The Venezuelan lightweight, 34, now faces a wait to find out if he will fight Javier Fortuna.
Their bout was set for August 28 but Linares, who is asymptomatic, has been told to self-isolate for 10 days.
A statement from Teiken Promotions – Linares’ Tokyo-based co-promoter along with Golden Boy Promotions – claimed his result could have been a false positive.
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.”
Linares who has 29KOs from 47 wins, lives and trains in Tokyo.
He will now remain there until August 17 at the earliest.
It was reported that representatives from Golden Boy and DAZN were still in talks over whether the fight can take place.
The ongoing pandemic ruined plans for Fortuna, who is from the Dominican Republic, to face Brit Luke Campbell back in April.
The WBC lightweight title was to be at stake in that fight.
Meanwhile, Teiken Gym has confirmed it has shut down due to public safety measures.
A statement said: “Teiken Gym will be closed until instructed by the public health centre and doctors.”
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