Verdejo's Manager Says Flanagan Clash Possible For November

By Reynaldo 'El Papi Chulo' Sanchez

Ricky Marquez, manager and trainer of Puerto Rican prospect Felix "El Diamante" Verdejo (22-0, 15KOs), spoke with BoxingScene/Ringsidefightingnews and confirms that a showdown with WBO lightweight champion Terry Flanagan (31-0, 12KOs) is in their plans, and right now they are negotiating the terms to make this fight happen in November of 2016.

Verdejo is sitting in the number one ranked position under the WBO. There have been rumblings of the fight possibly happening on November 5th as part of the Manny Pacquiao comeback card.

"For now we are negotiating this fight. We have not finalized anything and I cannot guarantee it will be made. However, this fight is a great possibility and a great opportunity for Felix and if all goes well - possibly it will be carried out in November," Marquez said.

Marquez added - "I think Terry Flanagan is the type of opponent that should motivate Verdejo to reach the next level. Verdejo will be in a hard fight in which he must use all his resources. Surgery was successful on his hand and that matter stays in the past. Verdejo does not need any eliminator fights. I think Flanagan is the type of opponent that fans are asking for Felix and I hope we are able to do [that fight]."

"Obviously, Flanagan will be the toughest test of Verdejo's career, but we want to face a champion who won the title on his own merits and I think it will be a great fight. We believe that this fight can be made in United States or Puerto Rico. But we do not mind traveling to UK and fighting Flanagan at home. I do not think that's a problem. Winning in the UK is not easy, but I hope that Verdejo would arrive physically and mentally ready to win."

"If all of the negotiations to make the fight against Flanagan fall into place then Felix will not return until November. If there is any change in the negotiations, then we will look for another opponent. For now we are hoping to make an announcement about Verdejo."