WBC bans Alexander Povetkin over failed drug tests
Heavyweight contender Alexander Povetkin (31-1, 23 KOs) has been handed a fine of $250,000 and banned indefinitely by the WBC for doping violations.
Povetkin twice tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2016.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announced that the organization has suspended Povetkin from participating in any WBC-sanctioned bouts indefinitely and fined him $250,000.
Povetkin had been scheduled to face Bermane Stiverne in December for the WBC interim title, but the bout was cancelled after the Russian tested positive for the banned muscle-building substance ostarine.
Previously Povetkin's world title fight with WBC champion Deontay Wilder was canceled last May after he tested positive for the banned substance meldonium.
Povetkin avoided a ban arguing that he had stopped taking meldonium in 2015, before it was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency in January 2016.
Povetkin will be eligible to apply for reinstatement to the WBC rankings after one year.