By Miguel Rivera

Hot Puerto Rican lightweight prospect Felix Verdejo (14-0, 10KOs) would love to eventually face WBO interim-super featherweight champion Orlando Salido (42-12-2, 29KOs), who holds knockouts wins over Verdejo's countrymen Orlando Cruz and Juan Manuel Lopez.

Verdejo, who is slowly being groomed to be a future star, returns on Saturday night against experienced Sergio Villanueva at the Bahia Shrine Temple in Orlando, Florida. Both Verdejo and Salido are promoted by Top Rank.

"There has always been a rivalry between Puerto Ricans and Mexicans in boxing. He's a humble fighter who has worked hard for his career and deserves his rewards. If at some time we are both in the same weight, I hope that we [fight each other]," Verdejo told Carlos Narvaez.