Verdejo Not Worried About Critics, Intends To Fulfill Expectations

By Victor Saalzar

New York - The national Puerto Rican Day Parade usually comes with a taste of boxing in New York’s Madison Square Garden. A big boxing card during that fight weekend has become a theme which has resonated with fighters such as Miguel Cotto and Felix Trinidad, two of the island’s most popular boxers.

On June 11th, the island’s brightest prospect makes his second appearance in the Theatre at Madison Square Garden.

For Felix Verdejo (21-0, 14 KO’s), it’s an honor and a blessing to be fighting in front of so many Puerto Ricans. However his last few performances have come with much criticism. In his last fight with Jorge Silva, he won a much maligned decision on an HBO televised card. That led to many more questions being raised. However to Verdejo, he says the opponent had something to do with his performance.

“I did my work,” Verdejo told BoxingScene.com through interpreter Gardy Lopez of Top Rank. “The opponent prepared to survive the 10 rounds. I just did my work and it wasn’t easy for me.”

A fight with Jose Felix was proposed for such that. That fight would have been seen as Verdejo’s first true test. For whatever the reason, the fight did not materialize. Instead Verdejo will take on Juan Martinez (25-2, 17 KO’s). Verdejo knows what must be done in order to fulfill the hype behind him.

“That’s the decision of my handlers,” Verdejo said in regards to not fighting Felix. “I just do my work in the gym and prepare for the fight. I’m just going to keep working hard to fulfill those expectations of me.”

Verdejo hopes to round out his 2016 with two more fights and better performances.

“I have this fight in June. After this fight, we’ll take a month off and right back to the gym for one or two more fights. That’s what I’m working for to keep growing as a fighter to fulfill those expectations.”