By Jose Sanchez, notifight.com

Ricky Marquez, manager and trainer of undefeated Puerto Rican prospect Felix Verdejo (21-0, 14KOs), is not the type of coach to sugarcoat what he feels. He was not very happy with his pupil's most recent performance.

On Saturday night at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente of Hato Rey, Verdejo went the ten round distance in a lackluster win over Jose Luis Rodriguez (18-9, 11 KOs).  Verdejo victory on February 27th was also lacking the necessary fireworks and excitement, when he won a decision over William Silva in Manhattan.

"I did not see combinations. He threw heavy punches but no combinations. I did not see the (usual) explosiveness in his hands," Marquez said shortly after Verdejo got his win.

The outcome surprised many, with Rodriguez creating unexpected difficulties Rodriguez and came into the match with eight defeats (three by knockout) and this was his first fight outside of his native country.

Marquez is planning to regroup, get Verdejo back in the gym and make the necessary adjustments before the boxer's next fight, which is scheduled to take place on June 11th at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

"We must refocus the preparation to get back that explosiveness and the stuff that he's missed. And won't allow any distractions to affect his training," Marquez said. "I think we can fight on June 11. We'll see. It's a matter of making sure that Felix feels good, that he rests for a few days and then returns to the workload."

The plans is to have Verdeo fight at least five times this year. The biggest problem his handlers are facing are the budgets for some of the televised events, which are preventing them from securing a better level of opponent.

"Our plan since last year is to make five fights for Felix this year. And for that we have to put him on UniMas cards, although the budget of these cards do not allow us to pay enough to get better known opponents," said Carl Moretti, vice president Top Rank who promote Verdejo.