Kazakh boxing star Janibek Alimkhanuly has tested positive for a banned substance ahead of his highly anticipated middleweight unification fight against Erislandy Lara, scheduled for this Saturday. The news has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, leaving fans and promoters scrambling for answers.

According to the World Boxing Organisation (WBO), the fighter’s failed test was reported by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), and an internal investigation is now underway. The WBO emphasized its commitment to maintaining clean sport and ensuring a fair playing field for all competitors.

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Alimkhanuly Replaced by Johan Gonzalez

Following the failed drug test, Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), who are promoting the event, confirmed that Venezuelan fighter Johan Gonzalez will step in to face Lara. Gonzalez, an experienced middleweight, brings an impressive record of 36 wins out of 40 professional fights. He last fought in March, defeating Jarrett Hurd by split decision, making him a credible replacement for the unification bout.

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The Substance: Meldonium

Reports indicate that the banned substance found in Alimkhanuly’s system is meldonium, a drug known for enhancing endurance and athletic performance. Meldonium has been prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since 2016.

Alimkhanuly’s “A” sample returned an adverse analytical finding, prompting the fighter to request a test of his “B” sample to confirm or refute the results.

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Alimkhanuly Speaks Out

On social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Alimkhanuly expressed his surprise at the test results:

“I have always supported clean sport, you know this well. I was surprised when I read the news. VADA took the first test and said everything was clean. I have not made any changes to my vitamins. I don’t know what happened with the second test, so I requested a retest.”

The 32-year-old Kazakh fighter has enjoyed a perfect professional record, winning all 17 bouts since his debut in 2016. His last fight was on 5 April 2025, where he successfully defended his WBO and IBF middleweight titles against Anauel Ngamissengue via a fifth-round stoppage.

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Erislandy Lara Prepares for Gonzalez

Meanwhile, Cuban-American fighter Erislandy Lara will still defend his WBA middleweight title against Gonzalez. Lara, 42, is a seasoned veteran with 31 wins out of 37 professional fights since debuting in 2008. His last bout came 14 months ago, when he stopped Danny Garcia in the ninth round.

The fight will take place on the Isaac Cruz vs Lamont Roach undercard at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, ensuring fans will still witness a thrilling middleweight matchup.

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Implications for Boxing Fans

Alimkhanuly’s failed drug test raises serious questions about anti-doping measures in professional boxing. Fans and analysts are debating the potential repercussions for his career, while also turning attention to meldonium use in sports and how it can impact athletes’ performance and reputations.

For now, all eyes are on Johan Gonzalez vs Erislandy Lara, as boxing enthusiasts eagerly await the outcome of this reshuffled middleweight title fight.