WBC cuts doping suspension for Russian boxer Povetkin

MOSCOW — Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin has had his indefinite doping suspension from the WBC cut to one year, but he still must pay a $250,000 fine.

Povetkin had two WBC fights called off last year after positive doping tests, including a planned heavyweight title bout against Deontay Wilder.

The Russian was banned from WBC-sanctioned fights after the second failed test, but he appealed.

The WBC says it has cut that ban to one year from his last positive test for ostarine in December 2016, leaving Povetkin free to fight from next month.

However, Povetkin will have another year of probation and must still pay his fine and face extra testing.

Povetkin is to face Christian Hammer in a WBO-sanctioned bout next month, a fight which wasn't affected by the WBC sanction.