By Jake Donovan

It’s clear from his last fight in the area as well as the one coming up that the New York City fan base has truly taken to Felix Verdejo. The rising young star from Puerto Rico will make his sixth appearance in the region – including his fifth on Madison Square Garden property – when he comes to town for a February 27 clash with fellow unbeaten lightweight William Silva.

The bout serves as the opening leg of an HBO-televised doubleheader live from Madison Square Garden Theatre. Headlining the show is unbeaten Terence Crawford, who makes the second defense of his super lightweight title versus Hank Lundy.

Verdejo made his HBO debut last June, appearing in the same venue and in similar capacity in his one-sided points win over previously unbeaten Ivan Najera. The bout served as the chief support to Nicholas Walters’ decision win over Miguel Marriaga.

The 22-year old finds himself in familiar surroundings in once again fighting at the Theatre and on HBO. Whereas he was the main draw on an otherwise lackluster evening last summer that saw his fans walk out during the main event, ticket buyers have responded in droves this time around. Less than 600 tickets remain, with promoter Top Rank expecting the show to be sold out midway through fight week, undoubtedly with an abundance of Boricua flags on full display.

The only unfamiliar part is the physical aspects presented by his largely unknown opponent. At 6’1” and boasting a 71” reach, Silva (23-0, 14KOs) is among taller lightweights in the world. As such, mimicking his fighting style can be a tough task – some would say a “tall order” – but all you can do in that regard is proceed with the available resources.

“I never fought anyone as tall,” Verdejo (19-0, 14KOs) acknowledged during a recent media conference call to discuss the fight. “But I have been sparring with taller opponents in preparation for this fight.”

The best look Verdejo was given at Silva was when the two appeared on the same show last December in San Juan. Silva served as undercard filler, scoring a third round knockout of Bayan Jargal. Verdejo topped the show in his hometown, returning from recurring hand injuries – and subsequent surgery – to knockout Silva’s countryman Joselinson Dos Santos in two rounds.

While the height may be a factor, skill ultimately prevails in such scenarios. Verdejo boasts that in spades, from his amateur pedigree – having served on the 2012 Puerto Rico Olympic boxing team – to his ascension from rising prospect to budding contender in the pro ranks.

Besides, there exists additional motivation to overcome any such obstacles and prevail in spectacular fashion.

“Whenever I face an undefeated fighter, it gives me extra motivation,” Verdejo admits. “I want to beat him and take away his “0”, so that I leave the ring as the only undefeated fighter.

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox