Notice: Since this text was revealed, Dan Rafael has revealed that Erislandy Lara will now defend his WBA middleweight title in opposition to Johan Gonzalez. A press launch has additionally confirmed Janibek Alimkhanuly’s optimistic take a look at and Lara’s opponent change.
WBO and IBF middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly (17-0, 12 KOs) has reportedly examined optimistic for a banned substance.
The unified titlist was scheduled to face Erislandy Lara (31-3-3, 19 KOs) on a Dec. 6 Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) card on the Frost Financial institution Heart in San Antonio, TX. Their bout would have taken place on the undercard of Isaac Cruz vs. Lamont Roach Jr. Lara’s WBA middleweight title would have additionally been on the road.
Mike Coppinger and Brunch Boxing had been among the many first to report the information. On account of the optimistic take a look at, Alimkhanuly’s combat in opposition to Lara will now not be happening.
Janibek Alimkhanuly reportedly checks optimistic for banned substance forward of Erislandy Lara bout
In response to a Voluntary Anti-Doping Affiliation (VADA) report obtained by Dan Rafael, Alimkhanuly examined optimistic for meldonium. A discover revealed by the World Anti-Doping Company (WADA) in 2016 states that the substance has been “prohibited always” since Jan. 1, 2015. Its mere presence constitutes an anti-doping rule violation.
BREAKING: I’ve obtained copy of VADA report on unified 160 titlist Janibek Alimkhanuly, who has examined optimistic for banned PED Meldonium. His 160 unification with Erislandy Lara on Saturday is off, per PBC, which is lining up alternative for Lara. Ring 1st with take a look at. Right here’s the… pic.twitter.com/8WzB0JsbiH
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) December 2, 2025
Meldonium is a substance that isn’t permitted by the USA Meals and Drug Administration (FDA). It’s also not accessible within the nation. The US Anti-Doping Company (USADA) claims that meldonium “could also be utilized in a medical setting for these affected by coronary heart situations, akin to low blood stream to the center and angina, in addition to neurodegenerative problems and bronchopulmonary ailments.”
USADA additionally claims that “proof signifies that meldonium might improve endurance, enhance rehabilitation following train, and improve activations of the central nervous system. Meldonium might also present cognitive benefits.”
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“I’ve all the time supported clear sport you already know this effectively,” stated Alimkhanuly in a put up to X. “I used to be shocked after I learn the information. VADA took the primary take a look at and stated every thing was clear. I’ve not made any modifications to my nutritional vitamins. I don’t know what occurred with the second take a look at, so I requested a retest.”
WBA middleweight champion Lara has but to touch upon the matter as this piece goes revealed. High Rank, who promote Alimkhanuly, have additionally not formally commented but. TGB Promotions, who had been selling the combat in affiliation with High Rank, have but to make an official assertion as this piece goes revealed.
