Wilder’s title defense vs. Povetkin is called off
Deontay Wilder’s dream of going to Russia and defending his heavyweight title will have to wait.
The World Boxing Council announced Sunday it is postponing Wilder’s title defense against Alexander Povetkin which was scheduled for this coming Saturday in Moscow after Povetkin tested positive for meldonium, a banned substance.
Wilder (36-0, 35 knockouts), was already in Europe and prepared to travel to Moscow when the WBC announced its decision to call off the fight. In a statement, the sanctioning body said: “Keeping the priority of safety and the principle of justice, the WBC will continue the investigation into the case. Consequently, the event scheduled for May 21 in Moscow is hereby postponed.”
Wilder and his promoter, Lou DiBella, issued separate statements following the WBC’s announcement.
“I’m very disappointed that due to Povetkin’s failed drug test the fight is not going to happen on May 21 in Moscow,” Wilder said. “I had worked very hard to prepare myself for this important title defense, spending the last two weeks training in England to get accustomed to fighting in Europe. I wanted to give the fans a great show, but we understand the WBC’s position that the fight occur on an even playing field.”
DiBella said: “As a result of Povetkin’s use of a banned substance and breach of contract, Deontay Wilder was deprived of an opportunity to defend his title as he was prepared to on an even playing field. He and his team have suffered substantial damages as a result. Team Wilder will await further communications from the WBC and will weigh all our options given what has transpired.”
The Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency oversaw the testing of the two fighters in conjunction with the WBC’s Clean Boxing program. Friday, a test of Povetkin from April 27 came back positive for meldonium, which helps increase endurance by allowing more oxygen to flow through the blood vessels. It is the same substance that tennis star Maria Sharapova tested positive for following the Australian Open back in January. The drug was recently added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s ban list back on Jan. 1.
Contact Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow on Twitter: @stevecarprj
