Felix Verdejo Talks about his Opponent William Silva
WBO Lightweight Champion (Latino) Felix Verdejo (19-0, 14 KO) will face Brazilian William Silva (23-0, 14 KO) on February 27 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Verdejo knows that his opponent is of a much higher caliber than those he has faced so far and also spoke about what he needs to do to come out on top when facing Silva.
"We have to box, it's what I always do. Maintain a good fighting pace, not let my guard down because we know he has strong hands. We can't let ourselves get hit, but rather stick to the fight strategy we have and come out victorious, which is the important thing."
He also said that he has no problem with the way he wins, he said that winning is what matters. On the other hand, he also highlighted how he feels when he is proclaimed as the new boxing idol of Puerto Rico.
"We hope to win the fight. If the fight ends with a knockout, amen, but the important thing is to win and shine. I am proud that they expect me to be another great boxer from Puerto Rico. It is something that makes me proud to be part of the history of all Puerto Rican boxers."
"It's an honor for me to be part of a new boxing history in Puerto Rico."
The boxer nicknamed "Diamond" has stated in several interviews that his left hand is already 100% recovered. His hand was operated on in June 2015.
On December 11, 2015, Verdejo defeated Josenilson Dos Santos by technical knockout in the second round.
His trainer Ricky Marquez said that he will continue to prepare his pupil to fight 12 rounds even though the fight is scheduled for 10.
"From the beginning, I always told Felix, 'When we go up to six rounds, you have to be ready to fight eight. When we go up to eight, you have to be ready for 10. And now that we're going up to 10, he's ready to fight 12. And that's how we've done it.
"Now that we're going up to 12 rounds, that's coming soon, we'll be ready to fight 15. You'll see. He's ready for the full fight."
Source: ESPN Deportes.com