Felix Verdejo vs. Ivan Najera
Brandon Glass, Contributing Writer
Felix Verdejo is all the rage in Puerto Rico. He’s got the look and the skill sets of a star, but sadly he’s being held by the hand on his way up. He’s had 17 fights, winning 13 by knockout, and I don’t even think he’s been in a 10 rounder.
Ivan Najera has a decent record and is undefeated, but he doesn’t seem to be a real threat. I think Top Rank‘s plan is to showcase him to build some recognition in the lower 48.
Verdejo wins this fight easily and he’s somewhat fun to watch against lesser skilled cannon fodder. Personally, I’d rather they show some love to Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed and televise his undercard fight. RBRBoxing writer Leann Perez said Reed’s coming to put on a show and I believe it.
Prediction: Verdejo
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
Simply put in one word, Verdejo.
I think Felix Verdejo is miles ahead of Ivan Najera in style and skill and he wins easily going away.
Prediction: Verdejo
Michael Burnell, Staff Writer
It’s another battle of the undefeated, but a step up in class for Ivan Najera. Expect Najera to give a spirited effort and to bank some early rounds.
Around the fifth round Felix Verdejo will start pulling away and stop Najera in seven.
Prediction: Verdejo
Alex McLeish, Staff Writer
Felix Verdejo is looking to become the next Miguel Cotto, Puerto Rico’s biggest boxing superstar, but he will have to get through one tough customer this weekend in Ivan Najera.
The difference is talent and experience, while both are undefeated, Verdejo is by far the more talented fighter and has been in with stiffer competition.
Najera doesn’t really have one-punch knockout power, so take that out, and you’ve got a clear-cut decision victory for Verdejo in front of a crowd who’ll be looking to take them in as one of their own.
Prediction: Verdejo
Porfirio Barron Jr., Photographer
Felix Verdejo with a KO in the early rounds. Ivan Najera has never been in the ring with someone like Verdejo.
Prediction: Verdejo
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Some prospects are brought up to be stars, others are brought up to be fed to stars. Felix Verdejo is clearly being brought up as a star and the heir Miguel Cotto’s Puerto Rican throne.
Harold Lederman called this a showcase bout for Verdejo and when you look at the particular’s it’s obvious that he’s right. Ivan Najera, while tough, does not have the pedigree to hang with Verdejo for too long. He’s too short, too hittable and doesn’t have the offensive fire power to push Verdejo back.
Verdejo will show off his athleticism and finishing power and move on to bigger and better matchups.
Prediction: Verdejo
