By Chris Glover
Hulu Theater, Madison Square Garden, New York City - Chief support saw Pablo Cesar Cano demolish 3 weight World Champion Jorge Linares in round one, sending the South American Superstar to the canvas three times before the referee jumped in to save Linares from a probable fourth knockdown.
Cano retained his WBC International Super Lightweight title; whilst Linares revealed post-fight that the move up in weight had taken an effect on his body, and put his future into question whilst scuppering a potential showdown with WBO World Super Lightweight King Maurice Hooker.
Pablo Cesar Cano
On his upset win:
“I am happy, I am very content. All of my career I have wanted a victory of this magnitude against a fighter of this caliber like Jorge Linares. And what better way to win it than in this fashion. Today in the best moment of my life and career, it was an honor to fight a three-time champion in Jorge Linares.”
On having an 11-month layoff last year:
“Well, I just thank God for the team around me and the people who give me advice to take a good rest. I appreciate it because it shows that it did me good.”
On a potential title fight with Maurice Hooker:
“Absolutely. We are Mexican. We are warriors and we are here to fight whoever.”
Jorge Linares
On the knockout loss:
“He surprised me with the big right hand. He had power in his punch.”
On fighting at 140 lbs.:
“It was so different. Five pounds is so different. But before at 135, I was feeling better but I moved to 140 because it was too hard to make. The weight is hard. His body is bigger. He has an amazing punch.”
On what’s next:
“I’ve got to think about it. I have to take some time and talk to my team to see if I should go back down to 135 lbs. or stay at 140 lbs. But most important is my health so I will take time and decide where to go next.”
