Three-weight world titlist Jorge Linares is defending his WBC lightweight title against Mexican Ivan Cano in a 12-round encounter in his native Venezuela on Saturday, October 13.
Linares (39-3-0, 26 KOs), will be defending his title for the second time since he won it against Javier Prieto via KO in the fourth round in Tokyo, Japan last August 2014. Linares is fighting in his native Venezuela for the first time in more than five years. His last fight was held last May at The O2 Arena, Greenwich, London against Kevin Mitchell to retain his WBC lightweight title. ?I?ve always wanted to fight here in Venezuela,? Linares told USA TODAY. ?The other fights here (Linares has previously fought twice in his native land) were of small magnitude, little fights. Now to come and defend the title in such a big event (as a headliner) is very motivating, not only for me but for the fan base that has never had the opportunity to see me fight live because I fight in Japan and the U.S.? he added. Linares, who has traveled to the Philippines to serve as sparing partner of Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao. is delighted to hold the fight before his local fans in Venezuela. ?For them to be able to see me fight here at home, it?s like Manny Pacquiao fighting in the Philippines, and people going crazy because they never see him live.” he said. Linares has won eight successive fights since losing to Sergio Thompson in 2012. Cano (26-3-2, 15 KOs), has won three of his last four fights with one bout ending in a draw. “This is my opportunity to show the world that I am a feared contender in the lightweight division,” said Ivan Cano. “I am coming off a victory in February, and I am ready to continue that momentum when I face Linares.”
