Felix Verdejo was once considered the next great fighter coming out of Puerto Rico. Emphasis on the word “was.”
The 2012 Olympian was expected to be a multi-time titleholder by now but injuries and a legal battle with his trainer-manager Ricky Marquez – as well as a stunning knockout loss to Antonio Lozada in March of last year, his first setback – has hampered his career.
Now, in a move Verdejo hopes will help him regain momentum, he has parted ways with Marquez and hired respected Cuban trainer Ismael Salas, with whom he’ll work in Las Vegas.
Salas, once an amateur coach in Cuba, trains Erislandy Lara and has worked with a number of other top fighters.
“I am proud to announce that Ismael Salas will be my new coach,” Verdejo said in a statement. “I am confident that in Salas I have found the coach that will take my boxing career to the next level.”
Verdejo (25-1, 16 knockouts) last fought in April, when he defeated Bryan Vasquez by a unanimous decision. His first fight with Salas is expected to take place in January, according to ESPN.com
“Salas is a terrific trainer and I think he fits Felix’s personality. Salas is a great choice,” Top Rank Vice President Carl Moretti told the website.