Lightweight champion feels he’s the man to beat Lomachenko
WBA lightweight champion Jorge Linares (44-3) is putting the finishing touches on his training camp for his May 12 match against Vasyl Lomachenko (10-1). The fight takes place at Madison Square Garden in New York and will be televised by ESPN.
During a recent training session, Linares said he has added more to his game plan every day in his training camp and that he is confident that he will be victorious against Lomachenko.
“Every day we have put a bit more strategy to beat and beat Vasyl Lomachenko. It is very good, fast and precise. It has many good qualities, but there is no perfect boxer, I always say, ‘if someone else already hit you, why do not you hit him this time?” Linares explained.
At 32, Linares feels he is at the peak of his career. The Venezuelan has accumulated 13 consecutive victories and believes that the moment is perfect to face a fighter of the caliber of Lomachenko, who is attempting to become a three division world champion in just his 12th professional fight.
Linares last fought back in January when he defeated Mercito Gesta by unanimous decision at the Forum in Inglewood, California. He was able to win by a comfortable margin, but Linares knows that it will take a great effort to beat the two-time Olympic gold medalist.
“I lost three times but I got up and took care of myself. Now I have seven or eight defenses of my title. The idea is to continue working hard and give the best of me. I’m working double or triple as much as I did for the fight against Mercito Gesta because this is the opportunity I’ve dreamed of. Why should I lose it now when I have all the skills necessary to beat Vasyl Lomachenko?” Linares said to the media recently.
Linares definitely has a complete skill set at his disposal but he is facing a guy many consider to be a once in a generation type of talent though. Can’t wait for Saturday.
By: Chris Henderson
