Jorge Linares is just over a month away from the biggest fight of his career. The Venezuelan will put his WBA lightweight world title on the line when he comes together with Lomachenko on May 12th.
Despite his proven credentials as a very astute and seasoned champion, many view Linares as an overwhelming underdog in the matchup.
Linares began his statements by acknowledging he is in there with a special fighter, but claims that is only adding fuel to his fire.
Happy Sunday ♥️ pic.twitter.com/FGTWTRdG88
— Jorge Linares (@JorgeLinares) April 1, 2018
“I know he’s good, the best pound for pound and that’s enough to be motivated.”
Linares also says he feels confident if Orlando Salido was able to triumph against Lomachenko, there is no reason he cannot secure the same outcome.
It’s a dream come true to fight on May 12 with Lomachenko, and if one (Orlando Salido) fighter beat him, why can’t someone beat him again,” said Linares to ESPN Deportes.
“Vasyl had an excellent amateur career, but when he was given a good and experienced opponent – he lost.”
“With the others, he has been in with recently, it’s not a big deal.”
Linares went on to comment that he felt the Ukranian 2-time Olympic Gold medal winner didn’t look impressive in his last fight. This is despite the fact he was taking on a fellow 2-time Olympic medal winner in the form of Guillermo Rigondeaux and he barely laid a glove on the man they’ve dubbed ‘Hi-Tech.’
El niño de oro @JorgeLinares 🥊 no pierde tiempo 💪🏻 y entrena al mejor estilo de Rocky Balboa, preparándose para el enfrentamiento ante @VasylLomachenko que se desarrollará el próximo 12 de mayo y podrás verlo por #LaTeleTuya. pic.twitter.com/xhodRHatq9
— TLT ¡La Tele Tuya! (@LaTeleTuya) April 4, 2018
“The last fight with (Guillermo) Rigondeaux he looked really bad. I’m telling you that I have always admired Lomachenko and I stopped watching the fight because he bored me.”
Linares also bullishly claimed he views Lomachenko’s time as a professional fighter somewhat protected.
“Lomachenko has been protected as a professional, we have to see what he has because now he is facing a very experienced boxer in the best moment of his career.”
Analysing the matchup that will tactically play out on May 12, Linares says both he and Lomachenko are technical fighters. Linares added the clash of a southpaw and orthodox fighter makes things interesting.
Linares was also quick to point out the size difference between himself a full-fledged lightweight with Lomachenko who has risen through the ranks from the featherweight limit of 126 lbs.
“We will see what he brings. It’s going to be interesting, we’re pretty technical fighters, it’s a good fight.”
Jorge Linares se une a nuestro show de hoy. No te pierdas la entrevista @JorgeLinares 👑🥊 @mauriciopedroza@Faitelson_ESPNpic.twitter.com/DeQzQ3mkdy
— Ahora o Nunca ESPN (@ahoraonuncaespn) March 29, 2018
“I’m right and he’s left-handed. We will see how good he is going to be and then take advantage of the fact that I am bigger.”
“We will see how he comes out.
“If he goes out to box or to attack because he is going to face a fighter who is two times bigger than him;” Lomachenko concluded.
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