to improve on his craft and further boost his reputation as he heads into a showdown with Taduran with all belts, including that of The Ring, likewise at stake.

By repeating a win over Jerusalem, Collazo makes himself a bigger fighter, someone oozing with intimidation vibes and bold financial image.

Imagine, if he ends up tangling with Taduran with five — yes, five straps — on the line.

That would be a megabuck matchup that could end up being fought under the auspices of the Saudis in Riyadh.

So, Collazo isn’t scared of getting on top of the ring with Taduran.

What he sees in Taduran is a real threat, somebody who can turn his dreams into a nightmare.

As for fight fans, especially Taduran followers, let Collazo get his wish.

To become undisputed, Collazo has to go through Taduran, anyway.

I am telling you, it will be worth the wait.