Orlando Cruz, Felix Verdejo return April 19 on Solo Boxeo Tecate

Former featherweight title challenger Orlando Cruz and rising prospect Felix Verdejo, both of Puerto Rico, will return to the ring on April 19, when they fight in separate bouts on Solo Boxeo Tecate, televised in the States on UniMas.

Cruz (20-3-1, 10 KO) hasn't fought since he was rather predictably outclassed by Orlando Salido on the Bradley-Marquez undercard last October, losing in his bid to win the vacant WBO featherweight title. The 32-year-old southpaw featherweight will be fighting for the NABO belt (a minor WBO title) held by Gamalier Rodriguez (23-2-3, 16 KO) in April. Puerto Rico's Rodriguez, 27, hasn't lost since 2009.

Verdejo (11-0, 8 KO) is a fast-rising lightweight star in the making, a 20-year-old who competed at London 2012 and impressed there, though he failed to medal, losing a competitive (14-9) bout to Vasyl Lomachenko in the quarterfinals. Verdejo last fought on March 22, stopping Juan Santiago in three rounds. He'll be facing Jeremy McLaurin (10-7-1, 5 KO), a 32-year-old Minnesota club fighter.

The fights will be held at the Bahia Shrine Temple in Orlando, Florida.