By Igor Lazorin, tass

Dmitry Ivanov, manager of Olympic gold medal winner Alexander Povetkin of Russia, says his boxer has tested negative in all of the pre-fight drug tests for the upcoming showdown with David Price.

The contest takes place on March 31, as part of the undercard for the heavyweight unification between Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

In a recent interview, Price expressed his worry on whether or not a "clean' Povetkin would enter the ring on fight night.

In 2016, Povetkin had failed two pre-fight drug tests - for meldonium and ostarine. And those positive tests saw scheduled fights with Wilder and Bermane Stiverne get canceled as a result.

Two of Price's past opponents had tested positive for banned substances - and he suffered knockout losses in both bouts.

If he loses in this fight, it's going to be to a clean fighter, says Povetkin's manager.

"David Price's words are probably related to his inner excitement, as Alexander Povetkin is a very serious opponent for him," Ivanov said. "To date, Alexander Povetkin is undergoing all of the necessary doping procedures regulated by the World Anti-Doping Agency."

The Russian boxer has a record of 33 victories (23 by KO) and one defeat.

Price last appeared in the ring on December 2 of last year, and in that stays busy fight he defeated Polish fighter Kamil Sokolowski. In total, the assets of 34-year-old Olympic bronze medal winner saw him win 22 wins (18 by knockout) and suffered four defeats. Price captured his bronze medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing in the super heavyweight category.

Povetkin is the WBA's mandatory challenger to Joshua. The reason for placing him on the undercard is to showcase him for the British audience, as the Russian fighter may become the next opponent for the British superstar in the summer months.