After the positive drug test to Alexander Povetkin, THE WBC has granted Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder the right to make an optional defense, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.
“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 possible.”
“I’m excited to get back in the ring, that’s for sure so everything we worked hard for in the Povetkin camp wasn’t in vain,” Wilder told ESPN.com. “I still have the urge to fight. I didn’t do all that for nothing. Somebody has to pay for it and it’s going to be my next opponent.”
Promoter Lou DiBella told ESPN.com that he and Wilder adviser Al Haymon will immediately turn their attention to lining up a fight for Wilder.
“Deontay went through a whole camp. He wants to get into the ring, so we are going to try to figure something out but I think it’s a fair assumption to say he would fight this summer,” DiBella said. “Obviously, you’re not going to do a fight without television, so we need to see about that. We’re turning our attention to it now that the ruling has been made.
“The WBC did the right thing. I’m pleased and gratified that they did the right thing. I think the WBC is stepping up with their clean boxing program. The WBC has to review everything, but they did the right thing not to handcuff their champion. Deontay wants to fight as often as possible. He has always said he wanted to be an active champion, so it was not an option for him to sit out a long time when this fight fell through. So we want to get something done as soon as possible.”
“I’m always in shape. I’m always ready,” Wilder said. “I had a hell of a camp for this fight (against Povetkin) and I still feel in shape. So I want to fight as soon as possible. I’ll let my team handle that and picking an opponent as well. I want to give the fans something so I definitely want a top opponent.
“Hopefully we can get a great date and a great opponent. We understand it’s short notice but some heavyweight out there is going to get the call, so if you’re in the top 10 be ready.”
