Team Verdejo Open To Valdez Clash, But Not Pedraza

By Rey Colon

Ricky Marquez, trainer and manager of undefeated lightweight Felix 'Diamante' Verdejo (12-0, 9 KO's), did not rule out a future brawl with Mexic's Oscar Valdez (11-0, 11 KO's), who competes in the super featherweight division and holds the NABF championship.

"That's a possibility. All fighters who are at or near our weight can be [possibilities] and especially if they are with the same company, Top Rank. That would make things easier. We know he's a good fighter and he is also being developed. Someday we would like to have the opportunity to fight with him," he said.

A future fight that Marquez ruled out is an all-Puerto Rico clash between Verdejo and José Pedraza (16-0 10 KOs), the reigning 130-pound champion under the IBO.
 
"I don't think so. That's my brother. We have spoken about that and I do not think that it ever happens. Instead, we would like Pedraza to be a champion for many years and that we'll achieve a championship someday, so Puerto Rico would share in two champions," he said.

Rey Colon covers boxing for thesportpress.com