Felix Verdejo: record, next fight and profile →
Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum is confident that Felix Verdejo is ready to make the big jump. The move is dependent on the approval of his veteran matchmakers Brad Goodman and Bruce Trampler.
In an article that ran on BoxingScene.com on Thursday morning, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum stated that former eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao would like to return to the ring if his duties as a newly elected senator will afford him the necessary time needed to conduct a full training camp.
Derry Mathews has thrown down the gauntlet to one of his division’s rising stars. The Liverpool lightweight has been out of the ring since dropping a decision to WBO world champion Terry Flanagan in March but is preparing for his return. Mathews, 32, has a more-than-respectable ledger of 38-10-2 (20 KOs) and has talked about adding to that record, potentially against undefeated Puerto Rican prospect Felix Verdejo.
On Sunday an article ran on BoxingScene.com in which Ricky Marquez, the manager and trainer of unbeaten lightweight Felix Verdejo (22-0) and lightweight contender Jose Felix Jr. (33-1-1) traded words over a potential fight between the Puerto Rican and Mexican.
Mexico's Jose Felix Jr. (33-1-1, 25KOs) is crying out for an opportunity to face the Puerto Rican sensation Felix Verdejo (22-0, 15KOs). Felix Jr. is insisting that Top Rank, who promote both boxers, finalize a fight against Verdejo to determine which one of them is in a better position to fight for a world title.
Last Saturday night, Felix Verdejo celebrated Puerto Rico Day a few hours early with a brutal beating of Juan Jose Martinez. The 23-year-old Verdejo came off two lackluster victories, albeit unanimous decisions. He admitted heading into the bout he needs to impress at the Garden to set up some lucrative lightweight fights. Did he ever, stopping Martinez 2:40 into the fifth round.
As was the case on this very weekend one year ago, HBO and Showtime both struggled in the ratings department following dueling network boxing telecasts this past Saturday.
A few years ago, Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum signed a group of top amateurs including Jose Ramirez, Oscar Valdez, Felix Verdejo and the pick of the litter - two-time Olympic gold medal winner Vasyl Lomachenko.
Verdejo vs. Martinez Photos - After two less than thrilling outings, rising Puerto Rican star Felix Verdejo got the knockout he wanted, finishing Mexico's Juan Jose Martinez in the fifth round, retaining his WBO Latino lightweight title in the process.
The Theater, Madison Square Garden, New York - After two less than thrilling outings, rising Puerto Rican star Felix Verdejo got the knockout he wanted, finishing Mexico's Juan Jose Martinez in the fifth round, retaining his WBO Latino lightweight title in the process.