By Miguel Rivera

After several weeks of uncertainty, the boxer will now be able to concentrate on his first title fight against Terry Flanagan for the lightweight belt of the World Boxing Organization (WBO). 

A phone conversation originated from promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank and that was the only thing required to finally reach an agreement for the title fight between Verdejo and Flanagan. After several weeks of delays in the negotiations, Arum stepped in and, immediately, the agreements were finalized.

It will be his first title bout since Verdejo made his professional debut in late 2012. The September 16 lawsuit will be showcased at the Copper Box Arena in London.

Although Arum did not reveal the economic agreements, it is speculated that the money Verdejo will receive exceeds $ 175,000.

In fact, the Verdejo side was running the risk of the WBO going to a purse bid. That would have meant that the challenger was going to receive a smaller amount of money for challenging the champion in London.

"I see the people behind Felix as my friends and they trust my experience. Carl Moretti was having some problems in convincing them, but once I got involved, things were easily solved,"Arum told Carlos Gonzalez.

"If we won the purse bid, the fight would have been in the United States, but we would have to give Flanagan 80%. It did not make sense. I think it would have been bad to miss the opportunity for Felix to fight for the title right now. It's a fight that he can win and if he becomes champion we intend to keep him very active on our new platform (ESPN).

"This is the first step in the process. Obviously, we will not be satisfied until we make him a great star like Miguel Cotto or Felix Trinidad. Verdejo is able to do it if he trains correctly and takes things seriously."

Verdejo (23-0, 15 KOs) will remain in Puerto Rico training under the tutelage of Ricky Márquez. In the first week of August he will travel to Los Angeles to accompany Christopher 'Pitufo' Diaz for his engagement against Carlos Ruiz at the Nokia Theather.

That match will be on August 5th. The next day, Verdejo and his team will move to Big Bear, California, to use the gymnasium of Abel Sanchez, coach of Gennady Golovkin.

"Recently (Verdejo) has not looked good because he has been distracted. That will help in their concentration," said Arum, who said he will make the trip to the United Kingdom to accompany his protege.

The experienced promoter revealed that he will make the arrangements to ensure the fight is transmitted live and free of charge.

"We'll make the arrangements. We have rights in the United States and Puerto Rico, and there should be no conflicts with football matches, so we are confident that ESPN will find the space so people can see the fight live," Arum shared.