Venezuelan Jorge “ Golden Boy” Linares has a sterling opportunity to test his mettle in the December 30th fight against Mexican Javier Prieto, with the vacant WBC lightweight championship up for grabs at the smashing Metropolitan Gym in Tokyo, Japan.

Linares wrote on Twitter: “ Giving the best towards a new triumph and world title.”

His manager, Akihiko Honda, has bags of enthusiasm and hope, as does his Cuban trainer Ismael Salas.

Linares  wants to conquer the crown as he simultaneously celebrates his son's birth. The Venezuelan puncher was originally scheduled to face Prieto in Cancun on the first days of this month, but it had to be postponed and relocated.

Linares (37-3-0, 24 KO) has already fought twice this year: defeating Nihito Arakawa by decision and then knocking out to Ira Terry.  His rival, Prieto, aged 27, is two years younger than Linares, with 24 victories and 18 KO´s.