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Home » Ryabinsky claims new drug tests show Povetkin was clean

Ryabinsky claims new drug tests show Povetkin was clean

The 36 year-old was recently forced to scrap a mandatory challenge against current WBC title holder Deontay Wilder due to an alleged positive test for meldonium, although Ryabinsky has always protested his fighter’s innocence.

Despite Wilder’s manager Jay Deas informing WBN that the fight was completely off, Ryabinsky is adamant Povetkin’s chance was only postponed and will hope to set a new date in light of these latest developments.

“Got new official tests on Povetkin. They’re clean now. Opponent (Wilder) and some journalists will be apologizing to us,” said Ryabinsky on Tuesday.

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WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has already approved a voluntary defense for Wilder in the summer, which means Povetkin may now be forced to wait until the completion of the American’s new ruling before finally sharing the ring with ‘The Bronze Bomber’.

Everything hinges on the new tests being given the green light by the WBC as Povetkin bids to clear his name of any wrongdoing.

Wilder v Povetkin, one of the most eagerly anticipated fights of the year, was due to take place on May 21 in Moscow, Russia.