The performance-enhancing drug Meldonium was introduced to the American lexicon of PEDs when it was reported that Alexander Povetkin had tested positive for the banned substance in April. The positive test has now resulted in the cancellation of Povetkin’s scheduled fight with WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder on May 21 in Moscow.
Though not known here in the United States, Meldonium seems to be quite popular among Russian athletes. Tennis star Maria Sharapova admitted in March that she tested positive for the drug, and a number of other Russian combat-sport athletes, like Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight Islam Makhachev, have tested positive for Meldonium.