Moscow: Former three-time world champion in middleweight boxing title holder Sergei Kovalev (34-4-1, 29) tested positive for doping.
At the end of December, the Russian passed a sample to the Voluntary Doping Testing Association (WADA). Kovalev's team was informed about disappointing results.
However, Kovalev's team renounced the use of any drugs.
“We are aware of the unfavorable information from WADA. Kovalev proved that he is a 'clean' boxer during many years of testing at WADA. He insisted that WADA be involved in this fight (with Melikuziev) - as well as in other fights here for several years now", - said promoter Katie Duva.
Note that ex-world champion Kovalev has not fought since November 2019, when Saul “Canelo” Alvarez lost by knockout in the fight for the WBO middleweight title.