Lightweight king Jorge Linares (43-3, 27 KOs) has welcomed a bout with pound-for-pound star Vasyl Lomachenko (10-1, 8 KOs), stating that the Ukrainian “doesn’t have power”.

On January 27th, Linares defends his WBA World Lightweight Title against Mercito Gesta alongside Lucas Matthysse who faces Tewa Kiram.

Speaking to Thaboxingvoice at his training camp ahead of his bout with Gesta, Linares was asked about a potential fight with Lomachenko. “I like that fight, Lomachenko is a good fighter. I have a lot of respect for him but it’s not a difficult fight for me.

“Because we’re very similar. He has good legs, very fast and quick but he doesn’t have power. I like that style maybe it’s better for me.”

When pressed on why he felt he had an advantage he pointed to his professional experience: “He’s an Olympian, it’s a different style. Not a professional style but it’s good if he came to Lightweight. I’d stay at Lightweight for this fight. [If we fought] it would be an amazing fight for next year.”

The Venezuelan’s opponent Gesta believes he has the measure of the Champion. “I was a training partner of Linares, although he has improved I know him well. He knows how to move, how to box, but has visited the canvas, we are working on a plan to be able to come out with the victory,” warned the Filipino.

Buy BoxNation to watch Jorge Linares defend his World Title against Mercito Gesta live on January 27th, alongside Argentine slugger Lucas Matthysse taking on Tewa Kiram.

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