Janibek Alimkhanuly reportedly tests positive for banned substance

WBO and IBF middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly (17-0, 12 KOs) has reportedly tested positive 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 at the Frost Bank Center 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 also been on the line.

Mike Coppinger and Brunch Boxing were among the first to report the news. As a result of the positive test, Alimkhanuly’s fight against Lara will no longer be taking place.

Janibek Alimkhanuly reportedly tests positive for banned substance ahead of Erislandy Lara bout

According to a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) report obtained by Dan Rafael, Alimkhanuly tested positive for meldonium. A notice published by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in 2016 states that the substance has been “prohibited at all times” 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 tested positive for banned PED Meldonium. His 160 unification with Erislandy Lara on Saturday is off, per PBC, which is lining up replacement for Lara. Ring 1st with test. Here’s the… pic.twitter.com/8WzB0JsbiH

— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) December 2, 2025

Meldonium is a substance that is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is also not available in the country. The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) claims that meldonium “may be used in a clinical setting for those suffering from heart conditions, such as low blood flow to the heart and angina, as well as neurodegenerative disorders and bronchopulmonary diseases.”

USADA also claims that “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.”

Reactions

“I have always supported clean sport you know this well,” said Alimkhanuly in a post to X. “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.”

WBA middleweight champion Lara has yet to comment on the matter as this piece goes published. Top Rank, who promote Alimkhanuly, have also not officially commented yet. TGB Promotions, who were promoting the fight in association with Top Rank, have yet to make an official statement as this piece goes published.