WBC world lightweight champion Jorge Linares (39-3, 26 KOs) of Venezuela returns to the ring this Saturday night. Linares has won three world titles in three different weight classes. This will be his second defense of his lightweight world title. His opponent will be Ivan Cano (23-6-2, 15 KOs) of Mexico. The particular defense will be extra special as Linares will be fighting in his native Venezuela for the first time in over 5 years. This will also be the first time Linares has fought in Venezuela as a world champion and defended his title. The site location will be the El Poliedro in Caracas, Venezuela.
Linares was in an epic fight last time out which was his first title defense. He took on Kevin Mitchell in the latter’s native United Kingdom. Linares was dropped in round 5. He survived the knockdown but appeared to be on his way to being dethroned. Linares was trailing on two of the official judges scorecards heading into the championship rounds. Linares would drop Mitchell in round 10 in route to stopping him in the very same round. It was a very close call for Linares but he showed he was a true champion and closed the show.
Cano and Linares share a common opponent in Javier Prieto. Linares stopped Prieto inside the distance to win the current world title he now holds. Cano had back to back draws with Prieto. This is where the likes of Cano and Linares end. This will be a major step up in class for Cano especially as the visitor. Linares has been upset in all of his three losses and inside the distance. The last thing he can do look past Cano. This is Cano’s first opportunity at a world title. He will likely be in the best shape of his boxing career and fight the absolute best he has ever fought. It’s up to Linares to establish the tone early that he is a world champion for a reason. Its highly expected that Linares will make his return home a successful one.
