A major middleweight title clash is suddenly in doubt after unified IBF and WBO champion Janibek Alimkhanuly returned an adverse analytical finding for a banned substance during VADA testing, sources told The Ring.
Alimkhanuly is widely regarded as the top middleweight in the world and had been preparing for one of the most significant fights of his career. The Kazakhstan star last fought in April, when he stopped previously unbeaten Anauel Ngamissengue in the fifth round of their title bout in Astana.
Lara is the 42-year-old WBA champion and the sport’s oldest active male titleholder and was set to end a 15-month layoff following his September 2024 stoppage win over Danny Garcia. Although he dropped from The Ring rankings due to inactivity, the Cuban southpaw was poised for a high-stakes return in a fight that would have unified three world titles.
With Alimkhanuly’s adverse finding emerging at the start of fight week, the unification now hangs in the balance. Lara could still defend his WBA belt against a replacement opponent if the bout is officially canceled.
More updates are expected as the situation develops.
Image Credit: Sky Sports