Felix Verdejo, Christopher Diaz Pumped: PR Returns Finalized

SAN JUAN, PR - Two of the biggest attractions of Puerto Rican boxing today, unbeaten Puerto Rican contenders Felix 'El Diamante' Verdejo and Christopher 'Smurf' Diaz, return to the 'Isla del Encanto' to star in the featured bouts of 'Solo Boxeo Tecate 'that will take place on Saturday April 16 at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
 
Verdejo (20-0, 14 KOs) will make the fourth defense of his Latin lightweight title of the World Boxing Organization (WBO), while Diaz (15-0, 10 KO's) will fight for the youth featherweight title of the same organization. Top Rank will be announcing the respective rivals of both fighters in the very near future.
 
"I am again excited about the opportunity to fight again at Clemente, in my country, before my people. I'm happy because after a couple of weeks off and I'm in the gym working hard to refine my skills and adding weapons to my arsenal. I was not satisfied with my last fight so I'm still looking hone my skills to continue carrying our flag on my shoulders and carry it to the top of the sport, "said Verdejo.

"I'm very happy to be home again, now with a little more recognition of that audience who have seen me evolve as a fighter with my brother Felix Verdejo. I now arrive at my first title shot with a lot of motivation and an incredible desire to succeed and show the world what we Puerto Ricans are made of," said Diaz.
 
"On April 16 they will provide once again a great night of boxing on the island. The brightest stars of Puerto Rico and its biggest attractions, Felix 'El Diamante' Verdejo and Christopher 'Smurf' Diaz, will give the fans at 'La Isla del Encanto' what they are looking for at a sold out Coliseo Roberto Clemente sold," said Carl Moretti, vice president of Top Rank.
 
"We know that we must work every day with my boys to make them better fighters. I hope you can be there with us at this great event and witness a new chapter in the history of these young people that our country has seen grow and become global contenders," said Ricky Marquez, trainer and manager of Verdejo and Diaz.
 
Also on the card -  unbeaten prospects of Top Rank: junior welterweight Julian 'Hammer Hands' Rodriguez (12-0, 9 KO's) and the newly signed bantamweight Jean Carlos 'Chapito' Rivera (5-0, 3 KO's ).
 
In addition, fighters from Diamante Promotions will be in action: Jean Carlos 'El Lobo' Torres (4-0, 3 KO's) and Midyael 'The Black Diamond' Sanchez and Roberto 'The Terror of Cayey' Cruz.
 
Tickets for the card to be presented by Top Rank in association with Diamonte Promotions, at prices of $ 150 (Red Carpet), $ 100 (ringside), $ 75 (Palco Center), $ 40 (Palco) and $ 15 (General). Tickets are already on sale and can be purchased at www.TicketCenterPR.com at all Ticket Center outlets or by calling (787) 792-5000.