According to Sara Hernandez, the lawsuit between boxer Félix "Diamante" Verdejo and his former coach and manager Ricky Márquez took a step forward on Tuesday after senior judge Ismael Álvarez Burgos dismissed the claim against the Department of Recreation and Sports (DRD), that Márquez filed, where he sought to declare that it was unconstitutional that the provisions of the Professional Boxing Regulations limit the contractual terms between handlers and boxers.

The partial ruling issued by the magistrate of the Court of First Instance of Carolina on Tuesday is part of the litigation initiated by the fighter in August of last year to request that the contract he had with Marquez be declared void - because he says the terms of the agreement they signed "are abusive and contrary to law."

Verdejo also alleges that he signed the contract under deception, without being allowed to obtain advice with a lawyer.

Márquez - through Mr. Rafael Silva Almeyda - alleged in his reply that the contract they had since 2012 is valid because it was signed under the parameters required by law and added that the extension clauses contained therein are routine in the sports industry.

Verdejo's team members were very pleased with the ruling.

"This is a fairly important step in the case because it is clear that the regulation that Felix (Verdejo) is using in the first case of action to request that the contract be declared void was validated by the court," said Colón-Serrano, the legal representative of the lightweight boxer.

"If the court had determined otherwise, that it was unconstitutional, the first cause of action would be affected. We are very satisfied with this determination. The case has started off very well. We fully agree with what the judge resolved, and we will continue forward."

Verdejo (26-1, 16 KOs), in his first bout with new trainer Ismael Salas, won a ten round unanimous decision over Manuel Rojas in January.