A former WBA title holder, Povetkin was just days away from facing the undefeated American on home soil when the WBC Clean Boxing Program confirmed the news through testers VADA.
It seemed the only option available to the WBC was to call the fight off and fans worst fears have now been made into a reality following a statement on Sunday.
“The World Boxing Council is diligently addressing the positive test result from the Clean Boxing Program for mandatory heavyweight challenger Alexander Povetkin.
“Keeping the priority of safety and also the principle of justice, the WBC will continue the investigation into the case. Consequently, the event scheduled for May 21 in Moscow is hereby officially postponed.
“The WBC will be releasing more information in the coming days regarding the final ruling on the matter,” read the WBC document.
Number two-rated Bermane Stiverne could now be in line for a rematch with Wilder as the Canadian former belt holder is rated number two in the most recent ratings.
Should a Stiverne return not appeal to either party or the WBC, new European champion Kubrat Pulev is next in line following his victory over Dereck Chisora.
