Collazo signs with Golden Boy Promotions

Former welterweight titleholder Luis Collazo has signed a promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions.

Collazo, a tough southpaw from Brooklyn, N.Y., took the WBA 147-pound title from Jose Antonio Rivera by a split decision in 2005 and successfully defended once before losing it the following year to Ricky Hatton, who won a close, unanimous decision.

Collazo lost a one-sided decision to Shane Mosley in 2007 and fell just short two years later in a memorable war against Andre Berto, the WBC titleholder at the time.

The 30-year-old stopped journeyman Franklin Gonzalez in three rounds in April, his first fight in 22 months.

"Luis Collazo has been a well-kept secret for too long," said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer in a news release. "He's a talented former world champion who has fought some of boxing's best and is eager to regain his crown.  We will make sure he gets every opportunity to shine in the coming years."

Said Collazo: "I'm honored to be a part of the best team in boxing and now I finally have a chance to show the world what I can do in the ring. I'm hungrier and better than ever and I'm not gonna stop until I'm back on top of the welterweight division."