MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Povetkin, 36, was scheduled to fight defending WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder on May 21 but tested positive for banned substance Meldonium shortly before the bout.
According to the WBC ruling, Povetkin's bout with Wilder has been called off through the duration of WBC investigation into Povetkin's suspected doping abuses.
WBC said its Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) "will design a specific testing protocol for Mr. Povetkin at Mr. Povetkin's own cost and expense…which will commence as soon as feasible after the ruling and will continue for one year thereafter."
"In the event there is an adverse finding concerning any of Mr. Povetkin's samples during the time prescribed above, the WBC shall immediately suspend Mr. Povetkin from participation in any WBC-sanctioned events indefinitely," the WBC said in a statement.
Povetkin "will also be stripped of all WBC titles or any other rights he might have at the time" the statement said.
