The Road is Looking Bright for Felix Verdejo
If industry rumblings prove to be true, then lightweight contender Felix “El Diamante” Verdejo (27-1, 17 KO’s) is potentially looking at a very pretty hand. Apparently, when IBF world lightweight champion Teofimo “El Brooklyn” Lopez (15-0, 12 KO’s) bucked at his financial compensation for his upcoming bout with WBO and WBA super lightweight champion Vasiliy “Hi-Tech” Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KO’s) it opened a lane for Verdejo.
It’s still possible that the Loma vs Lopez fight goes up in smoke. In that event, its now’s being suggested that Verdejo could get the nod to tangle with Loma himself. Penning such a high profile fight such as this would be a very good look for the gifted Puerto Rican. The Top Rank fighter currently ranks as the #13 WBO, #9 IBF and #15 WBC lightweight in the world.
FURTHER OPTIONS
With his present overall standing however, Verdejo can realistically ponder other potential options outside of Loma. When looking at the IBF specifically, El Diamante is high enough to be considered a viable option for the belt-holding champion of the division Teofimo Lopez. Verdejo’s name is presently shining very brightly due to his flashy July 16 first round annihilation of Will Madera (15-1-3, 8 KO’s).
There is an upside for Team Lopez to consider Verdejo. At the least, he is not likely to incur the same hefty financial tab that Lomachenko did. So economically speaking at least, the US versus PR battle should be far easier to make.
Team Verdejo might also want to investigate securing a prizefight with former lightweight world champion Richard “RC” Commey (29-3. 26 KO’s). Commey is coming off a fresh loss to Teofimo Lopez, on December 14, 2019. However, he is still well respected and highly ranked. Furthermore, a win over Commey would catapult Verdejo into the WBC’s top ten and in striking distance of WBC world lightweight champion Devin “The Dream” Haney’s (24-0, 15 KO’s) title.
So after looking at the overall landscape, with or without Lomachenko, Felix Verdejo has quite a favorable position. It will be interesting to see who he signs on to face next.
By: Bakari Simpson
