Linares is treading water as a clash with Mikey Garcia has been put off until the summer and De La Hoya is hoping to pit the powerful Venezuelan against the number two pound for pound star.
A date of May 12 on HBO has been proposed by Golden Boy Promotions, although De La Hoya has now issued an ultimatum to both Lomachenko and Top Rank promoter Bob Arum regarding the contest.
“Over the last days, there has been a lot of rumor and speculation about the potential fight between Jorge Linares and Vasyl Lomachenko. The facts are pretty clear,” said De La Hoya.
“Linares wants this fight, Golden Boy wants this fight and Mr. Honda (Linares’ representative) wants this fight. And collectively we are doing everything we can to get these two champions into the ring.”
In a clear swipe at Arum’s stalling, De La Hoya added: “We know of no bylaw, Ukranian holiday or ‘Magic Day’ – in the words of Bob Arum, that mandates that Lomachenko can only fight on one day during the spring and summer month — May 12th.
“While Linares is happy to fight on any other date of the calendar, if Lomachenko absolutely, positively must fight on the 12th we have a solution. HBO is willing to pay more for the fight than is currently being offered, and they would do it on May 12th.
“So, Lomachenko has three options. 1 – Fight on May 12th on HBO. 2 – Fight on any other day on the calendar. 3 – Walk away from the fight all fans of the sport want to see.
“I am hopeful he chooses one of the first two,” outlined De La Hoya.
Lomachenko is moving up further in his pursuit of a third world title in as many weight divisions, whilst Linares is regarded as the biggest lightweight star on the planet and bids to secure his legacy further.
