The Russian heavyweight contender has had issues in the past during his professional career but has spoken candidly about what happened ahead of his fight with Anthony Joshua this weekend.

Povetkin takes on Joshua this weekend at Wembley Stadium in front of what should be more than 80,000 fans in attendance.

Speaking on the pre-fight documentary ahead of the fight brought out by Sky Sports, when asked about previous failed drug tests he’s had in the past in his pro career Povetkin replied:

“For me, it was unexpected. I knew that I was tested constantly. I had clean doping tests and then, before the fight, one nanogram. For me that’s surprising. Above all, I don’t think I’m guilty of anything… And I think there’s some kind of mistake. I understand that criticisms are made by armchair experts. That doesn’t bother me.”

This weekend’s heavyweight title fight will be shown live on DAZN in the US and live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

The winner of the fight will be in line for a shot at the winner of Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury (expected to happen this December) in the new year – in a fight for all the belts in the heavyweight division.