Povetkin initially failed a test in December prior to his stipulated World Boxing Council eliminator with Bermane Stiverne, which was subsequently called off.
Promoter Andrey Ryabinsky clarified that the amount in Povetkin’s system was minimal at the time and expected the ‘B’ sample to clear his fighter’s name.
Ryabinsky has now confirmed the latest sample opening also contained the steroid-like drug, but once again pointed to the quantity discovered.
When it comes to a final decision on the matter, the WBC may not be willing to brush off the slight discovery as readily as Ryabinsky wants to, as Povetkin stares a suspension in the face.
At the age of 37, any ban will put a significant question mark on Povetkin’s ability to return to the top from any lengthy spell out of action as the former champion stands in a similar position to Lucas Browne.
‘Big Daddy’ is also awaiting news of a possible ban for his own positive test having already been removed from the WBA rankings for his WBC Clean Boxing Program failure.
In regards to Stiverne and his mandated chance, the likes of Luis Ortiz or Kubrat Pulev could now be offered an eliminator in place of Povetkin, although with both in line to face the winner of Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko in April, it will be interesting to see who, if any, decides to take up the WBC’s invite.
If either or both turn the WBC down, the next four in line are Johann Duhaupas, Andy Ruiz, Artur Szpilka and Carlos Takam, although the WBC’s new rankings for January are due out any day now and that could change considerably.
