By Yuri Tarantin

Russian cruiserweight contender Dmitry Kudryashov (18-1, 18KOs) is going to train in the United States for his next return, being targeted for April.

On November 4 in Kazan, the rising puncher suffered his first defeat as a professional when he was stopped in second round by Nigerian Olanrewaju Durodole (22-2, 20KOs), as they battled for the WBC Silver championship.

After the fighter, Kudryashov's promoter Andrei Ryabinsky of World of Boxing announced that Durodole had tested positive for a performance enhancing drug. The World Boxing Council would later dismiss the drug claims, because the company handling the testing samples (RUSADA) was recently suspended in a major overseas scandal, where evidence was presented that the agency was allegedly manipulating test results. 

"On Monday we met with Andrei Ryabinski, and discussed the future strategy of our development, and decided that for the card on April 8 I will prepare in America," the Russian fighter said.

"There are no specifics on the opponent or the training. I do not know what sanctions can be applied to Durodole for doping, but I'm ready to once again fight him and take revenge, regardless of whether or not he was doping. On New Year's Eve I will be at home in Volgodonsk with family and close friends. I don't want to leave just yet because I love to celebrate this holiday at home."

Yuri Tarantin covers boxing for Allboxing.ru