Frank Warren has argued that Janibek Alimkhanuly should have been stripped of his WBO middleweight title following his failed drug test, rather than remaining linked to the belt during his suspension.
Alimkhanuly tested positive for meldonium, leading to a one-year suspension from the World Boxing Organization and the loss of his IBF title. However, the WBO has not fully vacated its belt, instead sanctioning an interim title fight between Denzel Bentley and Endry Saavedra.
Warren believes this approach has unfair consequences for contenders waiting for a full title opportunity. “Obviously he should have been stripped. I’m hoping Janibek will have to fight the winner.”
The situation has left Bentley, who has been targeting a rematch since their 2022 bout, in a holding pattern. Warren pointed to that first fight as unfinished business. “He was unlucky against Janibek… he grew into the fight, and in the end was well winning it.”
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