Alexander Povetkin KOs Johann Duhaupas in 6

Alexander Povetkin made the most of a salvaged card over the weekend when he stopped Johann Duhaupas in six rounds. The fight was a late replacement for the scheduled Povetkin-Stiverne bout which was to be for the WBC’s vacant interim title and a mandatory title shot at Deontay Wilder.

The Povetkin-Stiverne fight was nixed, however, when Povetkin was popped by VADA just days before the fight, testing positive for banned substance ostarine. The WBC ultimately ruled that it would withdraw its sanction of the fight in light of Povetkin’s failed drug test, which in turn left Stiverne with little incentive to follow through with the bout.

But, for whatever reason, Povetkin was still allowed to carry on and fight in his native Russia despite the failed test, and Johann Duhaupas accepted the assignment on 20 hours notice. Obviously that didn’t work out so well for him.

Speaking after Duhaupas’ stoppage loss, his manager Mehdi Ameur said that they had no regrets about taking the fight.

“He accepted this fight, and Johann had to try to make the fight better without preparation. For sure, he needed more preparation to fight against someone like Povetkin but it was a very exceptional situation and we regret nothing. Johann is happy, he is a big boxer with big cojones.”

Ameur was then asked if it wasn’t perhaps dangerous to send his fighter in against another one who just tested positive for a performance enhancing drug.

“It was a little dangerous, but Johan was training hard for a fight with Carlos Takam when this offer came.

“You get one chance though and one life and we don’t regret nothing. We took a chance, took the fight and it didn’t work out in the end,” he added.

Duhaupas, who held the WBC’s Silver title, will almost assuredly see that title vacated with the loss. What will come of Povetkin following his latest drug infraction remains to be seen...