They never got the chance to trade hands, but Deontay Wilder has found victory over Alexander Povetkin via a different avenue. Earlier today, "The Bronze Bomber" won his civil case against Team Povetkin following the latter’s failed test for meldonium, laying claim to the $4.5 million purse previously placed in escrow.
Wilder was originally set to fight Povetkin this past May before the aforementioned failed test, kicking off a series of lawsuits from both Team Wilder and Team Povetkin. The former alleged a breach of contract, while the latter alleged defamation. This ruling likely nixes any chance of the defamation suit getting off the ground. Andrey Ryabinski and co. can still appeal, of course, but it may be an uphill battle considering "Sasha’s" recent failed test for Ostarine.
Wilder is currently set to fight Gerald Washington on February 25th after Andrzej Wawrzyk also failed a drug test.
I am not a lawyer by any stretch of the imagination, but this seems like it could set an interesting precedent. It'll be worth keeping an eye on its aftereffects.