Janibek Alimkhanuly tested positive for a banned substance ahead of his scheduled fight against Erislandy Lara.
The unified middleweight champion aimed to add Lara’s WBA belt to his WBO and IBF titles.
The positive result followed a VADA test, putting the unification bout in serious jeopardy, reports The Ring Magazine.
Fighter Requests Retest
Alimkhanuly claims his first test returned negative and requested a retest of the second sample.
He stated, “I have always supported clean sport…VADA took the first test and said everything was clean.”
Alimkhanuly, 32, has not changed his vitamin regimen and says he does not understand the second result.
Fans React with Disappointment
Fans expressed frustration and disappointment over the potential cancellation of the high-profile fight.
Many criticized the disruption to the middleweight division and lamented missing the chance to watch the bout live.
Alimkhanuly holds a 17-0 record, including a TKO over Anauel Ngamissengue in April, and ranks No. 1 in the division.
