According to many, Vasiliy Lomachenko’s creaky bones and advanced age will play a gigantic factor later this evening.

On the night, the former three-division champion will look to strip Devin Haney of his WBO, WBA, WBC, and IBF lightweight titles. But, despite claiming that it’s always been his dream to become an undisputed champion, countless prognosticators are convinced that Haney will shove his goals down the drain.

Those sentiments, however, aren't shared by everyone. Jorge Linares, a former foe of both Haney and Lomachenko, isn’t willing to count the Ukrainian out simply due to his age.  

“I don’t think so,” said Linares to Fight Hub TV when asked if he believes Lomachenko is a bit too long in the tooth. “I think he’s ready to make a beautiful fight. Maybe he’s thinking that this is my last opportunity. That’s why he needs to be ready for this fight.”

At the time of his showdown against Lomachenko, Linares appeared to be at a different point in his career. Once proudly holding the WBA lightweight title in 2018, the Venezuelan did his best to push back the challenge of the Ukrainian. Seemingly down on the scorecards at the halfway mark of their contest, Linares stood his ground in the center of the ring, planted his feet, and landed a pernicious left hand, one that saw Lomachenko hit the deck immediately after.

Still, in spite of the momentum shift, Lomachenko (17-2, 11 KOs) was apathetic toward his man’s attack. In the ensuing rounds, the 35-year-old flippantly went about the business of methodically breaking Linares down. What would result, ultimately, was an avalanche on the offensive end, leading to a 10th-round stoppage victory.

Linares, slyly smiling, recalls his demise. In addition to spewing an endless amount of praise on Lomachenko’s skills, Linares detailed how the former Olympic gold medalist goes about his business in the ring before punishing his foes on a given night.

“He’s fast, he has power, more than Haney I think so. He kills you little by little.”