Verdejo to replace Lopez in the fight against Lomachenko?

Top Rank is preparing a reserve opponent for Vasyl Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KOs) in case of the failure of negotiations on the unification bout with Teofimo Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs). The fight is scheduled for October 3, but the American does not agree to the proposed financial terms ($1.25 million).

Lomachenko has already agreed to his purse for fighting for the IBF, WBA, WBO and WBC belts. The Ukrainian will earn 3.25 million dollars. If Lopez does not lower his expectations, Felix Verdejo (27-1, 17 KOs) will enter the ring against the Ukrainian.

The last time the Puerto Rican fought on July 16, when he knocked out Will Madeira. Verdejo met Lomachenko as an amateur at the London 2012 Olympics.