By Steve Kim
Top Rank will be hosting a press conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Thursday to announce their December 11th card on the island that will have Nonito Donaire facing Cesar Juarez. But the real main event to the natives will be the return of native son Felix Verdejo, who is scheduled to face Josenilson Dos Santos.
Verdejo, who's record stands at 18-0 (13 KO's)and his thought to be one of the game's rising stars. But his 2015 has been beset by injuries which have postponed more than one of his fights.
"It's OK," said Bob Arum, the head of Top Rank, which signed him out of the 2012 Olympics
."He'll make up for it next year. He's still our superstar and hugely popular with the Puerto Rican fans."
After his last bout on June 13th against Ivan Najera, Verdejo underwent surgery on his left hand which has kept him out of the ring since that juncture. He was scheduled to go on October 31st but his return was delayed to allow his hand more time to heal.
"I'm not a doctor but the doctor (Dr. Steve Shin) who did seem him is confident. He's the best hand doctor in the country," said the veteran promoter, who is bullish on Verdejo's future.
"I think (Felix) can be as big or bigger - with the fact we're handling him - than Felix Trinidad."
This card will be televised on truTV.
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.
