Pacquiao's ex-sparring partner Jorge Linares tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of title fight

Former three-division world champion Jorge Linares has tested positive from COVID-19 ahead of his showdown with Javier Fortuna on August 28 at Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

The 34-year-old Linares, who has a professional record of 47-5 with 29 knockouts, visited the Philippines before to spar and help Manny Pacquiao for his third fight with Juan Manuel Marquez.

Linares versus Fortuna which had the WBC diamond lightweight championship on the line has been put on hold following the test result.

“Jorge Linares, who was scheduled for his next fight in Indio, California, USA, tested positive for the new coronavirus,” Linares’ co-promoter Teiken Promotions said in a statement.

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

It remains to be seen if the scheduled fight on August 28 will push through given the situation as promoters are yet to press the stop button for the said event.

“We are currently awaiting instruction from the public health center. Teiken Gym will be closed until instructed by the public health center and doctors.” -- BAP, GMA News