Wednesday 26 July 2017 07:42, UK
Jorge Linares is hopeful of fighting Mikey Garcia but doubts whether the American will return to the lightweight division after his battle with Adrien Broner.
WBC lightweight world champion, Garcia, unbeaten in 36 fights, will take on fellow multi-division title-holder, Broner, this Saturday night in a super-lightweight showdown at the Barclays Center in New York, live on Sky Sports.
Linares, the WBA belt holder at 135lbs, believes Garcia will overcome Broner, but doubts whether the Californian will return to the lightweight division.
If Garcia wants to fight me, I will fight him but I don't think he will come back down to 135lbs.
Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, Linares said: "If Garcia wants to fight me, I will fight him, but I don't think he will come back down to 135lbs.
"He has had problems with the weight and he looks like a super-lightweight now - the best weight for him.
"For me, lightweight is good and I need a big opportunity and maybe next year I will move up to 140lbs."
Linares is a big fan of the hard-hitting American and believes that Garcia is only going from strength to strength.
"I don't know what will happen this Saturday but I think Garcia will win.
"I want Mikey Garcia to win. He has hunger right now. He had almost two years out of boxing and every time I've seen him fight, he has looked better and stronger.
"I saw his last fight and it was easy - he is a different level. He's a good guy, a good person and a very good talent."
Watch Broner vs Garcia live from the Barclays Center, Brooklyn, from 1am, Sunday, July 30, on Sky Sports Action (Ch407).
