By Miguel Rivera

Three-time world champion Jorge Linares assured that he is in the best condition of his career to face Pablo César Cano in New York on January 18, and after that he said he was ready to face Vasiliy Lomachenko again, or even José Ramírez, as he searches for another world title.

In a conversation with ESPN Deportes, Linares said that his promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions is expiring in the near future, but that he is not really thinking beyond Cano, whom he recognized as a brave fighter, but with less speed, intelligence and experience.

"The most important thing is to stay focused on this fight, the contract [with Golden Boy] expires soon, I have this great challenge on the 18th and you have to keep thinking about that and not about what's coming up. This victory is going to be the main door for something big in a new division, a new challenge, be it with anyone, Golden Boy or another promoter, the important thing is to give the best in this new division and a new fight and see what is going to be put on the table," Linares said.

The popular Venezuelan reiterated that only a rematch against Lomachenko would make him return to 135 pounds, but if there is a championship fight at 140 pounds, he'll consider that José Ramírez could be the option.

"I would like the second fight with Lomachenko because I know I can beat him, I did what no other fighter could (knock him down), and only for that fight would I go to 135 pounds," said Jorge.

"(José) Ramírez, I know him well because we have worked together and he has not changed much in the ring, but the most important thing is to focus on this fight and after that Ramírez would be closer and then we would look for one opponent."

About the fight with Cano, which will be distributed by DAZN on American soil, Linares is aware of the risks, but also of his advantages.

"Cano is a boxer adapted to this division, but with the experience I have, my work, always working with fighters at 140, 145, 150. For this fight I did more than 120 rounds of sparring, I feel better than when I fought with Lomachenko," he said.