Felix Verdejo vs. Terry Flanagan in the works for September 9th in Manchester

Hey, remember how Felix Verdejo was supposed to be the Next Big Thing? Well, he might finally get a chance to prove it. His promoter, Bob Arum, is currently in negotiations with Frank Warren to pit “Diamante” against WBO champion Terry Flanagan, nominally on September 9th in Flanagan’s native Manchester.

Yes, for real this time.

Verdejo (23-0, 15 KO), who technically owns the WBO’s “Latino” lightweight title, has spent the last couple of years treading water. Three of his last four fights have gone the distance despite his opponents being unranked, although he had a fair excuse for the last one considering he missed the latter half of 2016 due to injuries from a motorcycle accident.

Flanagan’s (33-0, 13 KO) five-fight reign as a world champion, a title he originally earned when Jose Zepeda’s shoulder gave out, has seen him prowl around the middle portion of the division. The most notable defense was his last one, a wide decision over legit challenger Petr Petrov in April.

This is a fight both of these guys need, so hopefully they can put it together.