WBC halts Alexander Povetkin heavyweight title fight over positive drug test

The World Boxing Council postponed the heavyweight title fight in Moscow involving challenger Alexander Povetkin, who tested positive for the banned performance-enhancing drug Meldonium.

“Keeping the priority of safety and also the principle of justice, the WBC will continue the investigation into the case,” it was written in a WBC-prepared statement.

Povetkin’s promoter won a purse bid to host the fight against unbeaten WBC champion Deontay Wilder of Alabama.

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The fight had been scheduled for May 21.

“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 Sunday. “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.’’

The Nevada-based Voluntary Anti-Doping Assn. collected Povetkin’s positive sample late last month. Meldonium has been banned due to its performance-enhancing effects, which allow athletes to maximize their training benefits.

While Povetkin’s camp sought to allow the fight to continue, contending the test revealed a low amount of Meldonium, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman halted the bout.

“The WBC will be releasing more information in the coming days regarding the final ruling on the matter,” according to the sanctioning body’s statement.

Follow Lance Pugmire on Twitter @latimespugmire