Janibek Alimkhanuly’s doping controversy deepens as the boxing world awaits the next move. A WBO document outlines the potential repercussions if the Kazakh star’s meldonium case is confirmed, signaling the possible erosion of his status as a world champion. This development comes six days after the December 2 announcement that his test sample returned a positive result for the prohibited substance, Meldonium. While a unification bout with WBA champion Erislandy Lara has already been canceled, no other sanctions have been announced yet, and Alimkhanuly’s camp has requested access to the B sample for further analysis.
If the B sample also tests positive, questions arise about a broader punishment beyond the immediate fight cancellations. Possible penalties are being considered as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The IBF has not issued a formal statement at this time, but the WBO has already opened its internal review. In an official notice to Alimkhanuly and his promoter Top Rank, the organization notes that VADA’s adverse finding on the A sample, collected on November 15, 2025, has triggered the process. Alimkhanuly is given a 10-day window—until December 12—to offer a justification explaining why disciplinary action should not be taken. The WBO emphasizes that a failure to respond could lead to immediate sanctions, including the potential stripping of his world title.
The WBO’s document enumerates several potential outcomes if a violation is confirmed:
- The WBO title could be declared vacant.
- Alimkhanuly could face a suspension from WBO-sanctioned events.
- His position in the WBO rankings could be altered or removed.
- Future WBO-sanctioned bouts could be prohibited for him.
Additionally, the Committee reserves the right to impose any other measures necessary to preserve the integrity of the middleweight division and to enforce WBO regulations. Earlier reports from Qazinform noted that boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. weighed in on the matter, adding another layer of public commentary to the developing story.
