Linares Rejects Roach's "Lies" - Tells Him To Bring on Pacquiao
May 4, 2017 • 8:44 PM ET
By Ryan Burton
MGM Grand, LAS VEGAS - WBC/WBA/Ring lightweight champion Jorge Linares (42-3, 27 KOs) is in Las Vegas working as an analyst for Univision for Saturday's pay-per-view clash pitting Canelo Alvarez against Julio Cesar Chavez.
Linares last fought in March when he dominated Anthony Crolla in England. He feels that he is at the peak of his career and said that he wants a big fight next.
"I need big fights. This is the best moment and I want to take advantage of it," said Linares.
At the top of his wish list is WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao who is slated to face Jeff Horn on July 2nd in Australia.
Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach recently told a group of reporters that Pacquiao knocked Linares out in a sparring session and Linares responded by saying that couldn't be further from the truth. He also said that if Roach is so confident then they should meet at a 140 pound catchweight.
"Freddie Roach said that Pacquiao knocked me out in sparring and that isn't true. I don't know why he would say those lies after I helped them get ready for a fight. If he's so confident why don't we fight each other? We can meet at 140 pounds. That wouldn't be hard for Pacquiao to make," Linares told BoxingScene.com.
Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with TGB and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Adriana's Insurance and Interjet. Lemieux vs. Reyes is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management. Matthysse vs. Taylor is a 10-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Boxing and Star Boxing. Diaz, Jr. vs. Avila is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event will take place Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. and the first fight begins at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.
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