Verdejo Returns to Orlando Saturday
Photo by Peter Amador/Top Rank
Press Release
Orlando, Fla. – Orlando Cruz of Puerto Rico returns to the ring to challenge NABO featherweight champion Gamilier Rodriguez on a fight card which will include the undefeated electrifying Puerto Rico Olympian Felix Verdejo at the Bahia Shriners Event Center on Saturday, April 19.
Top Rank and All-Star Boxing made the announcement today.
Cruz, stopped by world champion Orlando Salido in October, said he is anxious to get back into the ring.
“I want to thank Top Rank and All-Star Boxing for this opportunity to redeem myself by getting me this title fight with Rodriguez. By winning this fight, I will be right back on the verge of another world title opportunity and conquer my dream of being a world champion,” Cruz said.
The Gamilier vs Rodriguez title fight plus Verdejo, in a six round lightweight bout will be televised on Solo Boxeo Tecate on UniMas.
Gamilier, from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, has a record of 23-2-3, 16 KOs. He has won 15 fights in a row, unbeaten since 2009. This will be his 4th defense of his NABO featherweight crown.
Cruz has a record of 20-3-1, 10 KOs. He is a former WBO Latin American champion and has fought 11 times with a title on the line.
Gamilier vs Cruz is scheduled for 10 rounds for the NABO crown.
[slideshow_deploy id=’17355′]
Photos by Peter Amador/Top Rank
Verdejo is coming off a spectacular knockout win over Juan Santiago in Caguas, Puerto. Verdejo is a rising star with a record of 11-0, 8 KOs.
Verdejo will take on Ivan Zavala (6-5-1, 2 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in a six round lightweight bout.
“I am looking forward to going back to Orlando because we have a large community of Puerto Rican people there and they come out to support me. I also have many friends there who I known since I was a kid”, said Verdejo, who in Orlando onOctober 5 of last year in the undercard of Miguel Cotto debut in Florida.
“I have trained very hard and want to give the people a great fight. This is another important fight in my development as a fighter,” added Verdejo, who will arrive in Orlando tomorrow with his team led by his trainer Ricky Marquez.
Tickets are available now at $52.00 ringside and $27 reserved. Please call 407- 660-8822 for ticket information. The Bahia Shriners Event Center is located at 2300 Pembrook Drive, Orlando, Fla. 32810.
