"Being in those prospects list was something that made me feel really good, but what motivated me to work harder was when my trainer told me that the difference between a prospect and a suspect is just a couple of letters. I just want to prove myself with the best and represent my people with my heart against the best fighters. It's an honor to be considered a future pay-per-view fighter and if thats the plan God has for me, I'll be there," stated fast-rising Puerto Rican lightweight sensation Felix Verdejo, who talked about his future plans and much more. Check it out!
MR: You're coming off a great win on the Cotto-Martinez undercard. Describe the atmosphere in New York for the Cotto-Martinez event? Have you ever been part of a boxing event that big in magnitude?
FV: It was a really great atmosphere with all the adrenaline my Boricua people and all the Hispanic fans put into our sport. The support they give us everywhere we go, it's really incredible. I think the only other event that I've participated in that compares to this one was in Orlando when Cotto fought Delvin Rodriguez, and the Pacquiao-Ríos event in China.
MR: Do you enjoy fighting in New York? Do you feel that New York is your second home in boxing?
FV: Yes, I do enjoy fighting in New York a lot and I think it's my second home, along with Orlando, Florida.
MR: Would you like to fight more in Puerto Rico. Are there plans for that?
FV: I would love to always fight on my island. I know that's not going to be possible, but I really want to fight in Puerto Rico in front of my people as much as possible. That's one of my dreams.
MR: Tito Trinidad has officially signed off on you as being the future star of Puerto Rico. How does that feel?
FV: That's just another blessing of the many ones I have received since turning pro. But it's also a big responsibility to fulfill all those expectations that Tito and all my people have.
MR: Are you close with Tito Trinidad? Do you two speak often? Does he mentor you?
FV: Not really, but every time we see each other, Tito will talk to me about every aspect of the sport and says he respects the way my trainer/manager Ricky Marquez, along with Top Rank, are developing my career, and having that kind of support from my childhood idol, it's something I never imagined, so I'm grateful for all of that.
MR: What is the greatest piece of advice that Tito Trinidad has given you?
FV: He told me to stay away from bad influences and to keep myself closer to the people that have been with me from the beginning. But I think Tito's humble example as an ambassador of the sport and the Hispanic people is the best advice he can ever give anyone. Without knowing, he has taught all of us how to conduct ourselves in different situations, how to accept the love of the fans and give it back in such a humble way. He is just a very special kind of person and will always have my respect and admiration.
MR: You've made a lot of "top prospects" lists in the media; some have even called you a future pay-per-view fighter. How does that make your feel? Do you think you deserve to be on that like? And do you believe that you can be a future pay-per-view fighter?
FV: Being in those prospects list was something that made me feel really good, but what motivated me to work harder was when my trainer told me that the difference between a prospect and a suspect is just a couple of letters. I just want to prove myself with the best and represent my people with my heart against the best fighters. It's an honor to be considered a future pay-per-view fighter and if thats the plan God has for me, I'll be there.
MR: Besides yourself, who are some other top prospects in boxing that we should be on the lookout for?
FV: There are a lot of good fighters coming up; my teammate Christopher "Pitufo" Diaz is one of them. People haven't seen him much, but they will. There is also Oscar Valdez, Jose Ramirez, Lomachenko, and many others.
MR: It seems like the fans are already excited for a potential Felix Verdejo vs. Oscar Valdez fight in the future. Have you thought about that?
FV: I think that's part of the sport; people will always want to see good fights and I know Oscar Valdez is a very good fighter and I admire him for that, but I will also be ready for when the time comes that we have to face each other to give the fans what they want, a great fight.
MR: In boxing, we all love the Puerto Rico vs. Mexican fights. How do you feel that Mexico wins the majority of the fights? What will it take to get Puerto Rico boxing back on top?
FV: Mexico and Puerto Rico are two countries with a lot of talented fighters and the passionate fans who follow them. There are 123 million Mexicans in Mexico alone and we are 3.5 million in Puerto Rico and another 3.5 outside the island. I respect Mexican fans, but I don't think they are winning the majority of the fights and the numbers can show you we have a huge advantage in the percentage of quality. And our trainers are doing a great job developing us to do a good job against fighters from any country, not only against our brothers from Mexico.