I. FACTUAL BACKGROUND

1. A mandatory WBC World Heavyweight Championship fight was scheduled to be contested on May 21, 2016 in Moscow, Russia between WBC World Champion Deontay Wilder and Alexander Povetkin. (the “World Championship Bout”).

2. On May 13, 2016 VADA reported to the WBC that Alexander Povetkin’s anti-doping test that had taken from his April 27, 2016 sample pursuant to the WBC Clean Boxing Program yielded an adverse finding for the banned substance Meldonium.

3. The WBC has issued two rulings concerning that adverse finding (the “Prior Meldonium Rulings”).
a. On August 17, 2016, the WBC ruled that:
(i) it did not have sufficient evidence to make a definite finding about whether Mr. Povetkin actually ingested Meldonium after the World Anti-Doping Agency included that substance in its list of banned substances; and
(ii) if there was an adverse finding concerning any of Mr. Povetkin’s samples during a one (1) year period of time after the ruling, the WBC would: (1) suspend Mr. Povetkin from participation in any WBC-sanctioned events indefinitely; (2) divest Mr. Povetkin from any WBC title or any other rights he might have at the time; and (3) impose any and all available penalties under the CBP without further inquiry.

b. On October 7, 2016, the WBC ruled that if Mr. Wilder prevailed in a trial then pending between him and Mr. Povetkin in New York (the “Litigation”), the WBC would allow Mr. Povetkin to show that the trial’s result was not based on a finding that Mr. Povetkin ingested Meldonium after January 1, 2016. If Mr. Povetkin failed to make that showing the WBC would impose any penalties upon Mr. Povetkin as per the WBC Clean Boxing Program Protocol, which could include suspensions and fines.

4. A WBC Interim Heavyweight Championship fight was scheduled to be contested on December 17, 2016 in Ekaterinburg Russia between Mr. and Bermane Stiverne (the “Interim Championship Bout”).

5. On December 16, 2016, the VADA reported to the WBC that a the “A” Sample from the specimen collected from Mr. Povetkin on December 6, 2016, tested positive for the anabolic steroid Ostarine.

6. In light of Mr. Povetkin’s Ostarine positive test result, the WBC:
a. withdrew its sanctioning of the Interim Championship Bout; and
b. suspended him indefinitely from participating in any WBC-sanctioning activity while the WBC initiated and conducted an investigation of the circumstances that resulted in the positive test, consistent with the WBC Rules & Regulations and the WBC Clean Boxing Program Protocol.

7. On February 14, 2017, the Litigation’s jury answered YES to the following question: “Did the plaintiffs prove by a preponderance of the evidence that Mr. Povetkin ingested Meldonium after January 1, 2016?”

II. WBC’S FINDINGS

Based on detailed research and information gathering, the Prior Meldonium Rulings and the Litigation’s jury specific finding, the WBC finds as follows:
1. Mr. Povetkin agreed to participate in the WBC CBP in connection with the World Championship Bout and the Interim Championship Bout.

2. Both Meldonium and Ostarine are banned substances under the WBC CPB by virtue of their inclusion in VADA’s List of Banned Substances.

3. The anti-doping test of samples collected from Mr. Povetkin on:
a. April 27, 2016, tested positive for Meldonium; and
b. December 6, 2016, tested positive for Ostarine.

4. The Litigation’s jury decision was based on a specific finding by the preponderance of the evidence that Mr. Povetkin ingested Meldonium after January 1, 2016.

III. WBC BOARD OF GOVERNOR’S RULING

The present WBC Board of Governor’s ruling is based on the facts as known to the WBC at the time of the ruling. The WBC does not issue rulings based on perception, rumors, generalities or prejudice and absolutely opposes any form of discrimination.

Based on the WBC FINDINGS set forth above, the WBC hereby rules as follows:

1. Pursuant to the August 17, 2016, WBC Ruling, the WBC hereby rules that Mr. Povetkin shall be suspended for participating in any WBC-sanctioned bouts indefinitely;

2. Mr. Povetkin shall pay a $250,000 USD fine to the WBC;

3. VADA, pursuant to the WBC CBP, will design a specific testing protocol for Mr. Povetkin at Mr. Povetkin’s own cost and expense. The VADA-designed protocol will commence as soon as feasible after this ruling and will continue for one year thereafter;

4. Mr. Povetkin will be able to apply for reinstatement into the WBC after the one-year anniversary of this ruling. At that time, if the results of every anti-doping test he has taken pursuant to the testing protocol set forth in paragraph III.3. above are negative, the WBC will consider deferring the remaining of his suspension during which time he would be placed in a probationary status and would continue to undergo testing as set forth in paragraph IV.4. above; and

5. The WBC will provide Mr. Povetkin the opportunity to submit additional evidence at a time and in a form the WBC will determine at its sole discretion concerning his positive test for Ostarine. The WBC will consider any additional evidence it receives and it might issue a supplemental ruling based on information and materials Mr. Povetkin submits.

A new York jury ruled that ormer heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin took a banned substance before his world title fight with WBC champion Deontay Wilder last year, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The jury took just 32 minutes to reach a verdict finding that Povetkin used the performance-enhancing drug during the leadup to what was supposed to be a mandatory fight against heavyweight world titleholder Deontay Wilder last May 21 in Moscow.

The fight was canceled nine days before the fight when a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association-conducted test found that Povetkin had meldonium in his system.

After the fight was canceled, Wilder and promoter Lou DiBella sued Povetkin and Russian promoter Andrey Ryabinsky of World of Boxing in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York for breach of contract and at least $5 million in damages.

Ten days later, Ryabinsky countersued them in the same court for breach of contract and defamation, claiming they unilaterally canceled the fight before the WBC, whose belt Wilder holds, decided what to do.

“We won the case, and this is an important precedent in cases of this nature when a fight is canceled for PED use,” DiBella told ESPN. “The other participant in the fight has gone through all the work. Deontay was ready to fight, and this got canceled right before the fight. This ruling is a further disincentive for any fighter to attempt to get an unfair advantage. Our attorneys, Judd Burstein and Peter Schalk, did a tremendous job because this is somewhat complicated and scientific.

“Basically, it’s a great thing about our justice system that where the facts are on your side and you’re telling the truth, you win.”

DiBella said he was confident the defamation case would soon be dropped.

“I also think it’s a good bet that I don’t have much to worry about with their defamation claim, which was based on my saying Povetkin is a cheater,” DiBella said. “The jury said he is a cheater. I think it’s very telling that the jury only deliberated for slightly longer than 30 minutes.”

Ryabinsky could not be reached for comment but did write on social media, “Jurors in the trial were against us.”

“I’m in shock that they wasted the court’s time and their money fighting over something that was as plain as day,” Burstein told ESPN. “I don’t know if they were arrogant or just stupid, but whatever happened was inexplicable to me that they went forward with this case when the evidence was so overwhelming. [Povetkin] tried to argue this was the residual effects of taking meldonium in August and September of 2015. But it was a laughable defense.”

“Once that’s done, I will make a motion for summary judgment to get the money and seek other damages,” Burstein said. “I will also serve a motion seeking sanctions unless they drop the defamation case.”

Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs), 31, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was due to earn approximately $4.5 million to fight Povetkin. That money remains in an escrow account from before the fight, as does an additional $715,000 from Ryabinsky’s winning purse bid that is with the WBC and was meant as a bonus for the winner of the fight.

“They could have settled this case and kept some of the money and done enough clean testing that Deontay would have fought him, but they were so arrogant and they wouldn’t do it,” Burstein said.

By Norm Fraienheim-

Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko arrived in New York this week for a timely news conference that helped deflect attention on the bizarre circumstances that continue to unfold in the wake of Alexander Povetkin’s positive test for a banned substance in December.

The prospect of Joshua-Klitschko on April 29 in front of a projected crowd of 90,000 at London’s Wembley Stadium offers some hope in what looks like the most compelling heavyweight fight in years. The flip side is Povetkin, a mystery wrapped in a mess.

Two days after Joshua and Klitschko met the media at Madison Garden, there were reports from Russia that Povetkin’s B-sample came up positive for the PED that forced a cancellation of his Dec. 17 bout against Bermane Stiverne for the World Boxing Council’s interim belt in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

It’s hard to know what to make of the early reports from Russia. Donald Trump might believe them. Without some confirmation from The Associated Press or some other mainstream outlet, however, it’s wise to be skeptical. The test of the B-sample was conducted in Los Angeles. The original test was reportedly done on Dec. 6, presumably in Russia.

I tend to believe initial stories abut the B- sample, which confirmed that there were traces of Ostarine, a steroid, in Povetkin’s A-sample. Here’s why: Quotes defending Povetkin and questioning the integrity of the testing process from promoter Andrey Ryabinsky and a Russian lawmaker were included in reports about the B-sample.

It was as if they knew what the result would be.

Ryabinksy said Povetkin came up clean in “alternative tests” conducted in Lausanne. Somehow, this sounds like those “alternative facts” that Trump staffer Kellyanne Conway introduced to today’s Orwellian rhetoric.

Then, there was a reported lawmaker and chairman of a sports committee, Mikhail Degtyaryov, who was quoted as saying: “The provocation against Povetkin exposed the fragility and weakness of the anti-doping system.’’

The Russian lawmaker didn’t mention that other system, state-sanctioned doping, which The New York Times exposed in May 2016. Not even Vladimir Putin could completely deny that report. It resulted in a partial ban of the Russian track-and-field team at last summer’s Rio Olympics. Ramifications continue.

On the same day that there were reports from Russia about Povetin’s B-sample, Reuters reported that the International Olympic Committee stripped the Russian women of the 400-meter relay silver medal from the 2012 Olympics after Antonina Krivoshapka’s B-sample came up dirty.
https://sports.yahoo.com/news/ioc-sanctions-three-athletes-anti-doping-breaches-092922488–oly.html

It’s impossible to separate Povetkin, a 2004 Olympic gold medalist, from the rest of Russia’s sports system. I don’t know him. I’ve never met him. I liked his boxing skills and he might have beaten Deontay Wilder in Moscow last May. But that one got cancelled, too, when Povetkin tested positive for meldonium.

Regardless of whether he gets sanctioned or suspended, the best guess is that Povetkin will simply fade from the scene, forgotten amid all the attention on Joshua and Klitschko. The game will move on.

The question is whether Wilder can regain the momentum he had before the cancellation. It cost Wilder a reported $4.5 million and a lot more. In an effort to stay busy, he fought and beat Chris Arreola in July, but he suffered costly injuries to his right hand and biceps.

He’ll test the hand and arm in a Feb. 25 return against former football player Gerald Washington, who replaced Poland’s Andrzej Wawrzyk. Wawrzyk got bumped off the card because – yeah, you guessed it – he came up dirty in drug testing.

It’s fair to wonder whether Wilder would have beaten Povetkin in a Moscow victory big enough to put him first in line for Joshua. Could it have been Wilder at New York’s news conference instead of Klitschko? We’ll never know. Then again, we’ll never know a lot of things in a world growing curiouser and curiouser.

On December 16, 2016, VADA notified the WBC that Alexander Povetkin’s anti-doping test taken from his December 6, 2016, “A” Sample pursuant to the WBC Clean Boxing Program (“CBP”) yielded an adverse analytical finding for the banned substance Ostarine. The WBC Rules & Regulations provide that Mr. Povetkin can request that: (1) the “B” Sample be tested; and (2) he or his designated representative(s) witness the opening of the “B” sample container.

Mr. Povetkin made the requests set forth above. The opening of the “B” Sample container is scheduled to take place at the University of California Los Angeles laboratory on January 5, 2017.

The WBC is still investigating the circumstances of Mr. Povetkin’s positive test. The WBC will issue a final ruling on the matter after it completes its investigation and it receives the “B” Sample anti-doping tests results.

By Norm Frauenheim–

Alexander Povetkin and everybody in his camp were scheduled to undergo a polygraph this week, according to promoter Andrei Ryabinksy, who in media reports from Russia insists he is determined to get the truth and nothing but the truth about the positive drug test that scuttled the WBC title fight with Bermane Stiverne in Ekaterinburg last Saturday.

No kidding.

I’m not sure who will be conducting the test. But to whoever is at the controls: A question or 15, please, about why Povetkin was allowed to fight Frenchman Johann Duhaupas, who was there as if the promotion knew that Povetkin would test positive and Stiverne would just say nyet.

The whole sequence of events is beyond believable. If not so dangerous, it would be laughable. Somewhere in media reports from Russia, it was reported that “regulators” allowed Povetkin to fight despite the Russian heavyweight’s positive test for Ostarine, a banned supplement reported to be a steroid.

There’s nothing – nada – on who the regulators might have been. Vladimir Putin’s relatives? Russian hackers freelancing after exposing Hillary Clinton’s E-mails? AA couple of hamsters? All week long, I’ve been waiting for the polygraph results. Maybe we’ll have to wait on something from Wiki-Leaks.

Ryabinsky was quoted as saying that Ostarine can come from tainted meat. Yeah, maybe, although the recent positive test were related to tainted meat were for clenbuterol from cattle injected with the substance in Mexico.

Whatever the substance and its source, Povetkin should not have been allowed to fight, period. It was his second positive test for a banned performance-enhancer. He tested positive for meldonium, scuttling a fight with Doentay Wilder last May in Moscow. His ban was dropped because of a technicality and perhaps because of some influence from the case involving tennis star Maria Sharapova, whose two-year ban for the same drug was reduced to 15 months.

The substance and why he tested positive demands an investigation, which the World Boxing Council has promised. But the bigger issue is just why Povetkin went on to fight a stand-in. From here, there is no good answer. We don’t need a polygraph. We need a ban on title fights in Russia.

Deerfield Beach, FL — Top rated heavyweights Alexander Povetkin and Bermane Stiverne were scheduled to fight for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Interim Heavyweight title on Saturday night at the Ekaterinburg Expo Center in Ekaterinburg, Russia. However, the WBC withdrew it’s sanctioning of the bout due to a Povetkin failed drug test. The WBC informed both camps of their decision Friday evening and advised the Stiverne camp they should not go through with the fight. The WBC abides by “Safety First” protocol in their Clean Boxing Program.

Povetkin (31-1, 23 KOs) from Checkhov, Russia was going into the fight rated No. 1 by the WBC. No. 2 rated Stiverne (25-2-1, 21 KOs) was born and raised in Haiti, now residing in Las Vegas. They were to fight for the WBC Interim Heavyweight Title, the winner becoming mandatory challenger to current champion Deontay Wilder, who has been incapable of defending due to injury.

The WBC uses VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) to administer their drug testing. VADA uses random testing and athletes may be tested at any time. This is the second fight in which Povetkin has tested positive for a banned substance – this time Ostarine. Povetkin’s positive sampling was taken December 6 and the WBC and both fight camps were notified of the test results Friday night. Within a couple of hours of the notification, the WBC tweeted it was “Withdrawing its recognition of Povetkin vs Stiverne due to the positive result of Povetkin for Osterine,” and shortly thereafter wrote in its ruling “The WBC hereby withdraws its sanctioning of the bout for the heavyweight interim world championship and will conduct a thorough investigation of the circumstances of the case and will issue subsequent rulings as required.”

Statement from Stiverne’s promoter Don King: “To say that I am very saddened and extremely disappointed that Alexander Povetkin was caught again using banned substances would be an understatement. What is the WBC going to do about it will be the answer. Bermane Stiverne deserves better than that. Bermane should be declared the interim title holder. This is the second time Alexander Povetkin is in the drug abuse program and has embarrassed the WBC causing the WBC’s sanction of the fight as a world title fight being withdrawn. The firs time was the Deontay Wilder vs. Povetkin May 21 in Moscow.

“Even though it hurts Bermane economically, psychologically and especially psychologically, I want to congratulate the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman did himself and his organization, the WBC, proud by withdrawing their sanctioning of the fight.. Thank you WBC, thank you Mauricio Sulaiman, thank you for your honest, dynamic leadership.”

Ostarine is known to increase muscle mass and fat loss as well as increase stamina. Previously Povetkin was to face WBC titleholder Deontay Wilder on May 21, but tested positive for Meldonium a week prior to the fight. Meldonium is known to increase blood vessel size, increasing blood, hence, improving once again, stamina.

LAS VEGAS (Dec. 17, 2016) – In the aftermath of Saturday’s news that the WBC Interim heavyweight title fight in Russia between former heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne and top-ranked Alexander Povetkin had been cancelled because Povetkin tested positive for drugs again, Hall of Fame promoter Don “Only In America” King offered a simple solution:

Declare his fighter, Stiverne (25-2-1, 21 KOs), of Las Vegas, the interim champion.

“I’ve had a long-standing respect with the WBC, beginning with Jose Sulaiman and now with his son, Mauricio, who has done an incredible job filling his father’s shoes as WBC president and just got re-elected for four more years. I stand with them and with the WBC for trying to do things the right way and with their organization’s safety procedures in regard to the boxers and the sport.

“It’s sad but this guy, Povetkin, has become a total embarrassment. He’s now tested positive in two WBC heavyweight title fights in a row. I’m all for winning and losing fights in the ring, but it’s time for justice to prevail. I don’t know what’s going on over there with so many Russian athletes in so many sports testing positive for drugs, but it has to stop. They cannot be allowed to continue to do things the way they are.

“The WBC should declare Stiverne world champion, make him the mandatory for (WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay) Wilder, and let’s move on with it. There are a lot of great heavyweight fights that can be made with willing boxers who don’t break the rules every fight.

“I’m very disappointed for Bermane, who’s now gone through two training camps with nothing to show for it. Why put up all that money for travel and expenses and then have no fight. He was ready to beat Povetkin and regain a part of the WBC title.

“And then – worse yet — for them to try and put it on Bermane for not fighting is just ludicrous. They’re taking the victim and trying to set him up as the criminal in this.’’

Stiverne pulled out after the WBC withdrew its sanction because Poverkin tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman revealed the positive test by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) on Saturday morning. Then, the WBC withdrew its recognition of the fight.

“There’s no reason to fight if the WBC won’t sanction the bout,” said Stiverne, who could have gone through with the bout but without the sanction opted not to. “I’m very disappointed in the actions of Povetkin. I’ve been training for months to be victorious.

“To wake up the day of the fight, have breakfast, take a nap and then find out he tested positive is the worst possible situation.”

This is the second time in seven months Povetkin (30-1-0, 22 KOs) has tested positive for a banned substance. He tested positive for Meldonium ahead of a scheduled May bout with Wilder, cancelling that fight.

If it had transpired, the winner of the fight for the WBC interim heavyweight title would have become the mandatory challenger to Wilder. Stiverne lost the WBC title to Wilder on a 12-round decision on Jan. 15, 2015. He’s the only fighter to go the distance with Wilder.

Ekaterinburg, Russia (December 17, 2016) Former World Boxing Council (‘WBC’) Heavyweight Champion BERMANE STIVERNE (25-2-1, 21 KO’s), of Las Vegas, Nevada, has elected not to face #1 ranked contender ALEXANDER POVETKIN, (30-1-0, 22 KO’s) today after Povetkin tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine and the World Boxing Council withdrew their recognition of the fight.

The positive test reported by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association was revealed by WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman on Saturday morning local time.

Said Stiverne, “There’s no reason to fight if the WBC won’t sanction the bout, I’m very disappointed in the actions of Povetkin. I’ve been training for months to be victorious.”

“To wake up the day of the fight, have breakfast, take a nap and wake up to find out he tested positive is the worst possible situation.”

“I’m headed back home to Las Vegas, hopefully the WBC will install me as the mandatory challenger to face (current WBC Heavyweight World Champion) Deontay Wilder. I want the opportunity to fight for the world title again, that was my whole reason to come to Russia was to earn that opportunity.”

The winner of Povetkin vs. Stiverne, contested for the WBC Interim Heavyweight Title, would have become the mandatory challenger for Wilder as declared previously by the WBC.

Stiverne lost a 12-round unanimous decision and the WBC Heavyweight Title to Wilder on January 17, 2015 in Las Vegas.

Ekaterinburg, Russia (December 16, 2016) Former World Boxing Council (‘WBC’) Heavyweight Champion BERMANE STIVERNE (25-2-1, 21 KO’s), of Las Vegas, Nevada, with a week getting acclimated to the bitter cold in Russia, will battle #1 ranked contender ALEXANDER POVETKIN, (30-1-0, 22 KO’s) this Saturday, December 17 at the Ekaterinburg Expo Center in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

At the weigh-in on Friday, Povetkin weighed in at 223.7, while Stiverne tipped the scales at 249.3.

The winner of their highly anticipated clash will be the Mandatory Challenger to current WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder. The fight will be telecast live online at www.vsenabox.ru with a scheduled start at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT in the United States.

“I’m used to it, I lived in Montreal, Canada. It’s the same kind of weather, probably colder in Russia because when it’s cold in Montreal it’s like January or February. It’s nothing I’ve never seen before.”

Speaking about the clash on Saturday night, Stiverne stated, “I do plan to win by KO. I have to. I can’t come all the way here and let the judge make my decision – I got to have make my own decision.”

“When I say I’m going to knock him out, it’s not any disrespect thing or I’m trying to trash talk, this is what I believe and this is what I trained for. Anybody who would come here and try and get a decision in his backyard would be a fool to believe that.”

“It’s the same thing if he came to my home, he has to try to knock me out. And what better way to win a title than by knockout!”

About the overall division and the possibility of facing Wilder with a victory on Saturday night, the Haitian born Stiverne said, ““This is my main focus, now I get to be a two-time heavyweight champ so it’s a great motivation.”

“The heavyweight division is exciting. It was quiet for a little bit of time, but now it’s back in action and is back where it used to be and I’m happy to be a part of it or in the mix.”

Stiverne lost a 12-round unanimous decision and his heavyweight title to Wilder on January 17, 2015 in Las Vegas.

POVETKIN vs. STIVERNE is presented by World of Boxing in association with Don King Productions.

Stiverne recently partnered with the FHBA (Fédération Haitienne De Boxe Amateur) and is the face of Haitian Boxing bringing awareness and support to the underprivileged youth/athletes.

Las Vegas, NV (November 25, 2016) Former World Boxing Council (‘WBC’) Heavyweight Champion BERMANE STIVERNE (25-2-1, 21 KO’s), will battle #1 ranked contender ALEXANDER POVETKIN, (30-1-0, 22 KO’s) on Saturday, December 17 in Ekaterinburg, Russia. The winner of their highly anticipated clash will be the Mandatory Challenger to current WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder.

Currently ranked #2 by the WBC, Stiverne is deep in training at his home gym in Las Vegas, the Mayweather Boxing Club under the watchful eye of longtime trainer Don House.

“I feel great, this fight has been in the making for a while so I’ve been here training at home,” said the Haitian born Stiverne.

“I’ve got a great opportunity with this fight to get back what I had. Deontay Wilder has my belt, he beat me on my worst night. All I want is the chance to win the world title again and Mauricio and the WBC say I have to go through Alexander Povetkin and that’s what I’m going to do on December 17.”

Stiverne lost a 12-round unanimous decision and his heavyweight title to Wilder on January 17, 2015 in Las Vegas.

Continued Stiverne, “I’ve watched a few of Povetkin’s fight’s, he’s similar in size to Chris Arreola but also very skilled from his deep amateur background, solid puncher but not the tightest defense.”

On April 27, 2013, Stiverne won a unanimous decision over Arreola in Ontario, California to earn the WBC Silver Heavyweight Title.

With the retirement of long reigning champion Vitali Klitschko, the WBC ordered Stiverne to face Arreola once again for the WBC World Heavyweight Title which took place on May 10, 2014 in Los Angeles. Fighting on Arreola’s home turf for the second time, Stiverne was victorious with a brutal sixth round knockout.

Most recently Stiverne won a 10-round unanimous decision over perennial contender Derric Rossy on November 14, 2015 in Las Vegas.

“I’m always training so the time off isn’t a concern of mine,” said Stiverne. “I’ve fought everywhere and a ring is a ring, no issue at all going to Russia. I’ll be well prepared for victory over Povetkin on December 17th and then it’s onto Wilder.”

POVETKIN vs. STIVERNE is presented by World of Boxing in association with Don King Productions.

I. ADVERSE FINDING

On November 11, 2016 VADA notified the WBC that Bermane Stiverne’s anti-doping test taken from his November 4, 2016 sample (the “Test”) pursuant to the WBC Clean Boxing Program (“CPB”) yielded an adverse finding for the banned substance methylhexaneamine (also known as dimethyamylamine or “DMAA”).

II. METHYLHEXANEAMINE a/k/a DIMETHYAMYLAMINE OR DMAA
DMAA is sold currently as a dietary supplement and as an ingredient is various energy preparations. Due to safety concerns, DMAA has been temporarily removed from military stores in the US. Its use has been linked to several reports of serious, life-threatening side effects which appears to be the main reason why the World Anti-Doping Agency added DMAA to its prohibited substances list in 2010.

III. MR. STIVERNE’S TEST AND RESULTS

Upon learning of Stiverne’s anti-doping test result, the WBC immediately started an investigation of the: (1) circumstances surrounding the adverse finding; and (2) history and properties of DMAA. The WBC considers those steps necessary to achieve a ruling consistent with the WBC Rules and Regulations and with the WBC CPB Protocol.

Throughout the investigative process, Stiverne has been extremely cooperative and 100% forthcoming. Stiverne informed the WBC that on the day of the Test, in order to facilitate urination, he took a dietary supplement called SUPERPHARM in front of the sample collector. He reported the ingestion of that supplement in the Declaration of Medication Use section of the doping control form he filled in connection with the Test.

Stiverne also reported that he ingested the supplement twice the same day and that he took it because the supplement staff at EOS Gym in Henderson, Nevada recommended it to him. He was looking for a product that would help him with post-work out fatigue. Stiverne is fully aware of the gravity of the mistake he made by taking an off-the-shelf supplement without investigating its ingredients in detail. Stiverne also realizes that he is ultimately responsible for anything that he ingests. In short, he now realizes that he was very naïve by following a store’s recommendation of an off-the-shelf supplement while being ignorant of its contents.

IV. WBC’S FINDINGS

Based on detailed research and information gathering, the WBC finds as follows:
1. Stiverne agreed to participate in the WBC CBP in connection with the Bout.
2. DMAA is a banned substance under the WBC CPB by virtue of its inclusion in VADA’s List of Banned Substances.
3. The anti-doping test of sample collected from Stiverne on November 4, 2016, tested positive for DMAA.
4. Stiverne admitted taking a dietary supplement that unbeknownst to him, included DMAA as an ingredient.
5. The WBC is not aware that Stiverne has ever tested positive for any banned substances.
6. There is no evidence that Stiverne intentionally or even knowingly, ingested a banned substance with the purpose of enhancing his performance in any fashion.
7. Stiverne’s ingestion of DMAA was purely accidental.
8. As the CBP’s Results Manager, the WBC has complete discretion as to the extent and nature of any penalty it imposes upon Stiverne.

V. WBC BOARD OF GOVERNOR’S RULING

The WBC Board of Governor’s ruling is based on the facts as known to the WBC at the time of the ruling. Based on the adverse finding of Stiverne’s “A” November 4, 2016 sample, and taking into consideration Stiverne ingested a dietary supplement that contained DMAA without knowledge that he was consuming a banned substance, WBC has ruled as follows:
a. The WBC CBP considers Stiverne’s adverse finding a first violation of the WBC CBP under its Protocol;
b. The WBC will not withdraw its sanction of the Bout at this point in light of the fact that there is sufficient time to put in place preventative and remedial measures to protect the health and safety of the Bout’s participants;
c. VADA, pursuant to the WBC CBP, will design a specific testing protocol for Stiverne at Stiverne’s own cost and expense. The VADA-designed protocol will commence as soon as feasible after this ruling and will continue until after the Bout and for six months thereafter;
d. In the event there is an adverse finding concerning any of Stiverne’s samples during the time prescribed above, the WBC shall immediately: (1) suspend Stiverne from participation in any WBC-sanctioned events indefinitely; (2) divest Stiverne from any WBC title or any other rights he might have at the time; and (3) impose any and all available penalties under the CBP without further inquiry;
e. The WBC shall work with Stiverne to design a program consisting of 40 hours of community or social work in the area of doping prevention education to young athletes; and
f. Stiverne shall pay a fine of $75,000 to the WBC CBP.

A purse offer was held today in New York for the WBC heavyweight interim championship bout between Alexander Povetkin and Bermane Stiverne. The winning promoter was World of Boxing with a bid of $3,165,000 dollars.

The purse offer for the mandatory defense of WBC heavyweight silver champion Johann Duhaupas against Carlos Takam was also held today in New York. The winning promoter was OPI2000, Salvatore and Christian Cherchi, with a bid of $235,000 dollars.

Representatives of former heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin and Bermane Stiverne will have a purse bid this Friday for a proposed WBC Interim title fight, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I would like to thank Don King and the honorable Mauricio Sulaiman of the WBC for giving me this opportunity to fight for the heavyweight title once again,” Stiverne said. “For the betterment of boxing in general, and the heavyweight division in particular, I plan to knock Povetkin out and bring this title to America. Then I will get my revenge against Wilder, when he is ready.”

“I have been taking calls, for weeks, from interested parties, and we will consider all options,” said King, who will control where the fight will take place if he wins the purse bid.

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 30, 2016) — The architect and impresario behind the legendary The Rumble In the Jungle and Thrilla in Manila and countless other historic classic boxing events, Hall of Fame promoter, Don King, has plenty of fight left in him.

King, still going strong at 85, is planning an upcoming “Salute To Greatness” worldwide boxing series in memory of Muhammad Ali.

The idea, says King, “is to do a global salute to the memory of the greatest, Muhammed Ali’’ by revisiting some of the cities and countries King helped make famous and to promote major championship events, every few months, in new locations around the world, for Ali and the people’s champions for peace globally.

“I brought international fame and acclaim to cities and countries, brought them worldwide recognition, put them on map,’’ King said. “We put Manila on the map, same with Zaire and many other places. With this series, we’re open to do things that have never happened before.

“We could go anywhere and everywhere, we’re gonna conquer the world. They’re calling me, Africa is calling me. I don’t even have to call them.

“It’s the 41st anniversary of The Thrilla in Manila, the 42nd anniversary of The Rumble In The Jungle. We could take George Foreman, Larry Holmes, go to Mexico for Julio Cesar Chavez, Panama for Roberto Duran, Puerto Rico for Felix “Tito” Trinidad, and just go around. The possibilities are endless.’’

King promotes former heavyweight champion Bername Stiverene (25-2-1, 21 KOs), a Haiti native living in Las Vegas who is scheduled to face Alexander Povetkin (30-1, 22 KOs), a former world titleholder and 2004 Russian Olympic gold medalist, for the vacant WBC interim title in a fight mandated by the WBC. Negotiations have begun.

The Stiverne-Povetkin winner would face the unbeaten American, WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, once he’s fully recuperated from a broken hand and torn biceps suffered in his last defense against Chris Arreola. Wilder hopes to return to the ring by mid-January.

“I would love to make the fight between Stiverne, the WBC’s No. 2 contender and Povetkin, who’s No. 1,” King said. “We could do the fight in Russia, the U.S. even Africa. I’m friends with Russian President Vladimir Putin and I’m a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, who I’ve known a long time. Maybe the Presidents could sit together at ringside, President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump. Can you imagine??????

“The (Stiverne-Povetkin) fight would mark the first in a long journey. If Bermane wins, we take him around the world. Bermane has a lot to prove. He’s the only fighter to go the distance with Wilder, but he gave that fight away. This is his chance for redemption; the tour will go on with or without him. We shall overcome!

“This is the Love & Peace Roundup for me. I’m back in the saddle. There’s no stopping this series. It’s a ‘Salute to Greatness’ in the memory of Ali and for all the great fighters all over the world.’’

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Former world heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin will not be punished by the WBC after his positive drug test before his since-cancelled fight with Deontay Wilder.

“As a result of his injuries and surgeries, champion Wilder is expected to be inactive until some time in 2017,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement. “Deontay Wilder is confirmed as WBC heavyweight champion and will have the time to recover from his multiple injuries and surgeries. Wilder will retain his rights as champion, including the 70 percent advantage in case his mandatory bout needs to go to purse bid, once he returns to action.

“An interim championship is ordered between the two highest available contenders, No. 1 Alexander Povetkin and No. 2 Bermane Stiverne.”

Andrey Ryabinsky of World of Boxing, Povetkin’s promoter, viewed the ruling as a victory for Povetkin.

“We won,” he wrote on social media. “Povetkin has been vindicated, and must now fight Stiverne because Wilder is injured. I’ll still keep up the legal action against Wilder’s team.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin’s “B”sample came up positive for his random drug test for his muted fight against WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

Povetkin’s mandatory shot at heavyweight world titleholder Deontay Wilder, scheduled to take place May 21 at the Khodynka Ice Palace in Moscow, was called off after his “A” sample came up positive for meldonium nine days before the fight. The sample had been taken in a random urine test conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association on April 27.

Povetkin, 36, had the right to have his “B” sample tested, and he did. According to the VADA testing report, which was obtained by ESPN.com, it was also positive for meldonium.

Due to a recent test failure for PED’s by mandatory challenger, Alexander Povetkin, The fight with Povetkin challenging WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has set for next Saturday has been postponed by the WBC, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“The World Boxing Council is diligently addressing the positive test result from the [WBC’s] clean boxing program for mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement. “Keeping the priority of safety and also the principle of justice, the WBC will continue the investigation into the case. Consequently, the event scheduled for May 21 in Moscow is hereby officially postponed. The WBC will be releasing more information in the coming days regarding the final ruling on the matter.”

“I’m very disappointed that due to Povetkin’s failed drug test the fight is not going to happen on May 21 in Moscow,” Wilder said in a statement. “I had worked very hard to prepare myself for this important title defense, spending the last two weeks training in England to get accustomed to fighting in Europe. I wanted to give the fans a great show, but we understand the WBC’s position that the fight occur on an even playing field.

“This is a huge disappointment and a setback to my goals in boxing. I want to be an active heavyweight champion and it is still my goal to collect all the belts and become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”

“The guy tested positive for a dangerous drug and the health and safety of Deontay was paramount, so the fight could not take place on May 21,” Wilder promoter Lou DiBella told ESPN.com. “Deontay would have fought King Kong without any regard for what substance was being used, but Povetkin’s use of this banned substance and the breach of the contract deprived Deontay of an opportunity to defend his title on a fair playing field. As a result, Deontay has suffered significant damages.

“He has gone through his entire training camp and expended a tremendous amount of time and money and energy. It’s awful.”

“Any talk from Ryabinsky of a rescheduled date is both unfounded and premature,” DiBella said. “We need to sit back and await further rulings from the WBC, but we will weigh all of our options.”

“He has not taken it since Jan. 1. The situation is ambiguous,” Ryabinsky told Russia’s TASS news agency before the fight was called off. “The blood sample was taken in April this year.”

Number-one ranked heavyweight contender Alexander Povetkin tested positive for a banned substance, putting his fight title fight with Deontay Wilder, scheduled for next Saturday in Russia in doubt, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“This letter is to advise you that the ‘A’ sample urine specimen number 3969608 collected from Alexander Povetkin on April 27, 2016 in Chekhov, Russia through his participation in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) program has been analyzed for anabolic agents, diuretics, beta-2 agonists, stimulants and drugs of abuse,” Goodman wrote. “The results of the analysis are as follows: Adverse. Urine specimen contains meldonium.”

“Mr. Povetkin has the right to promptly request analysis of the ‘B’ sample at his expense,” Goodman wrote. “Please be aware that VADA does not adjudicate results nor determine whether sanctions are appropriate. As with all results, adverse findings are reported to the relevant commission(s) who may make such determinations.”

“Traces of extremely low concentration of meldonium have been found in his blood. He consumed it in September last year,” Povetkin promoter Andrey Ryabinsky of World of Boxing said, according to the Russian TASS news agency. “He has not taken it since Jan. 1. The situation is ambiguous. The blood sample was taken in April this year. We have been in contact with the World Boxing Council, which is to decide if Povetkin’s boxing bout against Deontay Wilder will take place or not.”

Promoter Lou DiBella, representing Wilder, told ESPN that he and the Wilder team were still gathering information on the situation.

“We literally have received this in the last hour and have not even had a chance to discuss this with our team,” DiBella said. “We’re in the process of doing this right now. But it’s extremely upsetting and disappointing and while I am angry, I am certainly not shocked. We’ll make a more detailed statement and figure things out when we discuss this among ourselves and with the WBC. We haven’t had enough time to digest this. We’ll have more to say later.”

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman issued a statement after learning of Povetkin’s positive test.

“The WBC’s priority is and will always be safety, fair play and justice,” Sulaiman said. “In order to continue to strive for the absolute safety of the boxers and for a just and fair outcome for all parties involved, the WBC is conducting an in-depth investigation of this matter. The WBC will make a public announcement in the very near future concerning the results of its investigation and any appropriate steps that it will take.”

Earlier this week on a media teleconference to discuss the fight, DiBella was asked about the testing.

“Deontay’s always said, a million times, he’s never been hesitant to get involved in testing,” DiBella said. “And we wanted testing to begin, frankly, before it did. But it began with what we believe is plenty of time to make sure that everything is on the up-and-up. There’s been already a number of random tests of both athletes that have turned out negative. So we’re not concerned about that as an issue. And the testing is being done by VADA and they’ve been very buttoned up and everything’s been handled appropriately.

“In a perfect world, we might have liked it to start a little bit earlier, but that’s not an issue. … It’s in the hands of VADA, and we’re very comfortable with it in the hands of VADA.”

“I’m going to tell you right now I am super-excited about going to Moscow, Russia, defending my title,” Wilder said. “You know it seems like every time I turn around — when I have the big stage and the cameras — it’s always a moment for me. And this moment right here’s putting me down in history as the first American ever to defend his title in Russia. And I’m looking to do it in great fashion and to represent my country.”

BROOKLYN (May 11, 2016) – BROOKLYN BOXING is headed to Russia where world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder will promote Barclays Center’s flourishing boxing platform on his Everlast gear during training camp and fight week ahead of his title defense against Russian fighter Alexander Povetkin on May 21 at Megasport Arena in Moscow. Wilder has a long-standing alliance with Everlast.

Wilder established a strong bond with Barclays Center earlier this year when he defended his title in Brooklyn by knocking out Artur Szpilka in the 9th round on January 16, 2016.

“I’m excited to represent BROOKLYN BOXING in Russia as I get ready to retain my world championship belt,” said Wilder, who has a record of 36-0, 35 KO’s. “I had a memorable night at Barclays Center and I already consider it my home away from home.”

“We are thrilled to have world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder bring BROOKLYN BOXING to Moscow,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “The BROOKLYN BOXING brand has quickly resonated in the U.S. and we are excited to extend our reach into Russia and beyond.”

Further diversifying its BROOKLYN BOXING brand, Barclays Center has partnered with Tribune Media’s PIX 11 to produce a 30-minute television special, BROOKLYN BOXING COUNTDOWN, which premiered on April 16 before the arena hosted Errol Spence Jr.’s 5th round TKO against Chris Algieri. Following the success of the broadcast, Barclays Center and PIX 11 will continue to produce the show prior to major boxing events at the venue.

ABOUT BROOKLYN BOXING™
Upon opening in 2012, Barclays Center brought major championship boxing back to Brooklyn after more than 50 years. Over the past four years, the BROOKLYN BOXING franchise has hosted more than 100 bouts and more than 20 world title fights while giving local fighters their own shot in the spotlight. In April 2016, BROOKLYN BOXING extended its brand by creating an active wear and lifestyle apparel line that is available at www.BrooklynBoxingShop.com. BROOKLYN BOXING is proudly presented by AARP.

ABOUT BROOKLYN SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment is the business enterprise that manages and controls Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets, and the New York Islanders business operations. It is currently overseeing the redevelopment of Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and will also manage the Coliseum’s future operations upon its opening in December 2016. BSE identifies and creates alliances, strategic partners and other business opportunities to ensure the success of its assets. For more information on Barclays Center, please visit www.barclayscenter.com or follow on Twitter and Instagram @barclayscenter.

LONDON (April 22) – BoxNation subscribers who join the channel ahead of pound-for-pound star Gennady Golovkin’s world title clash this weekend against Dominic Wade will be able to enjoy an incredible first month of live action.

Available at just £12 a month, fight fans who sign up to ‘The Channel of Champions’ before Saturday night will not only be able to see knockout king Golovkin take on undefeated challenger Wade but a spectacular line up of world class fights in their first four weeks.

BoxNation is to screen a host of exclusively live fights in the coming weeks including British ace Amir Khan’s biggest fight to date when he takes on lineal middleweight world champion Canelo Alvarez from the new state-of-the-art T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on May 7th.

Kazakh assassin Golovkin will be looking to make a big statement to prove to both Khan and Canelo that he is the top dog in the 160-pound division when he goes up against the unbeaten and talented American Wade from The Forum in Inglewood,

California. Plus, that’s not all, BoxNation subscribers will be able to see the very best heavyweight action from a division that has revived itself to become one of the sports most talked about.

And one of its brashest talkers, and most skilled fighters, WBC world champion Deontay Wilder goes up against the ruthless Russian Alexander Povetkin exclusively live from the Megasport Arena in Moscow on May 21st.

The charismatic and playful American will be looking to entertain as he takes on Povetkin in a dangerous matchup that could prove to be Wilder’s trickiest test yet.

The division is stacked with emerging talent with another Fury out to cause havoc as cousin Hughie looks to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious cousin, unified world champion Tyson.

21-year-old Hughie will look to showcase his talent and stake his claim for a shot at the big time when he meets Fred Kassi on a stacked card at the Copper Box Arena in London next Saturday night.

The card also features talented lightweight Liam Walsh who will be out to extend his unbeaten run to 20 fights when he takes on Troy James.

BoxNation will be the only place to see how all these fights play out over the coming weeks, with subscribers guaranteed to enjoy a whole summer of thrilling and unrivalled boxing action.

On top of this coming month, BoxNation will be the only place to see the megafight between Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko as they lock horns in a rematch at the Manchester Arena on July 9th.

BoxNation regularly screens the best fights around, at incredible value, offering fans the chance to watch on various platforms including Sky, Virgin, TalkTalk, Freeview, online and app.

Jim McMunn, Managing Director at BoxNation, said: “Our upcoming calendar of live fights is our best to date – and that is saying something. We have shown some of the biggest and best fights around in recent years but the impending schedule is certainly something to be very excited about. For just £12 a month BoxNation will deliver to boxing and sports fans the best fights this summer at a truly remarkable value-for-money price. The world class boxing action and value we are delivering to our subscribers is unmatched anywhere else. The next few months is going to witness some historic fights and is certainly not to be missed.”

Watch Golovkin v Wade live on BoxNation this Saturday night from 2am. BoxNation is available on Sky (Ch.437/490HD), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

NORTHPORT, ALA. (April 21, 2016) -Undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder hosted a media workout Tuesday at the Skyy Gym in Northport, Ala. as he prepares to become the first reigning American heavyweight champion to travel to Russia to defend his title.

In exactly one month, on Saturday, May 21, Wilder (36-0, 35 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., will put his world title on the line against mandatory challenger and native Russian, Alexander Povetkin (30-1, 22 KOs), in Moscow.

Here’s what Wilder said at his Media Workout day on Tuesday:

DEONTAY WILDER

(On his expectations going to Russia…)

“My expectation is, of course, to win. To come back with that victory for America. This is a big fight, not just for myself, for America. It’s like Russia vs. America. I’ve been getting nothing but positive feedback from fans all over. Even if they weren’t a fan of Deontay Wilder they are now for this very fight. Hopefully I can win them over to stay a fan of Deontay Wilder after this fight. I think it’s a great fight. I think it’s a great thing that we’re going over to Russia defending my title in somebody else’s backyard.

“Like I said before, it’s easier for me to fight here in American but that’s not what it’s all about to me. When I have a title that says the heavyweight champion of the world, I want to travel all over the world to defend my title. I’m living my dream, I’m getting an opportunity to do that with this fight. I’m looking forward to Russia and I want to tell Russia,’Here I come.’ ”

(What it means to be the first heavyweight champion to fight in Russia…)

“It means a lot. It makes me even closer to my faith. God doesn’t make mistakes in lives. He doesn’t make a mistake in my life, your life or anybody else. Things happen for a reason and they happen at the right time in your life. Things may not come when you want it, but when they come it’s right on time. The things that have been accumulating throughout my career, it’s been amazing. How I’ve been able to make history, beat other records, and continue to make history. It’s amazing. I just want to know what else he has in store for my life. If it’s continuously history being made, what’s next? I’m excited.

“I can’t wait to see how my life unfolds at the end of my career. What happens at the end of Deontay Wilder when it’s time for him to say I’ve done all I’ve done in this sport and I don’t want to do it anymore. I want to see how much ground I can cover for those that have come before me.”

(How you predict the fight going…)

“I predict the fight as being a punishment in the first round and then knocking him out. All heavyweights want to knock somebody out so we have to say we’re going to knock them out. This is the cream of the crop division. The heavyweights. The hard-hitters. The heavy hitters, as they say. When we step in that ring, nothing is acceptable but a knockout. And I’m looking to knock him out.”

(On if he’s reached his peak…)

“Not at all and that’s the scary part about it. I haven’t even reached my peak yet and I’m still learning on the way up. I want to always learn. Each and every fight brings experience to me. It brings something that I’ve taken away from that fight and that I’ve added to the next fight. Looking forward to being very crisp and very good in this fight and showing people a little bit more of what Deontay Wilder is capable of. Especially those who haven’t seen anything thus far yet, stay tuned to this fight. This is one you don’t want to miss.”

(On unifying the titles in the future…)

“Most definitely. I really feel when I say that I will be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, I don’t just say it to say it, but I also feel it inside me, deep inside me that I will be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and add my name to the few undisputed champions that have come before me. My name will be placed in history on that. Why wouldn’t it? All the things I’ve done up to now, that will be the icing on my cake to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. I won’t stop, no matter how many hours I have to put in. No matter how many fights that I have to take. No matter how many countries I have to visit to defend my title. I will be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”

(On concerns about going to Russia…)

“I don’t have any concerns. I don’t let my brain sit back and think about if I don’t knock him out or are they going to rob me, or anything like that. I just don’t want my mind to be on that when I’m in a fight. I want to have a clear mind. I want to go in there and do what Deontay is capable of doing. Like I said, all things are in God’s hands and if it’s in his will for me to win, it’s going to happen. If not then, I don’t stop there. My legacy is not going to stop there. But I’m very confident in what I’m about to do and what I’m going to do, and we all know that if we knock him out then we don’t have to worry about that. So of course that’s going to be my priority on my list – to knock him out.”

BoxNation will broadcast exclusively live in the UK Deontay Wilder’s WBC World Heavyweight title defence against Alexander Povetkin from Moscow, Russia, on Saturday 21st May.

The undefeated American superstar puts his title on the line for the fourth time against the Russian mandatory challenger and former WBA World Champion at the Khodynka Ice Palace.

In a real life re-enactment of the iconic Rocky IV movie that saw Rocky Balboa head to Russia and face the indestructible Ivan Drago, Wilder must enter hostile territory after Povetkin’s promoters won the purse bid to stage the fight on home soil.

The dynamite-punching and brash Wilder, 30, has lit up the heavyweight division with his explosive performances that have seen him stop all but one of his 36 opponents with a staggering 28 coming inside three rounds.

Since winning the WBC crown from Berman Stiverne in January last year, the ‘Bronze Bomber’ has made title defences against Eric Molina, Johann Dhaupas and Artur Szpilka and won all by stoppage, but now faces the most difficult challenge of his career.

Povetkin, 36, a former world class amateur winning Gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics and 2003 World Championships, won the WBA World title in 2001 by defeating Ruslan Chagaev in 2011 and made title defences against Cedric Boswell, Marco Huck, Hasim Rahman and Andrzej Wawrzyk – winning three out of four by stoppage.

A unification showdown against then division king Wladimir Klitschko, the IBF, WBO, WBA Super World Champion followed in October 2013 and despite being floored four times in the fight, Povetkin took Klitschko the full distance only to lose on the judges’ scorecards, which remains his sole career defeat. Since then he’s knocked-out his last four opponents to earn his world title shot.

Chief-support on the card sees two-time WBA World Cruiserweight Champion Dennis Lebedev in a unification battle against IBF World Champion Victor Emilio Ramirez.

Further big live world title action coming up on the Channel of Champions in April sees Eduard Troyanovsky and Cesar Rene Cuenca clash in a highly anticipated rematch on Friday 8th April from the Krylia Sovetov in Moscow, Russia.

Russian Troyanovsky beat Argentinean Cuenca last November, halting him in six rounds with many feeling that the fight was stopped too early and now they collide again with the IBF and IBO World Super-Lightweight titles on the line.

On Saturday 16th April live coverage comes from The Barclays Centre, New York, when WBO World Cruiserweight Champion Krzysztof Glowacki makes the opening defence of his title against former two-time IBF World Champion Steve Cunningham.

Glowacki won the title in a thriller in his last fight against Marco Huck last August when he stopped the German based Serbian in the eleventh round, live on BoxNation.

Huck dropped Pole Glowacki in the sixth round and was ahead on the scorecards before Glowacki found a big punch to floor Huck in the eleventh, it could have been stopped by the referee, but he was given a chance to continue and Glowacki steamed in to get the stoppage.

Also on the card fast rising star and 2012 U.S Olympian Errol Spence aims to become the first fighter to stop former world champion Chris Algieri in a 10-round welterweight showdown.

– Ends –

About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers.

LONDON (19 October) – BoxNation will air big-punching Russian Alexander Povetkin’s showdown with Mariusz Wach exclusively live on a stacked bill on November 4th.

The imposing Povetkin is coming off a stunning first-round stoppage over the skilled Cuban Mike Perez who he dismantled in just over a minute in May.

Following that win the 36-year-old is now on course for a meeting with WBC world champion Deontay Wilder but must first get past a dangerous foe in Wach, who like the Russian has only one loss on his record to that of boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko.

A new era is shaping up in the heavyweight division with both Povetkin and Wach among the frontrunners looking to stamp their mark in what has historically been boxing’s glamour division.

Poland’s Wach has been on a four-run winning streak since his setback to Klitschko in 2012 and against Povetkin, the man known as ‘The Viking’, will be looking to use his 6ft 7inch frame to dominate his smaller opponent.

Though that will be no easy task with Povetkin having a history of toppling bigger men, as his record of 21 knockouts from his 29 wins proves.

The Wednesday night fight card, taking place at Basket-Hall Arena in Kazan, will also see a host of other exciting matchups taking place with WBA champion Denis Lebedev, who beat Youri Kayembre Kalenga earlier this year by unanimous decision facing Lateef Kayode.

Kayode is undefeated in 21 fights, with 16 KOs, and will be out to claim his first world title against the tough Lebedev who has 27 wins, 20 KOs, with just two defeats on his record.

In addition, 2008 gold medalist Rakim Chakhkiev will look for his fifth-straight knockout against California-based Londoner Ola Afolabi, with IBF light-welterweight ace Cesar Rene Cuenca looking to equal Floyd Mayweather’s 49-0 record against Eduard Troyanovsky.

Knockout king Dmitry Kudryashov, who has stopped all 18 of his opponents, challenges for the vacant WBC Silver cruiserweight title against another hard-hitter in Olanrewaju Durodola, who has 19 knockouts in his 21 wins.

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said: “This is a really exciting card featuring some of the very best fighters in the world. The main event is an intriguing matchup with the winner putting themselves in pole position for a shot at the WBC heavyweight world title. There is also the chance to see some top class cruiserweight action and the fact that the bill has some of the biggest hitters around makes for a thrilling night of boxing.”

To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, TalkTalk 415, online or app) for only £12 a month visit boxnation.com.

-Ends-
About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at Livesport.tv and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

LONDON (22 May) – Boxing has enjoyed an incredible year in 2015 with BoxNation at the forefront having screened the biggest and best fights around.

In the past few weeks alone ‘The Channel of Champions’ has shown some of the highest viewed fights in years live and exclusive including the thrilling toe-to-toe war between Lucas Matthysse and Ruslan Provodnikov, heavyweight legend Wladimir Klitschko’s defence of his world titles against Bryant Jennings, Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez’s brutal knockout of James Kirkland and Kazakh ace Gennady Golovkin’s stunning win over Willie Monroe Jr.

Those eye-catching battles will undoubtedly go down among the top highlights of a remarkable year with BoxNation set to keep delivering with an unbelievable value-for-money lineup over the summer.

The non-stop live boxing action starts tonight when Russian kingpin Alexander Povetkin takes on the Cork based Cuban Mike Perez as both slug it out to see who will compete for the charismatic Deontay Wilder’s WBC heavyweight world title next up.

Then, next Friday night, live from the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, one of boxing’s most exciting fighters is back when British welterweight star Amir Khan takes on Chris Algieri as he looks to get his name into the Floyd Mayweather sweepstakes for September.

28-year-old Khan is coming-off a dazzling display against the tricky Devon Alexander in his last matchup but will have to be at his best against former champion Algieri who is fighting in his hometown under respected new head trainer John David Jackson.

A host of top fights keep coming on BoxNation when Puerto Rican idol Miguel Cotto takes on former two-time world champion Daniel Geale in a bout that could lead to a superfight for the victor.

Four-weight world champion Cotto has enjoyed a revival under Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach and is looking more dangerous than ever as he eyes a showdown with Canelo Alvarez should he prevail on June 6th.

Featherweight assassin and reigning WBA Super champion Nicholas Walters will be out a week later on June 13th as he puts his title on the line against knockout king Miguel Marriaga.

The Columbian holds a win over the unbeaten Walters in the amateurs, with the Jamaican hitter out for revenge and looking to continue his fine form that has seen him destroy 2012 Fighter of the Year Nonito Donaire last October.

Top welterweight Tim Bradley is hoping to cement his name at the pinnacle of the 147 pound division but will have his work cut out against rising American Jessie Vargas who goes up against the experienced 31-year-old in his breakout fight.

Vargas is mentored by fight legend Roy Jones Jr, having once trained under the Mayweather banner, and is well aware that a win over Bradley will catapult him to the top of the division.

Plus, on July 11th from the Manchester Velodrome, lightweight Terry Flanagan will have home advantage as he challenges for the vacant WBO world title against Jose Zepeda.

Both men are undefeated but Manchester born Flanagan, with a record of 27-0, will look to capitalise on fighting in front of his home crowd against 25-year-old big-hitting Zepeda, who has knocked out 20 opponents in his 23 wins.

There is even more big-hitting to come on BoxNation when one of the world’s most feared knockout artists Sergey Kovalev defends his prized WBA, WBO and IBF light-heavyweight titles against Frenchman Nadjib Mohammedi.

The 175-pound hitman has made light work of his previous 27 opponents, putting 24 of them to sleep along the way, and will be out to do much of the same against Mohammedi as he eyes a megafight with rival Adonis Stevenson in the near future.

Jim McMunn, Managing Director of BoxNation, said: “BoxNation is enjoying an amazing year with a host of record breaking fights having been screened live and exclusive on the channel. 2015 has already witnessed some unbelievable matchups and things just get better on BoxNation with a jam-packed summer schedule featuring the biggest and best names around. BoxNation continuously looks to deliver the best fights from around the world at a genuinely affordable and value-for-money price for our subscribers. The next few weeks on BoxNation is truly a fight fan’s dream.”

To subscribe to BoxNation (on Sky/Virgin/TalkTalk/ Livesport.tv/Apps) for just £12 a month please visit boxnation.com.

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About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.525), online at Livesport.tv and via apps (ios, Android). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

ESPN2, ESPN3 and ESPN Deportes will present exclusive coverage in the U.S. of the 12-round WBC World Heavyweight title eliminator between contenders Alexander Povetkin (28-1-1, 20 KOs) and Mike Pérez (21-1-0, 13 KOs) on Friday, May 22. The winner will become the mandatory challenger for Deontay Wilder’s heavyweight belt. The card, from Moscow is presented by K2 Promotions.

ESPN3 will carry the fight live and will also include additional live undercard bouts beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET. ESPN2 will televise the fight on tape-delay at 9 p.m. leading into the Boxcino 2015 finals on the series finale of ESPN Friday Night Fights. ESPN Deportes will also televise the fight on tape-delay at 9 p.m. leading into its Noche de Combates telecast.

ESPN2 and ESPN3’s presentation will utilize the English-language world feed. Pablo Viruega and Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights for ESPN Deportes, while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will co-anchor the studio.

ESPN3’s live presentation will also include:

· The 12-round WBC World Cruiserweight title fight between titleholder Grigory Drozd (39-1, 27 KOs) and Lukasz Janik;

· A cruiserweight bout between 2008 Olympic gold medalist Rakhim Chakhkiev (22-1, 17 KOs) and undefeated Junior Wright (13-0-1, 11 KOs);

· A cruiserweight matchup between undefeated Dmitry Kudryashov (17-0, 17 KOs) and Vikapita Meroro (28-4, 14 KOs).

LONDON (May 11) – The titanic heavyweight clash between big-hitters Alexander Povetkin and Mike Perez to see who will be next up for a shot at Deontay Wilder’s WBC title will be screened live and exclusive on BoxNation on May 22.

The pair meet at Luzhniki Arena in Moscow as they compete in a final eliminator for a chance to fight for the illustrious WBC green belt which was captured by the flashy and charismatic Wilder earlier this year when he overcame the brave Bermane Stiverne.

Povetkin and Perez, rated number one and two respectively by the WBC, are two of the very best heavyweights around and share only a single defeat each on their records, with 35-year-old Povetkin’s coming against the legendary Wladimir Klitschko two years ago.

Now though, having accumulated 28 wins in 29 fights, 20 from knockout, the sturdy Povetkin will be fighting in front of his home fans as he takes on the well schooled Cork based Cuban Perez who has 21 victories, with his one loss a narrow split decision to Bryant Jennings.

Wilder is expected to fight this summer and should he come through unscathed it would set up an intriguing battle with either man later this year.

The heavyweight division has been on the rise of late with an injection of talented new blood who are eager to put an end to the past decade of Klitschko brother dominance.

Following the retirement of older sibling Vitali, who held the WBC belt, Wladimir is still flying the flag but is set to face British heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury next up.

In other action on the Povetkin-Perez card, WBC cruiserweight champion Grigory Drozd (39-1, 27 KOs) will be facing former champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (49-3, 35 KOs), with the two having met last September in a fight which Drozd won on points.

Other bouts include 2008 Olympic gold medalist Rakhim Chakhkiev (22-1, 17 KOs) against Mirko Larghetto (22-1-0, 14 KOs) and fearsome knockout artist Dmitry Kudryashov (17-0, 17 KOs) is up against fellow cruiserweight Vikapita Meroro (28-4, 14 KOs).

Also, former heavyweight title challengers Manuel Charr (27-3, 16 KOs) and Alex Leapai (30-6-3, 24 KOs) clash in a crossroads contest.

To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 525) for just £12 a month please visit boxnation.com.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.525), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android. BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

When “Diamond Boy” Manuel Charr and former WBA world heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin step into the ring at Luzhniki Arena in Moscow (Russia) tonight (live on live.360fights.com / broadcast starts at noon EST / 6pm Central European Time) they will not only fight for the WBC international championship. According to Manuel Charr the fight will also be dedicated to the peace process in Syria.

“I respect Alexander Povetkin. He is a likable guy and a great champion. We will not only fight against each other in the ring – we also fight together for peace in the world and especially in Syria”, says Charr. “It is an honor to fight for the WBC international championship because the WBC has always supported the ‘Fight for Peace’ all around the world. And I know that WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman is expecially concerned about the Middle East – just like his father Don José has always been.”

José Sulaiman who passed away in January would have celebrated his 83th birthday today. So the fight between Charr and Povetkin is not only dedicated to peace but also to the longtime WBC President. The show in Moscow also features the WBC Silver cruiserweight championship bout between Rakhim Chakhkiev and Santander Silgado from Colombia and the WBC CISBB welterweight championship bout between Aslanbek Kozaev and Igor Faniyan from Ukraine.

In Germany, Austria, Switzerland, former Yugoslavia, Syria and the USA the show will be broadcasted live on live.360fights.com (starting at 12pm noon EST / 6pm Central European time).

This Friday (May 30th) former WBA heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin takes on former world title contender Manuel Charr for the vacant WBC international heavyweight championship at Luzhniki-Arena in Moscow. It will be Povetkin’s first fight since his sole career loss to supreme unified titlist Wladimir Klitschko last October. Both men know each other very well from their time as training partners when they were both under contract with German promoter powerhouse Sauerland Event.

When they met for the first time in years at the official press conference in Moscow, both Charr and Povetkin showed great respect for their opponent. At the same time both men are very confident that they will win the heavyweight clash on Friday night. “Alexander Povetkin will not stop me on my way to become heavyweight champion of the world”, said “Diamond Boy” Manuel Charr. “I want to thank him, his team and especially promoter Andrey Rabinsky for making this special fight possible. Not many guys have the guts to fight me. Povetkin doesn’t look scared right now – but he will regret inviting me to Moscow. I will beat him and continue my way to the top of the division.”

Answered Povetkin, “You have to respect Manuel Charr for accepting the challenge and coming to Moscow. He is a good fighter and shows great heart in returning to the place where he lost to Vitali Klitschko. But he will have no chance because of the simple fact that I am better than him. This is a big fight but it will only be a stepping stone for me to get to even bigger bouts. I want to become world champion again.”

The winner of the bout will line up along with a lot of great names who want to get their hands on newly crowned WBC champion Bermane Stiverne such as mandatory challenger Deontay Wilder, Bryant Jennings, Mike Perez, Tony Thompson, Carlos Takam and – last but surely not least – Wladimir Klitschko who just recently said that he would prefer a unification bout against Stiverne instead of doing his next mandatory against Kubrat Pulev.

A great former champion in attendance in Moscow and at the press conference is Evander Holyfield who will watch the fight ringside. “I am sure that this will be a great fight”, said the “Real Deal”. “It is my impression that the heavyweight division is getting better and more interesting again with fresh blood and young guys accepting big fights. Stiverne vs. Arreola was a good start. I believe Charr vs. Povetkin may even be a better fight. It’s good to see guys stepping up for the challenge.”