By Miguel Rivera

As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, Felix "El Diamante" Verdejo will return to the ring on March 17 at the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York, and there is no one happier than his ex-gym partner, Christopher "Pitufo" Diaz.

After a long absence, Verdejo, with a record of 23-0 and 15 KO's, will see action along with Diaz on that card on St. Patrick's Day - just over a year after his last fight.

"I am one of the people who believes the most in Felix," Diaz said to Jose Barteolmei.

On February 3, Verdejo struggled to keep his undefeated record intact as he won by unanimous decision over Nicaraguan Oliver Flores in a contest held at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan.

From there, the 24-year-old fighter did not see action again throughout the entire year.

Verdejo was supposed to have a showdown against Terry Flanagan in mid-2017, but the Briton suffered several injuries and the fight was postponed.

But the bad luck returned to the Puerto Rican and after suffering a hand injury in September while showering, and a planned fight was canceled.

"He needs to focus and have a desire to do what he does," Díaz said.

"Felix is a sensational talent. He is one of the most talented boxers. He has to exploit that and use it. There are times when one loses the hunger to win. But I believe in him a lot. I'm sure that on March 17 we will see a different Felix," added Diaz.

Pitufo (22-0, 14 KO's) and Verdejo are two of the main young boxers who are on the rise in Puerto Rico and looking to become superstars in wake of the retirement of Miguel Cotto.

"This litter [of new Puerto Rican fighters] is going to create a lot of talk," Diaz said. "Angel 'Tito' Acosta is a humble boy who trains hard and dedicated. While Alberto Machado I know and, as they say, is the bread of God. There is also Emmanuel Rodriguez, who has exceptional talent."