Sergey Kovalev’s three-time World Cup fight against Bektemir Melikuziev was expected to be postponed after he returned a positive result in the VADA test; There is now doubt about a 37-year future
Last updated: 15/01/21 10:13 am
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Kovalev’s latest fight ended with a KO loss to Canelo
Kovalev’s latest fight ended with a KO loss to Canelo
Sergey Kovalev has tested positive for synthetic testosterone in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) test.
His fight against Bektemir Melikuziev, set for January 30, is expected to be postponed.
Kovalev’s sample A from 30 December was positive and is awaiting the outcome of his B sample, Boxing scene recitation.
“VADA has been contracted for this fight at its inception, as it has demanded that almost all of its fights go back several years,” Kovalev promoter Kathy Duva said. to ESPN. “He maintains that he did not intentionally import prohibited substances.”
Sky Sports has contacted Kovalev’s representatives for comment.
The 37-year-old Russian has not been fighting since being knocked out in the world heavyweight title defense against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in November 2019.
Look at Kovalev KO Vyacheslav Shabranskyy.
He is a three-time world champion with special awards over Bernard Hopkins, Nathan Cleverly and Jean Pascal (twice).
His most recent victory came against Anthony Yarde, who had left Britain – Kovalev came through a major dilemma in his hometown to end the fight with a halt.
He was once considered one of the world’s top pound-for-pound talents and the most feared punters until his run into Andre Ward in 2016.
Ward controversially won their first meeting through a unanimous decision but claimed the remand through a halt.
With 34 wins from 39 fights, Kovalev’s future is now in question.
This year’s highlights of the fight between Sergey Kovalev and Andre Ward.
Melikuziev, an expectant from Uzbekistan who is 13 years younger and with 33 fewer fights than Kovalev, was set for a big step up in competition.
Nicknamed ‘Bully’, he is undeveloped in six hits and was also ready to move up a division to fight Kovalev although the opportunity was seen as a potentially positive moment. .
Melikuziev responded on social media: “I don’t like to talk, but I said it last night – it doesn’t matter to me, just put it in the ring, let’s fight no matter what.”