2-time WBC Featherweight Champion, and the WBA Super Featherweight Champion from November 2008–October 2009.
He won the gold medal at Venezuela's Juniors National Championship at age 14.
His stunning 2009 defeat at the hands of Juan Carlos Salgado was named Ring Magazine's Upset of the Year.
His older brother is fellow boxer Nelson Linares.
He and Mexico's Humberto Soto have both been WBC Featherweight champions.
