Janibek Alimkhanuly (17-0, 12 KOs) is suspended for one year from the WBO following a positive test for the banned substance meldonium, yet in a surprising move, the WBO has declined to strip him of his middleweight title.
The ruling allows the Kazakhstani to remain a unified champion, as he also has the IBF title. The failed test occurred during the buildup to the three-belt unification between Alimkhanuly and WBA champion Erislandy Lara, originally set for December 6, 2025. A random sample collected by VADA on November 15, 2025, returned an adverse finding for meldonium.
While Alimkhanuly denied intentional usage, both his A and B samples confirmed the presence of the substance. The positive result forced Alimkhanuly off the card, where Lara ultimately defeated Johan Gonzalez via a unanimous decision. Alimkhanuly is suspended for one year, effective retroactively from December 2, 2025. This means he will be eligible to return to the ring around December. To make matters worse, the Kazakhstan Professional Boxing Federation has issued Janibek with a six-month suspension.