By Miguel Rivera
Last week, Top Rank CEO's Bob Arum issued a warning that the upcoming commitment that Felix Verdejo will have on April 20 in New York, will be the last opportunity to show that he deserves to be in mix for a world title shot and to continue working with Top Rank.
Those comments did not surprise the entourage of Verdejo, who signed a contract to go pro in 2012.
"For my part, that was clear for some time," reacted Ricky Marquez, coach and manager of Verdejo, to Carlos Gonzalez. "I was not surprised (by the comments). Felix has to do his part and demonstrate [his level]."
Arum said he is disappointed that Verdejo has not captured a world title at this stage of his career. Although he maintains his support for the Puerto Rican, he was clear when he warned that patience has already reached the bottom and he expects to see positive results during the fight against Bryan Vásquez at Madison Square Garden.
The fight will be part of the ESPN Pay-Per-View undercard to the headliner between Terence Crawford and Amir Khan.
"It is logical. Everyone expects [positive results]. When you have a business you invest in it and when it's not working you have to make changes. I know Felix is ??going to show that they did not make a mistake when they placed their trust in him, "said Marquez. "I still trust him and the work he is doing."
The Costa Rican Vásquez (37-3, 29 KO) was interim champion of the World Boxing Association (WBA) at 130 pounds.
"Vásquez is short in stature, uncomfortable, but I believe Felix will be able to decipher his style, to master it and we are preparing for that," he said.
Last November, Verdejo beat Mexican Yardley Armenta Cruz by knockout. Márquez does not anticipate a similar result.
"Vasquez is the type of opponent that will fight and will demand Felix to push himself to the fullest, but it is an opportunity for the doors of the boxing world to open up again," the coach concluded.
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