Thursday 26 May 2016 12:04, UK
The WBC has confirmed that Deontay Wilder will be granted a voluntary defence of his world heavyweight title.
Wilder (36-0-KO35) had been due to face mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin (30-1-KO22) in Moscow on May 21 only for the Russian to fail a drugs test.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement: "In relation to challenger Povetkin's test result, the WBC is conducting an in-depth investigation and evaluation of the situation. Further WBC rulings will be forthcoming.
"In the meantime, the WBC hereby rules that in light of the fact that the bout with challenger Povetkin did not take place as scheduled, WBC heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder has the right to make a voluntary defense of his title as reasonably soon as possible."
The American welcomed the news, telling ESPN.com: "I'm glad the WBC has allowed me to move forward and let me do what I love to do, which is to perform for the fans.
"When it comes to somebody taking something, whether by mouth or in his veins by syringe, that's unacceptable. There should be no tolerance. They were well aware of what they were doing."
Early rumours suggest the likes of Bryant Jennings, Kubrat Pulev, Bermane Stiverne and Gerald Washington will lead the chase to challenge Wilder.
