Sergey Kovalev’s clash with Bektemir Melikuziev is in doubt after the former Light Heavyweight world champion reportedly tested positive for Synthetic Testosterone, as first reported by Dan Rafael of BoxingScene.com.
Kovalev, 37, was due to face the unbeaten Uzbekh talent, Melikuziev in a catchweight 178lbs showdown on January 30, live on DAZN, in his first fight in over 14 months, since losing his WBO Light Heavyweight crown to Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas last November.
According to BoxingScene, the positive result was returned on Wednesday by Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), following a sample given by the Russian on December 30.
“Adverse analytical finding: IRMS (isotope-ratio mass spectrometry) results are consistent with exogenous origin of testosterone and metabolites,” the letter from VADA obtained by BoxingScene read.
“Mr. Kovalev has the right to promptly request analysis of the ‘B’ sample at his expense.”
Kovalev’s promotional team, Main Events have spoken to ‘Krusher’ who insists he did not “purposefully ingest any banned substances” and has outlined the next steps.
BREAKING: Sergey Kovalev has tested positive for synthetic testosterone. I have obtained the VADA letter outlining the details of positive test. Means his Jan. 30 DAZN headliner with Bektemir “Bek Bully” Melikuziev likely will be canceled. #boxing
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) January 14, 2021
Here is the VADA letter pertaining to Kovalev’s positive test. #boxing pic.twitter.com/No5C8ffyQS
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) January 14, 2021
“We are aware of the adverse finding from VADA,” Main Events CEO Kathy Duva told BoxingScene.
“Sergey Kovalev has been proven to be a clean fighter throughout the many years that he has been tested by VADA.
“VADA was contracted for this fight at his insistence, as he has requested for almost all of his fights going back several years.
“He maintains that he did not purposefully ingest any banned substances. We have made arrangements to have his supplements tested for contamination and will request that VADA test his B sample.”
Unbeaten Mezikuziev, an Olympic Silver medalist, is keen to still face Kovalev if possible.
I don’t like talking, but I said it last night – it makes no difference to me, just put him in the ring, let us fight regardless. @DAZNBoxing @Micheladatime @GoldenBoyBoxing @VadimKTeam
— Bektemir Melikuziev (@BMelikuziev) January 14, 2021
“I don’t like talking, but I said it last night – it makes no difference to me, just put him in the ring, let us fight regardless,” the 24-year-old posted on Twitter.
