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WBC says Wilder can take optional title defense
- Updated: May 25, 2016
2:52 PM ET
Heavyweight titleholder Deontay Wilder will be allowed to take an optional title defense in the wake of his mandatory defense against Alexander Povetkin being called off, the WBC ruled on Wednesday.
Wilder was supposed to fight Povetkin in a highly anticipated bout on May 21 at the Khodynka Ice Palace in Moscow. However, a week before the fight was scheduled to take place it was called off when Povetkin, 36, tested positive for the banned substance meldonium in a random urine test conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.
Deontay Wilder, left, can take an optional title defense after his bout with Alexander Povetkin was called off. Frank Franklin II/AP Photo
“In relation to challenger Povetkin’s test result, the WBC is conducting an in-depth investigation and evaluation of the situation. Further WBC rulings will be forthcoming,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement. “In the meantime, the WBC hereby rules that in light of the fact that the bout with challenger Povetkin did not take place as scheduled, WBC heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder has the right to make a voluntary defense of his title as reasonably soon as …
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