Povetkin v Wilder fight postponed, 'I haven't taken anything' states Russian boxer
The WBC heavyweight title fight between Deontay Wilder and Alexander Povetkin has been postponed after one of the doping probes of Russian boxer showed 0.07 micrograms of banned substance meldonium.
At the media day that was supposed to happen prior the event, Povetkin stated that he hadn't taken meldonium after it became banned in January 2016.
"I'm clean. I haven't taken anything or consumed anything, so I've got nothing to fear," said the Russian.
Povetkin's promoter Andrey Ryabinskiy added that Alexander had taken four doping tests, three of which were clean.
That could be explained by meldonium's effects recurring months after it was last taken, he said.
"We are going to take an additional investigation and then we'll look to set the new date for the fight," said Ryabinskiy.
WBC also confirmed that the fight has been postponed.
The WBC is confirming that the May 21 @BronzeBomber vs @A_Povetkin is postponed.
— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) May 15, 2016
Vía @wbcmoropic.twitter.com/YMfdURzWhV
Deontay Wilder's team, however states the bout is canceled.
"The fight is off. Not postponed. Off," said Wilder's manager Jay Deas.
READ MORE: Wilder v Povetkin in doubt after Russian reportedly tests positive for meldonium
Originally the fight was scheduled to take place at Moscow’s 14,000-capacity Megasport Arena on May 21.