By Victor Salazar

New York, New York - The very hope for creating the potential next superstar of Puerto Rico is likely resting on the fists of unbeaten prospect Felix Verdejo (19-0, 14 KO’s). The talented lightweight will be making his second appearance on HBO at The Theatre in Madison Square Garden against fellow unbeaten, William Silva (23-0, 14KOs).

New York City has become a second home for Puerto Rican fighters and a place where Verdejo can build his legacy much like Felix Trinidad and Miguel Cotto did before him.

“I’m very happy to come back to the second home of the Puerto Ricans,” Verdejo told BoxingScene.com. “I’m just happy to be here fighting in New York City.”

Verdejo doesn’t know much about his opponent but wants to put the worries of his injured hand to rest.

“I don’t know much about him,” Verdejo said about Silva. “I know he fought [on the undercard] of my last fight in Puerto Rico. I just hope he comes to fight but I feel very good. I feel 100 percent, the hand is not bothering me anymore.”

The torch of Puerto Rican superstar will likely go from Cotto to Verdejo who is already a draw in Puerto Rico and in Florida as well. After Cotto’s lost to Canelo two months ago, it might be time for Verdejo to step into the spotlight.

“It just keeps motivating me to keep working harder and harder to fulfill the words that people are saying about me. It was something that I dreamed since I was a little kid but now it seems that it’s becoming a reality and I’m taking it step by step.”