Undefeated IBF and WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly has failed a Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency drug test, leading to the cancellation of his scheduled unification bout against Erislandy Lara, the WBA champ. The fight was to take place on Saturday in San Antonio, featured on the undercard of Lamont Roach Jr. vs Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz.

The news broke on Tuesday when veteran boxing reporter Dan Rafael revealed the adverse analytical finding from VADA, which identified meldonium as the substance responsible for the failed test.

“In sport, evidence indicates that meldonium may increase endurance, improve rehabilitation following exercise, and enhance activations of the central nervous system. Meldonium may also provide cognitive advantages.”
(Translation: Meldonium is reported to enhance various performance aspects in athletes.)

Alimkhanuly transitioned from a successful amateur career to an unbeaten professional record of 17-0, with 12 of those victories coming by knockout. He became the full WBO champion in 2022 after Demetrius Andrade vacated the title, and added the IBF title to his accolades by defeating Vincenzo Gualtieri in October 2023.
After two successful title defenses, he was set to meet the experienced veteran Lara, who claimed the WBA title after knocking out Thomas LaManna in just 80 seconds back in May 2021. Lara has since defended his belt against Gary O’Sullivan and recorded stoppages against Michael Zerafa and Danny Garcia.

Currently, Premier Boxing Champions is seeking a replacement opponent for Lara so he can still defend his WBA title.