Nigerian-born cruiserweight contender Olanrewaju “God’s Power” Durodola says he’s relieved to have been cleared of doping allegations made by a discredited Russian organization.
“They tried to take away what I worked so hard for. I thank God they were not able to. I am a champion. I did that with my fists, not drugs. It hurt me when they tried to say I cheated.”
Following his upset TKO 2 over Russian Dmitry Kudryashov on November 4 in Russia, Durodola (22-2, 20 KOs) says he was heartbroken to hear that Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) were claiming he had tested positive for performance enhancing drugs.
However, after an administrative investigation, the World Boxing Council, in conjunction with an Independent Commission and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), ruled that RUSADA was non-compliant with proper testing procedures.
Reaffirmed as the WBC #2 contender, 35-year-old Durodola, a 2008 Olympian, finds himself in an excellent position to eventually challenge champion Grigory Drozd.
“It is my dream I have worked for all my life,” continued Durodola. “It was a nightmare to have them try to lie and take that away from me.”
Intent on protecting himself from attempts to have his ring achievements taken away unfairly again, Durodola has agreed to participate in the new WBC Clean Boxing Program. The program will provide for random and mandatory anti-doping testing of boxers both in-competition and out-of-competition.
Durodola’s promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions, says “I am pleased that the WBC took control of the situation and acted swiftly and appropriately. Durodola was a 25-1 underdog and won in spectacular fashion. This career defining victory can now be thoroughly enjoyed by the entire Durodola team and we are looking forward to a world title opportunity in the immediate future.”
Roland Jankelson, Durodola’s manager, expressed how hard it was on his boxer, himself, and the Durodola team, knowing that the test results were bogus, but being used to threaten the bout results and rob Durodola of his victory.
“The Kudryashov interests immediately rushed to fill the media with these false allegations, violating WBC rules regarding confidentiality requirements. Mr. Durodola, our team, and I are grateful to the WBC for its thorough investigation and decision declaring the Russian tests flawed.”
