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Lightweight contender Felix Verdejo will see action for the third time in 2020 when he returns to the ring on December 12th inside of “The Bubble” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The ESPN televised main event for the date was originally slated to be an all Mexican showdown pitting WBC 130 pound champion Miguel Berchelt against unbeaten former WBO featherweight champion Oscar Valdez. The fight had to be put on hold when Berchelt tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week and Top Rank is working on a replacement fight.
BoxingScene.com has been advised that standing across the ring from Verdejo will be Japanese contender Masayoshi Nakatani who is best known for giving unified lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez a tough fight in July, 2019. The Athletic first reported Verdejo’s opponent.
Verdejo defeated Manuel Rey Rojas by unanimous decision in January and followed that up with a 1st round knockout of Will Madera in July. This will be Nakatani’s first fight since his loss to Verdejo.
It isn’t known yet whether Lopez will remain in the division or move up to super lightweight and relinquish his titles. If the titles are vacated, a win by Verdejo would put him in prime position to fight for one of them. A victory will also put Verdejo in the mix to face Lopez if he decides to stay at 135 pounds and defend his titles.
BoxingScene.com has also been advised that two-time Cuban Olympic Gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez will also appear on the card against an opponent to be determined. Ramirez has remained very active despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The December fight will be his 5th of the year.
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