Lomachenko vies to become threeweight world champ against Linares
NEW YORK: Vasyl Lomachenko goes for a world title in a third weight division in just his 12th pro bout on Saturday as he challenges World Boxing As sociat ion lightweight champion Jorge Linares.
Ukraine’s Lomachenko, a twotime Olympic gold medallist who has made a meteoric rise in the pro ranks, will face a daunting introduction to the 135- pound ( 61kg) class as he takes on the Venezuelan making the seventh defence of his title.
“I always want a challenge -always,” Lomachenko said. “At 130 ( pounds) we can’t organise a top fight with a champion. Then my promoter asked about if I want to move to 135 against Jorge Linares. After two seconds I said, ‘Of course I can. I can and I am ready.’”
Linares, 32, boasts a record of 443. Like Lomachenko, he possesses speed aplenty and dazzl ing technical skills.
Lomachenko won his first world title, at featherweight, in his third pro bout and became a twodivision world champion when he moved up to super featherweight in his seventh pro fight.
His last four opponents have quit mid- bout -- most recently previously unbeaten Cuban Gui l lermo Rigondeaux in a December clash in New York that went six rounds.
“Now my name is ‘ No Mas Chenko’” Lomachenko quipped in the ring after humbl ing Rigondeaux to improve to 10-1.
But Linares, who has showed his resolve in recent bouts against Anthony Crolla and Luke Campbell, says there’s no way he’ll throw in the towel.
“I will never do that, I will never give up,” he said. — AFP