Alimkhanuly fails drug test, replaced in bout vs Lara

Unified middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly has unfortunately tested positive for a banned substance, leading to his removal from the upcoming title fight against WBA champion Erislandy Lara. Premier Boxing Champions revealed that Lara will now defend his title against Johan Gonzalez in Alimkhanuly’s absence.

Alimkhanuly (17-0, 12 KOs) had a positive test for the banned substance meldonium via the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) on November 15. Despite this setback, Alimkhanuly maintained his innocence in a tweet saying, “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 highly anticipated fight between Alimkhanuly and Lara was scheduled as the co-main event of Lamont Roach Jr.’s clash with Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in San Antonio, Texas. Lara, who is 42 years old and the oldest current champion in boxing, last fought in September 2024 with a successful title defense against Danny Garcia.

Following Alimkhanuly’s removal, Gonzalez (36-4, 34 KOs) steps up to face Lara. Gonzalez’s most recent fight was in March, where he defeated Jarrett Hurd by split decision. Hurd retired post that loss, making way for Gonzalez’s opportunity to challenge Lara.

This unexpected turn of events sets the stage for an exciting matchup between Lara and Gonzalez, shaking up the boxing world ahead of the anticipated unification fight.