After coming back from the 45th annual WBC Convention that was held in Manila, Philippines, a group of reporters stayed up late and spent the night in Narita, Japan. From there, they were able to interview champions Jorge Linares and Edwin Valero, who belong to the same boxing group, Teiken Promotions, led by famous promoter Akihiko Honda.

Jorge Linares, 24-0 (15), will defend his World Boxing Council Featherweight world title, and Edwin Valero, 22-0 (22), will defend his WBA Super Featherweight world title in the same card, on December 15, in Cancun, Mexico, a great card that also includes a world eliminatory, a rematch between former world champion Rudy Lopez and the boxer who knocked him out, Naoki Matsuda.

Question: Jorge and Edwin, it is said that both of you, even though you are Venezuelan, and belong to the same boxing group, Teiken Promotions, have never been in the ring together to face each other, is that true? What are your opinions on this?

Jorge Linares: “Exactly, we have never thrown blows at each other. Edwin on his own, has performed most of his career in the U.S.A. and Venezuela; Me, I have done it in Japan and Venezuela, and we have not been at the gym at the same time. I would like to exchange some blows with him to see what happens, (laughter)