By Miguel Rivera

According to World Boxing Organization President Francisco 'Paco' Valcarcel, his organization was advised that a deal is very close for Terry 'Turbo' Flanagan to defend his WBO lightweight title against Felix 'Diamante' Verdejo.

Verdejo is the mandatory challenger to Flanagan's world title.

Promoters Bob Arum of Top Rank [for Verdejo] and Frank Warren [for Flanagan] are working out the terms for a date in September.

Reporter Jose Sanchez of Puerto Rico spoke to several sources and mentioned a working date of September 9th in Manchester.

However, Valcárcel commented that they have not yet made it official, but he expects a deal to get finalized in the coming days for the 135-pound belt.

"I know they were negotiating and they are also close to an agreement. Bob Arum and Frank Warren talked about the fight for September, but I can not guarantee it will be September 9 as mentioned," said Valcarcel to ESPN Deportes.

The WBO Prez was told that Manchester was indeed the location being mentioned to him for the fight, but everything depends on what the promoters will finalize.

If finalized for that date - the fight would land on a very loaded day of boxing - with ongoing negotiations currently taking place to stage big events on both HBO and Showtime.

On Showtime, the rematch between Abner Mares and Leo Santa Cruz is expected to land on the date. While on HBO, there could be a super flyweight tripleheader with Roman 'Chocolatito' González facing Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Naoya Inoue vs. McJoe Arroyo, in addition to the clash between the Mexicans Juan Francisco Estrada and Carlos Cuadras.

That leaves a big question as to who will televise Flanagan-Verdejo in the United States. Top Rank is reportedly working on a new TV project, and they may place this fight on those new airwaves.