A jury in New York took just 32 minutes to determine that boxer Alexander Povetkin took meldonium after the substance was banned on January 1, 2016 per ESPN.
The 9-person jury, which included a chemist, made the decision on Monday after a 3 day trial in which both boxers attended.
Despite the verdict, there might be an appeal. A letter dated February 12, 2017 by World of Boxing’s attorneys cited “gross and extensive misconduct” during the trial. The letter was filed prior to Monday’s jury verdict we presume.
If there is no appeal, it appears that Wilder and his promoter Lou DiBella will receive a portion of the money still in escrow. Wilder was due $4.5 million to fight Povetkin while there was a $715,000 bonus for the winner. The attorney for Wilder and DiBella believes that the judge will release the funds.
Payout Perspective:
While its early, one would have to expect a Motion for New Trial and/or an appeal from World of Boxing based on the letter from their attorneys. Still, the basic theory of the case by Wilder was that there were 4 VADA drug tests in April. The first 3 did not show any traces of meldonium but the fourth one did. Thus, he must have taken the banned substance after the third test. World of Boxing argues that despite the negative tests, Povetkin had meldonium in his system from 2015 and it just was not picked up by the tests.
We will now see how much more legal fees World of Boxing will want to invest in this case. MMA Payout will keep you posted.
easiest $4.5m a heavyweight champion ever made….Wilder’s net worth just went from $10m to probably $13m without taking a punch lol. And in judging what Povetkin did to iron chinned Duhapaus, he should be banned for life from the sport of boxing before he kills someone
That’s alot of Alabama BBQ for the Bronze Bomber and his team. Kudos to the judge and yes a ban should be placed on Cheatvokin.
Do we know how much money Wilder and his people will actually get? I’m glad to see that a fighter who cheated takes a big financial hit with the money going to his opponent rather than the commission. Now we just need to get Mark Hunt paid.
If anyone pays Hunt, it should USADA or Lesnar, not the UFC. USADA had full control over the drug testing for the fight.
Ufc let him fight at the end of the day, they are to blame.
The UFC doesn’t handle the drug testing, so your point makes no sense.
Diego, the 4.5m was in escrow, the bonus money for the winner, not sure how that works out. Taxes will be taken out of course, and minus the court fees, I would imagine Wilder and his team walk away with at least 3m and the promoter/manager cut comes into play. Im guessing Wilder banks 2-2.5m. He will probably make another 1-1.5m from the fight next weekend, turning out to be a profitable month for that young man
@Diego: Court still has to release escrow funds which I’m sure will be opposed by WOB. Also, there was a 2M liquidated damages clause which I’m sure Wilder will claim. All signs point to a motion for new trial and/or appeal. So, this is not over yet.