Kovalev vs. Melikuziev Officially Canceled After Failed Drug Test

As Sergey Kovalev attempts to clear his name, Bektemir Melikuziev is now left without a fight.

The planned crossroads showdown between the two is longer in the works, with the entire Jan. 30 show now canceled as confirmed by Golden Boy Promotions on Friday. The event was due to take place at Fantasy Spring Casino in Indio, California, but was placed in jeopardy after Kovalev tested positive for synthetic testosterone—as reported by *******.com on Thursday.

Further consideration over the development resulted in the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) refusing to any longer sanction the event under current circumstances.

“Upon learning of Kovalev’s adverse finding, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) determined that they must cancel the event,” Golden Boy announced in a statement. “While we are crushed for “The Bully” (Melikuziev), we know that he will nevertheless have a tremendous year in 2021.

“We look forward to our next scheduled boxing event on Feb. 13.”