Update On Jorge Linares’ Boxing Status

A big Golden Boy fight may be in jeopardy as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

According to Asian Boxing, Jorge Linares has tested positive for COVID-19 just a few weeks before his upcoming fight against Javier Fortuna on August 28. Linares is asymptomatic and will receive a test within ten days. This is from a statement by Teiken Promotions, Linares’ Tokyo-based co-promoter.

“Jorge Linares—who was scheduled for his next fight in Indio, California, USA, tested positive for the new coronavirus,” Teiken stated, via Boxing Scene.

“We found out (the results) after a pre-fight test was conducted, while (Linares) continued to make good progress (in the gym). He is healthy and unaware of any symptoms such as fever, (or loss of) taste and smell.”

It is unknown the plans for Golden Boy or DAZN when it comes to the upcoming fight inside the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California. With a few weeks to go, Linares’ test could end up coming back negative if his condition doesn’t worsen.

Linares (47-5) last fought in February, knocking out Carlos Morales for his 29th win via some form of knockout. “The Golden Boy” won the WBC Featherweight Title from Oscar Larios in 2007 and the WBC Lightweight Title in 2014 against Javier Prieto. During that time he became WBA and The Ring Lightweight Champion, defending those belts three times before losing it to Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2018.

Fortuna (35-2-1) was supposed to face off against Luke Campbell before COVID-19 nixed those plans. Originally set to compete for the interim WBC Lightweight Title, Campbell will now face Ryan Garcia.

The positive test has also affected where Linares is represented. The Teiken gym is closed until it is cleared to re-open by local health officials.

Stay tuned as the status of Linares should be revealed within the next few weeks.