Promoter Andrey Ryabinsky has claimed the International Boxing Federation (IBF) have cleared Russian heavyweight Alexander Povetkin over an alleged doping case.
Povetkin was due to take on American Deontay Wilder and Canadian Bermane Stiverne in world title fights last year, but neither bout went ahead as Povetkin tested positive for meldonium and ostarine before the respective contests.
He was supposed to go up against Wilder in May and Stiverne in December.
The World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) restored the boxer to their rankings in recent weeks.
Ryabinsky has claimed his fighter has now been cleared by the IBF, with the fighter now placed 13th in their rankings.
“Gradually achieving victories,” Ryabinsky tweeted.
“Another boxing federation (IBF) withdrew all charges against Povetkin.
“I promised.”
Povetkin was suspended indefinitely and fined $250,000 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) in March.
He will be able to re-apply for reinstatement in one year and he will also have to undergo a specific testing program by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association as part of the WBC’s clean boxing initiative at his own expense.
The WBC also gave Povetkin the chance to provide additional proof regarding the ostarine test.
He reportedly appealed against the decision.
The boxer returned to the ring for the first time, since the cases commenced, on July 1.
He secured a unanimous points victory over Ukraine’s Andriy Rudenko in Moscow, winning the WBA Continental and WBO International heavyweight titles in the process.
At the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, Povetkin claimed gold in the men’s super-heavyweight gold.
By Michael Pavitt
Republished with permission from insidethegames.biz.