Word: Since this text was revealed, Dan Rafael has revealed that Erislandy Lara will now defend his WBA middleweight title towards Johan Gonzalez. A press launch has additionally confirmed Janibek Alimkhanuly’s constructive check and Lara’s opponent change.
WBO and IBF middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly (17-0, 12 KOs) has reportedly examined constructive 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 Middle 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 constructive check, Alimkhanuly’s struggle towards Lara will now not be going down.
Janibek Alimkhanuly reportedly exams constructive for banned substance forward of Erislandy Lara bout
In line with a Voluntary Anti-Doping Affiliation (VADA) report obtained by Dan Rafael, Alimkhanuly examined constructive 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 constructive 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 check. Right here’s the… pic.twitter.com/8WzB0JsbiH
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) December 2, 2025
Meldonium is a substance that isn’t permitted by america Meals and Drug Administration (FDA). It’s also not obtainable within the nation. America Anti-Doping Company (USADA) claims that meldonium “could also be utilized in a scientific setting for these affected by coronary heart circumstances, comparable to low blood movement to the guts and angina, in addition to neurodegenerative issues and bronchopulmonary illnesses.”
USADA additionally claims that “proof signifies that meldonium could improve endurance, enhance rehabilitation following train, and improve activations of the central nervous system. Meldonium may present cognitive benefits.”
Reactions
“I’ve at all times supported clear sport this effectively,” stated Alimkhanuly in a publish to X. “I used to be shocked once I learn the information. VADA took the primary check 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 check, 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 struggle in affiliation with High Rank, have but to make an official assertion as this piece goes revealed.
