ESPN is reporting that Alexander Povetkin (30-1, 22 KOs) has tested positive for the banned substance meldonium, putting the actual fight in question.
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“Status of the #WilderPovetkin fight is unclear at the moment after Povetkin’s test”, Rafael Tweeted earlier today. The WBC and the camps of both fighters received a notification about the positive test, but no final decision about the fight has been made. Hopefully things get resolved in a civil manner, and Wilder is able to find another challenger for his belt sooner rather than later. “Meldonium is used because it is said to increase blood flow and allow more oxygen to be carried to the muscles and, therefore, enhance stamina, a trait boxers would want in a long fight”.
Povetkin tested positive for meldonium, the same substance found in Maria Sharapova’s sample at the Australian Open, promoter Andrei Ryabinsky said on May 13. Povetkin can ask for the “B” sample to be tested at his expense on an appeal, but if that is also positive, then he will be at the mercy of the WBC. Last year, however, the drug was added to the “official” list of banned substances by VADA.
The fight could still go on, perhaps, if Wilder’s team and the WBC agree with the idea that Povetkin has not taken the substance since it was banned. The situation is ambiguous. The sample was collected April 27. “The WBC will make a public announcement in the very near future concerning the results of its investigation and any appropriate steps that it will take”.
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It will be interesting to see as more details become available who requested the VADA testing, who paid for it and how it affects the match, which was scheduled for May 21 and is just eight days away.
