Jorge Linares returns home

Newly crowned WBC lightweight champion Jorge "El Nino de Oro" Linares (39-3, 26 KOs) will step into the ring tonight in his home country of Venezuela in the hopes of continuing his resurgence into the boxing world. Linares was once considered one of the hottest prospects in boxing. Many felt that he could one day be a huge star when he was rising through the rankings. But in 2009, Linares was knocked out in the first round by Juan Carlos Salgado. The loss stalled his rise, and two years later, after he had built up a few victories, his winning ways would once again come to a halt by losing by 11th round TKO to Antonio Demarco. In his comeback fight a few months later, Linares would again suffer a TKO loss to Sergio Thompson.

It seemed like his career was over. The once hot prospect had been all but written off. Linares would continue his boxing career a few months later despite the setbacks. Since then he has yet to lose with his biggest win coming this past May where he travelled to the UK to defeat a tough Kevin Mitchell by 10th round TKO. Now, Linares is looking to keep his title and continue to fight the best fighter's in the world.

"I am ready to continue dominating the lightweight division and ready to bring a big night of boxing to Venezuela on October 10," said Jorge Linares. "This is a great homecoming for me. After traveling for most of my career I am proud to bring the title to Venezuela and be able to defend it at home. On October 10, I will continue to show why I am a champion at 135 pounds."