Launch pad for Linares vs. Abdullaev in Yekaterinburg

Three-time former champion, Jorge Linares (47-6, 29 KOs), will be facing Russian Zaur Abdullaev (14-1, 8 KOs), in a fight for the World Boxing Council Lightweight Silver title, which will also be WBC eliminatory fight, this Saturday, February 19, at the RCC Boxing Academy, in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

The winner between Linares and Abdullaev will be in an excellent position to face the undefeated WBC world champion Devin Haney.

Jorge Linares has reigned as world featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight champion, and is ranked sixth in the WBC. Abdullaev is world ranked #4 in the WBC.

The 36-year-old Venezuelan comes into the bout after losing his last fight, by twelve-round decision, to world champion Haney in May of last year.

Zaur Abdullaev comes to this bout after beating former Montenegrin champion Dejan Zlaticanin by unanimous decision in twelve rounds to win the WBC lightweight silver title, which he now defends against Linares.

Both fighters passed the official weigh-in of the evening. Linares posted 134 pounds, while Abdullaev posted 134,9 pounds.

The fight, which is promoted by RCC Boxing, will be televised on ESPN.