By Miguel Rivera
Veteran trainer Evangelista Cotto is impressed so far, with the level of talent in once-beaten Puerto Rican Olympian Felix Verdejo.
Evangelista led his superstar nephew, Miguel Cotto, to several world titles.
The two eventually had a falling out many years ago - and from that point Evangelista vanished away from training pro fighters, until he received the call to join the team of Verdejo.
In March, Verdejo suffered an unexpected loss by technical knockout to Antonio Lozada, Jr.
Immediately afterwards, Verdejo's manager and trainer, Ricky Marquez, began the process of locating a second voice. And the name that was repeated, as he said, was that of Evangelista Cotto.
"Everything went through Ricky. He called me, I did not think twice and here we are working," shared Cotto to Carlos Gonzalez.
"They say I'm characterized by how strong I am with the fighters, I've even looked for problems with them, but in the case of Felix, he has an incredible attitude that motivates him to work. It's like a new start when you have a boxer with such a positive attitude.
"The important thing is how Felix feels. I want (Verdejo) to feel good for when he goes to the fights and do what he knows how to do. He is a boy with incredible talent. It's a just matter of things being presented to him and that's just around the corner."
For Verdejo, listening to a different voice does not represent an obstacle. On the contrary, he is convinced that it is beneficial for his development as a boxer.
"It's an honor that an experienced person who knows a lot about this sport and who can help me with my career," Verdejo said.
"Up until now, the chemistry between us has been very good. We are just beginning and I know it will be of benefit to me. If it was up to me, I'd fight tomorrow. I am eager to return to the ring, but it is a matter of preparing myself well to test everything we are working on."
