An undeniable and mouthwatering showdown between Vasiliy Lomachenko and Devin Haney is ostensibly next for both fighters. Haney, of course, established himself as the man to beat in the lightweight division following back-to-back triumphs over George Kambosos Jr.

With the 23-year-old keeping a firm grip on the WBO, WBC, WBA, and IBF 135-pound titles, Lomachenko (17-2, 11 KOs) has entered his bid as he vies for a shot at the undisputed crown. Seemingly cementing himself as a top contender, the 34-year-old former champion pushed past the extremely skilled and durable Jamaine Ortiz this past Saturday night in Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater.

Intrigued by Lomachenko’s ring return, Jorge Linares snuggled into his ringside seat to take in the sights. While he nodded and cheered for his former rival and now close friend, Linares, having shared the ring with him in 2018, believes that his time near the top of the division could be coming to an end.

“Lomachenko is Lomachenko but he’s not the same,” said Linares during an interview with BoxingScene.com.  

In addition to Ukraine’s Lomachenko dealing with age, in facing Haney (29-0, 15 KOs), he finds himself up against an opponent who’s considerably younger and bigger than he is.

But regardless of the physical disadvantages he’ll come across come fight night, Bob Arum, both Haney and Lomachenko’s promoter, will look to hammer out a deal between them in the first half of 2023.

Linares, admittedly, will be an interested observer the moment they officially square off. In terms of how he sees their showdown playing out, Linares pauses for a moment as he ponders his decision.

In 2018, an exuberant Linares fought Lomachenko on mostly even terms. But while he would go on to register a knockdown in the fifth round, he eventually succumbed to the Ukrainian’s bemusing angles and adept skills, losing via 10th-round stoppage.

Fast forward just a few years later, and Linares attempted to become the first man to sully the record of the undefeated Haney. While valiant in his efforts, the 37-year-old was thoroughly outboxed over the course of 12 rounds. Considering his strong familiarity with both men, Linares believes that their impending matchup will be one for the ages. However, he has a gut feeling that Lomachenko is simply biting off more than he can chew.

“I respect both. I’m very good friends with both Lomachenko and Haney too. If that fight happens, it’s 60/40. For me, Haney has the best time right now. He’s quick, he’s fast, he has power. He moves so well in the ring.”