By Miguel Rivera
Puerto Rico's Felix 'El Diamante' Verdejo is ready to revamp his career after an unexpected defeat by TKO in March.
The Puerto Rican is clear that his upcoming fight against Yardley Armenta Cruz will possibly define his future in boxing.
The contest takes place on Saturday, November 10, during a card being staged at the Mario 'Quijote' Morales coliseum in Guaynabo.
"I have not fought for a while after my defeat. It's an important fight, a new beginning in my career," confessed Verdejo (23-1, 13 KO) to Carlos Gonzalez.
"This fight is more important than my first because the hunger to win and train has returned. I'm going to give the best of me."
Verdejo will be under the microscope again after a series of missteps that includes an accident while driving a motorbike and, in turn, the TKO loss to Antonio Lozada that diverted any chance of aspiring to a world title.
"I want a strong victory so that people see that I have returned and that Felix will be around for a long time," Verdejo said.
"I lacked a bit of focus, I stayed up late, giving me a crazy life, but I've matured and learned from the mistakes I've had along the way. Now I come with more wisdom."
"It's time to show off and do it at home. It is not a time to rest because it is now or never. In Top Rank I get scolded by them and it's because they know I can give more. It is a matter of putting in effort and continuing to pay attention to people who know."
Ricky Marquez, coach and manager of Verdejo, agreed that the contest against Armenta Cruz will be the first step for his protege to return to the forefront of boxing.
"It will be the rebirth of his career after the setback we had. We all learned a lot. The opponent was selected by Top Rank, and Felix is ??ready. We hope he looks good," said the coach.
