By WBC

WBC World Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder was scheduled to fight Mandatory Challenger Alexander Povetkin on May 21, 2016. On May 13, 2016, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (“VADA”) reported that Mr. Povetkin’s “A” Test sample showed an adverse result for the banned substance Meldonium.

That result arose in connection with an April 27, 2016, anti-doping test Mr. Povetkin underwent under the WBC Clean Boxing Program. On May 15, 2016, the WBC issued a ruling that the fight would not take place as scheduled.

In relation with Challenger’s Povetkin test result, the WBC is conducting an in-depth investigation and evaluation of the situation. Further WBC ruling(s) will be forthcoming.

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 World Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder has the right to make a voluntary defense of his title as reasonably soon as possible.