Antonio Collado (15-1, 3 KOs) has set out to make up for the time lost due to his injury last year, and he is doing so at full speed in 2024. He has fought in March, April and May and is now going for his fourth fight of the course. The hand injury is forgotten and the boxer from Quintanar de la Orden will fight Kevin Baldospino (11-9-2; 3 KOs) for the WBC Continental Latino lightweight title on June 29 in Campo Real.
This is an important step in the career of the former national champion, who confesses to feeling “stronger than ever.” “I overcame the injury and the way I came back shows that I am very professional. Right now I feel very mentally strong”recognizes the Castilian boxer from La Mancha.
Collado has just defeated two rivals with a positive record such as Ricardo Hernández and Cristian Ávila. The latter, also, with 18 wins and no less than 14 KOs. “Ávila came out with everything and I had to stop him. He came to win and he is also the hardest puncher I have ever faced.” Antonio received praise from his opponent and his coach after the fight.
“For me this event for the WBC Latino is a before and after. It is a pride and a dream to be able to win a World Council title”Antonio Collado emphasizes to MARCA. The boxer from Quintanar is on cloud nine regarding the important opportunity that is presented to him: “It would be impossible to have gotten this far without a team that believes in me and without all those who fight for me below the ring. It is a day to also thank my sponsors for their help.” The young national talent adds: “I cannot be happier to be able to dedicate myself to my passion and to show all young people that to be happy they have to bet on their dreams and think that they will make them come true if they apply themselves one hundred percent to achieving it.”.
Collado, who invests almost everything he earns in his equipment and physical conditioning, now wants to focus on the WBC Latino, but also continues to make future plans. He does not forget either the other organizations or the European path: “A European would be a dream, it’s something you have to go through”. This year is about to reach its halfway point and there is still Antonio for a while in 2024.
