Linares is a Venezuelan professional boxer who has held the WBA and Ring Magazine lightweight titles since 2016. His last fight on March 25, 2017 was a dominant performance and rematch win over Anthony Crolla in Manchester, England. He is a four-time world champion in three weight classes, having previously held the WBC featherweight title from 2007 to 2008; the WBA super featherweight title from 2008 to 2009; and the WBC lightweight title since 2014.