Linares is set to square-off against Ivan Cano on October 10 in his native Venezuela despite calls for ‘El Nino de Oro’ to arrange a rematch with Kevin Mitchell following their London clash in the spring.
The 30 year-old stopped Mitchell in the tenth round whilst behind on all three scorecards and an immediate return was something that predictably had plenty of support in the United Kingdom.
Initial talks proved unfruitful though and Linares opted for Cano, although Zlaticanin believes neither Mitchell or the Mexican are not worthy challengers for the champion and says he would have been happy to have travelled to Caracas this year.
“Nobody even contacted me about a fight with Jorge Linares even though I am mandatory,” Zlaticanin exclusively told World Boxing News.
“For a big fight like that I am always ready, but I think Linares has chosen a big mismatch and he just wants to be the champion for one more fight.
“He is clearly avoiding me until he cannot anymore and that’s not good for a three-division world champion. Let’s give the fans good fight and do it as soon as possible.
On Mitchell deserving another chance, Zlaticanin added: “I watched the fight and it was great fight, but Mitchell has had too many chances to become world champion. He failed many times and there are other fighters who deserve the chance.
“I am the mandatory challenger and my next fight is for world title. Linares must face me or to vacate the title. When I become champion I will fight everyone for a unification.
“I am not frustrated as I know God has big plans for me and now I have a chance I will become world champion,” he added.
