By Francisco Salazar
Felix Verdejo seems to have it all so far as a professional prizefighter.
Charisma, the adoration of Puerto-Rican fight fans, and talent that is making him a can’t-miss prospect who could become a world champion.
Not to mention he is only 21 years of age.
It all may be a piece of cake for Verdejo, but he is the first to tell you that the undefeated record and the weight of being a popular, young fighter are not easy. He takes it in stride, as one bad outing or a loss could open the door for criticism.
Verdejo will his most experienced foe to date on Saturday night, when he faces Sergio Villanueva in a scheduled eight round lightweight bout at the Bahia Shrine Temple in Orlando, Florida. The bout, along with the Gamalier Rodriguez-Martin Cardona bout, will be televised on UniMas. The “Solo Boxeo Tecate” card will air beginning at 11 p.m. ET/PT.
Verdejo (14-0, 10 KOs) is coming off a one-sided eight round unanimous decision win over Oscar Bravo on August 16 in Caguas, Puerto Rico. Prior to the Bravo fight, Verdejo decimated four opponents in a row, where he fought a total of six rounds in those four wins.
While fight fans generally appreciate and yearn for highlight-reel knockouts, Verdejo believes fighting often and gaining rounds has its benefits.
“I like going the distance, because I gain a lot of experience,” Verdejo told Boxingscene.com over the phone earlier this week. “I face different styles and I get different looks from fighters. I learn how and when to counterattack or to box.”
He will face a veteran fighter in Villanueva, who could give Verdejo different looks. The aggressive Mexican has faced the likes of Jose Pedraza and Rey Bautista. In the Bautista bout, Villanueva lost a close 10 round unanimous decision.
Although Verdejo is favored to win, he is not taking Villanueva lightly.
“He’s a good fighter and he comes forward,” said Verdejo, who is promoted by Top Rank. “He has a lot of experience and I respect Mexican fighters. I just have to be well-prepared and gain that experience in fighting these types of boxers.”
Verdejo, who made his professional debut after winning the Bronze Medal in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, is being brought along slowly by Top Rank.
“I’ve been progressing little by little. I don’t mind the pace.”
While he has demonstrated his patience and growth as a young prizefighter, he appreciates a few amenities that fighters may take for granted.
His faith in God has strengthened his resolve, while the growing legion of Puerto Rican fight fans who show up for open workouts and his fights motivate him.
While some young fighters may get caught up in the fan support, Verdejo is mature enough to create a balance of enjoying interacting with fans, but to never stray away from what has kept him unbeaten thus far.
“I’m happy with the love and support I get from fight fans. I’m happy fighting in Orlando (for Saturday’s fight) and am grateful when I fight in Puerto Rico.
“God is my life. God dictates my life and I have a close relationship with him. He keeps me grounded so I can work hard and remain humble. He keeps me being a good person.”
Verdejo has a bright future in the sport. What he is doing thus far has translated to an unbeaten record and a growing fan base. While he has accomplished a great deal thus far, he will point out he could not be where he is if it were not for his managerial and promotional team, along with his faith.
Verdejo could fight once more in 2014, but there could be a push for Verdejo to have a solid 2015 campaign, one that could include scheduled 10 and 12 round fights and possible regional title opportunities.
But first things first, Verdejo has to get by Villanueva.
“I’m thankful for these opportunities. I hope to get lots of them in 2015.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Salazar also covers boxing for the Ventura County (CA) Star newspaper, RingTV, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing