Bout will be on same show as Guzman-Katsidis

According to a WBA press release, Venezuela's "Golden Boy" Jorge Linares will have a huge opportunity on May 26, 2007 when he faces Mexico's Oscar "Chololo" Larios for the WBC interim featherweight belt.

After a successful career in Japan, where he has been fighting for the last four years under Akihiko Honda's Teiken Promotions, Linares will make his debut in the United States.  The Venezuelan "Golden Boy" will be the co-headliner of the card in which Joan Guzman will take on Michael Katsidis in the city of Anaheim, California. Currently, Linares is the top rated fighter in the WBA featherweight ratings, while he is at the second position with the WBC.

It all seemed to be all set for Linares to dispute the WBA title against the Chris John from Indonesia, who is generally recognized as the true world champion.

However, according to Linares himself and Mr. Honda, John did everything in his power to avoid an encounter with Linares. "I have nothing personally against John. But the truth is I have to think that he has chickened out. My promoter has made several offers for him to fight me everywhere, but they came up asking for fortunes. That means that they are afraid of me," said Linares who is currently training in Los Angeles.

"I was supposed to fight Mexican Gamaliel Diaz next May 26, but suddenly this world title shot came up so I gotta take advantage of the opportunity since Chris John ducks me," the Venezuelan prospect added.

Meanwhile, Linares manager Honda explained that "John's people want 1 million dollars to face Jorge, which makes no sense. It's a shame because that is such an attractive fight that could be held either in Japan, Indonesia or even in the US. But those figures they want are out of range."

After endless negotiations, Korean Injin Chi was scheduled to defend the WBC Featherweight title against Larios next May 26. However, an apparent injury left him out and that opened the door for Linares to take his place and, therefore, he will have the chance to conquer his first world title, yet an interim one.

"I'll win that title and after that I'll go for Chris John and his WBA title, if he dares," Linares explained