Jorge Linares Tests Positive For Covid-19
Jorge Linares has withdrawn from his upcoming clash with Javier Fortuna due to a positive Covid-19 test. The pairs bout was set to main event Golden Boy Promotions’ next card, scheduled to take place on Fri. August 28.
The 34-year-old Venezuelan is currently in Tokyo, Japan, and has been training at Teiken Gym. The gym has now been shut down until further notice. Golden Boy is now searching for a new opponent for Fortuna, and while it is relatively short notice, three weeks still gives the matchmakers enough time to source a credible name.
“We are working to secure another high-level contender to face Javier Fortuna and go on with the show at Fantasy Springs. We expect to have a further update in short order,” Golden Boy’s Oscar De La Hoya said in a media release.
In a show of support for Linares, Fortuna posted a tweet today, where he wished Linares a quick recovery.
“Good evening, many regrets about the process my colleague is going through @jorgelinares Let’s hope for a soon recovery for his health and he can return to the gym soon, this is a sport, it is not personal at all, TEAMFORTUNA wishes you good health and that you recover soon.”
The 31-year-old Fortuna was heading into this fight on the back of two wins. The Dominican Republic fighter was looking to continue building a case for another title shot with a win over Linares. In 2018 he failed in an attempt to capture the IBF lightweight strap, losing to Robert Easter Jr via split decision.
Who would you like to see face Fortuna?
