New Video of the Former Lightweight Champ!

Former world champ Jorge Linares (31-2, 20 KOs) is looking for revenge.

During a bloody action-packed battle last October versus Antonio DeMarco (26-2-1, 19 KOs), the Venezuelan lost in the 11th round by TKO. After leading on all three official scorecards, a deep gash on the bridge of his nose and a cut on his eye changed the game. The cuts worsened as the combat continued with DeMarco seizing an opportunity and scoring the TKO victory while capturing the vacant WBC Lightweight belt.

Now almost four months later, the Teiken Promotions star is seeking revenge and hoping for an anticipated DeMarco rematch.

I recently caught up with Jorge, who trains at the Wild Card with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach. The boxer, 26, said he’s planning on fighting on March 24–his first return to the ring after his defeat at the hands of the Mexican warrior. And after this match, he wants the rematch with Tony.

While chatting with the slugger I quickly scanned his face to check for any residual signs of his upset loss. All I saw was a slight scar on his nose leftover from his collision against the southpaw DeMarco.

While the cuts have healed, many wonder if he can rebound after the busted nose and perhaps a broken heart suffered from the 2011 shocking defeat?

That was one of the first things I asked the fighter, who trained for years in Japan. Jorge’s face lit up at the thought of a rematch–and a chance to avenge this heartbreaking loss on his ledger. Losing (after suffering that blood-spurting slit) has NOT deterred his desire to get back in the ring. He says he’s still hungry for a second bout.

Jorge definitely wants to face DeMarco again, as does his trainer Roach. Freddie told me: “I think they mandated a rematch–and I’m looking forward to it!”

His two pupils, Manny Pacquiao and Jorge Linares, trained and sparred together last fall in preparation for their respective bouts last year.

And if Linares vs. DeMarco II does take place, what would Freddie do differently?

“Well not get caught up in the fight so much, and boxing that guy like we did in the first five rounds,” the HBO “On Freddie Roach” star replied in regards to his counter puncher, “and not exchanging with him so much.”

What’s his prediction if a second encounter happens?

“Linares should beat him easy!” Roach replies confidently.

Jorge is also eyeing a rematch in the future; the former amateur star says he’s looking forward to having a great year. Boxing’s in his blood; the 26-year-old comes from a fighting family with brothers Carlos Linares and Nelson Linares also professional prizefighters.

In this new video, the former WBA and WBC titleholder talks about what’s he’s hoping for in the future–especially the rematch he’s seeking.

“I want the rematch this year; I really want this rematch,” the Venezuelan Golden Boy fighter says. “I really want this to happen and I know I can beat him. I was winning–I know HOW to beat him.”

This is a showdown that fans would want to see too as their first fight had everyone talking.

In his own words, here’s my update with Jorge Linares.

Photos by Maria Hedrick

Jorge Linares Interview Link: