Former world lightweight champion Jorge Linares has tested positive for coronavirus just three weeks before his fight against Javier Fortuna.

The 34 year-old is set to take to the ring on August 28 to contest for the WBC Lightweight Title, but will now be forced to self-isolate for ten days, throwing his preparations into chaos.

His promoters confirmed the positive test in a statement and have also revealed Linares has showed no signs of having contracted coronavirus.

The statement read: "Jorge Linares, who was scheduled for his next fight in Indio, California, USA, tested positive for coronavirus.

"We found out 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 a loss of taste or smell."

The gym which Linares was training in has also been closed down until further notice due to public safety measures.

The superb Venezuelan has a professional record of 47 victories and five defeats and is a three-weight world champion.

His most impressive wins have come against the likes of Luke Campbell and Anthony Crolla.

Linares’ last world title shot came in May 2018 when he was stopped in ten rounds by Vasiliy Lomachenko.