The 37 year-old recorded a 31st career victory when stopping late replacement Johann Duhaupas in the sixth session of their scheduled ten round contest in Russia.
Povetkin softened the Frenchman up before unleashing a trio of devastating punches, of which the final blow laid Duhaupas out cold on the canvas.
In reality, the win will only heighten calls to ban the ex-world champion following what was a second positive drugs test of the year.
Previously, a WBC title shot against Deontay Wilder was called off at the eleventh hour on the back of Povetkin showing signs of meldonium in his sample.
The WBC gave Povetkin the benefit of the doubt at the time, but look set to remove the Olympic gold medalist from their ratings permanently.
An investigation is already underway as per a WBC ruling release just hours before the Povetkin v Duhaupas fight.
1. The WBC CBP considers Mr. Povetkin’s adverse analytical finding for Ostarine a violation of the WBC CBP under its Protocol;
2. The WBC hereby withdraws its sanctioning of the Bout for the Heavyweight Interim World Championship; and
3. The WBC will conduct a thorough investigation of the circumstances of the case and will issue subsequent rulings as required.
