By Rick Reeno

Golden Boy Promotions matchmaker Robert Diaz has confirmed to BoxingScene.com that a deal was finalized for Jorge Linares (34-3, 22KOs) to challenge Richar Abril (18-3-1, 8KOs) for the WBA lightweight championship on November 10th in Tokyo, Japan. Promoter Mr. Honda of Teiken Promotions, who co-promote Linares with Golden Boy, is staging the show.

Abril last fought in March, winning a twelve round decision over previously undefeated Sharif Bogere. Linares, a former world champion, has won three in a row since suffering back to back defeats to Antonio DeMarco and Sergio Thompson.

"We know this is going to be a tough fight because Abril has a difficult style, but I'm confident Linares can win. Linares learned from the mistakes that he made in his past fights and gained valuable experience to prepare him for a fight like this," Diaz told BoxingScene.com.