Boxing
How the WBO Meldonium ruling allowed Janibek Alimkhanuly to retain his title
The WBO confirmed that middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly tested positive for the banned substance Meldonium and issued a one-year suspension without stripping him of his title.
Meldonium, also sold as Mildronate, is a cardiovascular drug developed in Latvia and commonly prescribed in parts of Eastern Europe to treat heart disease by improving circulation and aerobic capacity.
The substance was added to List of banned substances of the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2016, after evidence showed it could boost endurance, recovery and oxygen utilization in athletes.
The resolution of the World Championship Committee states that the unfavorable analytical results were confirmed in both “A” and “B” samples in accordance with the VADA protocol.
The suspension is retroactive to December 2, 2025, the date of official notification of the unfavorable review.
Confirmed results of samples A and B
The ruling sets a clear timetable. Sample “A” collected on November 15, 2025 gave an unfavorable analytical result for Meldonium.
The “B” sample was opened on January 8, 2026, at a WADA-accredited laboratory, and the next day confirmation was received that it had also tested positive, matching the initial result.
Strict responsibility and powers of the WBO
The Committee invokes its authority under WBO regulations to impose discipline in the event that a participant tests positive for an illegal or performance-enhancing substance and the adverse results are confirmed by VADA and supported by WADA-accredited laboratory documentation.
The resolution also builds on strict liability, clarifying that intent or fault is not required when the presence of a prohibited substance is confirmed in an athlete’s body.
Suspension imposed, title not released
After reviewing the procedural history, including the Show Cause notices and written submissions by the Alimkhanuly Team, the Commission ordered a one-year suspension retroactive to December 2, 2025.
Because the conditions attach to reinstatement and continued recognition as a champion, Alimkhanuly must undergo comprehensive, year-long random testing under a WADA-certified anti-doping program, the results of which are certified and reported directly to the WBO.
He must also complete a mandatory anti-doping education program. The ruling states that all costs related to testing and education are to be covered by the player.
Most importantly, the resolution acknowledged that consideration had been given to vacating the WBO middleweight title.
Instead, the Committee opted for suspension, leaving Alimkhanuly recognized as champion during the ban period.
Interim title ordered, mandatory fight upon return
To keep the division moving, the WBO allowed an interim middleweight title fight between its two top contenders.
The resolution states that once his suspension expires, Alimkhanuly must immediately face the interim champion to end his interim status.
No indirect attacks are allowed.
The WBO also notes that its process operates independently of any separate government or federal proceedings related to the same matter.
A decision that will be debated
This is where the WBO will take heat.
Alimkhanuly had previously denied any wrongdoing when news of the adverse findings first broke.
“I will always support neat sport. You better know that. You also know that I promote neat sport. I am surprised to read this news. VADA has been analyzed for the first time and found everything clear. I have not made any changes to my vitamins or diet.”
“I don’t understand why this happened with the second test, we have asked for a reconsideration. We are waiting for answers!”
These comments were submitted before the WBO approved the B sample and issued its final decision.
The ruling confirms the presence of a prohibited substance in both samples and establishes strict liability, which holds the athlete liable regardless of how the substance entered the body.
On this basis alone, some will argue that removing the title would be the clearest example to set.
At the same time, doping cases are rarely decided in the court of public opinion. Players may dispute the circumstances, and proving deliberate intent is often arduous, even when the rules do not require it.
The WBO appears to have chosen a middle ground: a tough suspension with stringent compliance requirements, while refraining from vacating the belt.
Either way, the decision now shapes the middleweight division for next year, with an interim champion crowned and a mandatory fight awaiting Alimkhanuly once his suspension ends.
About the author
Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.
“I just don’t think they’re going to face the fire,” Hearn told iFL TV about Dana White and his company at Zuffa.
“You have years of catching, putting out fires and being bombarded with pellets and grenades to overcome this.
“I just don’t think they’ll be ready for the fire. You must be a little unwell.” [__] to do this. That’s what I do.”
Hearn also ridiculed White’s recent comments about boxing promotion and said the UFC president faces criticism now that he is in the boxing industry.
“He stank,” Hearn said.
“He’s not used to this. Don’t forget what we do, which is meeting people, giving interviews. But he had a narrative.
“He didn’t have anyone like that. That’s why he can’t do it and instead just says weird lyrics.”
Hearn later joked that White’s repeated comments about him actually helped escalate his visibility in the United States.
“I have to thank Dana White,” Hearn said.
“Every press conference he holds, he talks about me.
“I think there are people asking, ‘Who is this Eddie Hearn?’ Little Google, boss, Eddie Hearn.
Promoter Matchroom also rejected White’s recent claim that no promoter has staged more boxing events this year than Zuffa Boxing.
“The entire media audience responded, ‘Okay,’ and moved on to the next question,” Hearn said.
“Imagine if I said that. I would be fried by it in an instant.”
Hearn’s latest comments come as Zuffa Boxing continues to try to establish itself in the sport following months of public photos between White and several longtime boxing promoters.
The weigh-ins quickly turned tense when Albright apparently sent a message directly to Davis during their bout.
“Be a professional,” Albright said in a recording later released by DAZN Boxing.
The lack of weight immediately sparked a backlash online, as Davis has dealt with weight issues before. Last year, Davis lost his WBO lightweight title after losing more than four pounds ahead of his scheduled defense against Edwin De Los Santos.
Friday also marked the second time Davis has failed to make weight in his last three fights.
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum admitted that Davis was having difficulty gaining 140 pounds and suggested that the problem may still exist.
“Well, obviously he has issues at 140,” Arum told Fighthype. “The problem is the next category is seven pounds. That’s a gigantic difference.”
Arum also compared Friday’s setback to the loss of Davis, who was previously more than four pounds compact before his canceled fight with De Los Santos last year.
“It was inexcusable because he was five pounds overweight,” Arum said.
“He is now 0.1 weight off which he will improve and get down to 140 or less.”
Keyshawn was later asked by DAZN what he told Albright during Friday’s matchup.
“I didn’t say anything,” Davis said. “That’s what I do. I knock people out.”
When asked what kind of performance he expected in the rematch, Keyshawn gave a compact answer.
“An unexpected spectacle.”
There was already bad blood in the rematch after their first fight in October 2023 was later changed to a no-contest after Keyshawn tested positive for marijuana. Their original meeting initially resulted in Keyshawn winning by a majority vote.
Eddie Hearn questions Dana White’s boxing future
Dave Allen vs. Filip Hrgovic – weigh-in results
‘UNNECESSARY PUNISHMENT!’ – David Price CONCERNED for Fabio Wardley AFTER Dubois WAR
Pacquiao vs marquez competition: History of violence
Dmitry Menshikov statement in the February fight
Stephen Fulton Jr. becomes world champion in two weight by means of a decision
‘UNNECESSARY PUNISHMENT!’ – David Price CONCERNED for Fabio Wardley AFTER Dubois WAR
“WIND UP LONELY AND DEPRESSED!” Paulie Malignaggi WARNING To Ancient Foe Adrien Broner After Viral Rise
DANIEL DUBOIS FIRST WORDS AND MESSAGE TO FABIO WARDLEY POST TKO WIN!
-
Opinions & Features1 year agoPacquiao vs marquez competition: History of violence
-
MMA1 year agoDmitry Menshikov statement in the February fight
-
Results1 year agoStephen Fulton Jr. becomes world champion in two weight by means of a decision
-
Results1 year agoKeyshawn Davis Ko’s Berinchyk, when Xander Zayas moves to 21-0
-
Video1 year agoFrank Warren on Derek Chisora vs Otto Wallin – ‘I THOUGHT OTTO WOULD GIVE DEREK PROBLEMS!’
-
Analysis1 year agoRobert Garcia discusses the debate on the greatest Mexican warrior in history
-
Video1 year ago‘DEREK CHISORA RETIRE TONIGHT!’ – Anthony Yarde PLEADS for retirement after WALLIN
-
Results1 year agoLive: Catterall vs Barboza results and results card