Ekaterinburg, Russia - Nearing his 38th birthday, former three-division multi-titlist Jorge Linares continued his sad road downhill with the third consecutive loss - this time to Zhora Hamazaryan (now 13-3-2, 9 KOs), a fighter he would have most surely defeated in his better days. But those days are long gone, and the present time is for the Russia-based Armenian, who earned a well-fought unanimous decision.

Linares (now 47-8, 29 KOs) started well, showing glimpses of his former greatness. He was quite elusive and he landed solid combinations as well as single punches; they were picturesque but lacked power. Hamazaryan quickly adapted and started to deliver smart pressure. Yet he was mostly outboxed and outmaneuvered during the first half of the bout.

However, by the fifth Linares was already losing his steam. He became heavy on his feet, and his defense became negligible. Hamazaryan had solid mid rounds, often landing clean punches flush, while the Venezuelan was lethargic and powerless. Hamazaryan continued his onslaught in subsequent rounds, while Linares showed only defensive skills, just enough to survive till the bell.

After ten rounds, all three judges had it in favor of Hamazaryan: 96-94, 98-92 and 99-91. BoxingScene filled the gap by scoring 97-93.

Linares held WBC Featherweight title in 2007-2008, WBA Super Featherweight belt in 2008-2009, WBC Lightweight title in 2014-2016, and WBA Lightweight title in 2016-2018. 

He entered the fight with back-to-back defeats at the hands of Devin Haney and Zaur Abdullaev.