### Boxing Scandal: Janibek Alimkhanuly's Failed Drug Test Derails Unification Bout with Erislandy Lara - The highly anticipated unification fight between WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara and unified champion Janibek Alimkhanuly has been canceled due to Alimkhanuly's positive drug test for the banned substance meldonium. This revelation has sparked outrage from Lara, who is calling for Alimkhanuly to face consequences for his actions, which have disrupted the fight week and left Lara with a last-minute opponent change [https://ringmagazine.com/en/news/irate-erislandy-lara-demands-punishment-for-dirty-janibek-alimkhanuly][https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/erislandy-lara-on-janibek-alimkhanuly-he-should-be-punished]. ### Breakdown of the Events Leading to the Fight Cancellation 1. **Positive Drug Test Announcement**: On December 2, 2025, it was reported that Janibek Alimkhanuly tested positive for meldonium, leading to his removal from the scheduled fight against Erislandy Lara [https://www.cbssports.com/boxing/news/janibek-alimkhanuly-failed-drug-test-erislandy-lara][https://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/47178446/alimkhanuly-fails-drug-test-pulled-title-bout-vs-lara]. 2. **Lara's Reaction**: Following the announcement, Lara expressed his disappointment and anger, emphasizing that Alimkhanuly should be punished for his actions, which he deemed "dirty" [https://ringmagazine.com/en/news/irate-erislandy-lara-demands-punishment-for-dirty-janibek-alimkhanuly]. 3. **Replacement Opponent**: Due to the cancellation, Lara is set to fight Johan Gonzalez instead, a late-notice replacement, which has left him feeling grateful yet frustrated about the circumstances [https://www.fightsports.tv/erislandy-lara-gets-new-opponent-following-janibek-alimkhanulys-failed-drug-test]. 4. **Alimkhanuly's Defense**: In response to the failed test, Alimkhanuly has questioned the validity of the VADA decision and has requested a retest, claiming that he deserves a fair chance to clear his name [https://www.essentiallysports.com/boxing-news-janibek-alimkhanuly-questions-vada-decision-after-three-belt-unification-fight-gets-canceled]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Substance Details**: Meldonium has been banned since January 1, 2015, and its presence in an athlete's system constitutes a violation of anti-doping rules [https://www.yardbarker.com/boxing/articles/janibek_alimkhanuly_reportedly_tests_positive_for_banned_substance/s1_17212_43150298]. - **Fight Impact**: The cancellation of the Lara vs. Alimkhanuly fight not only affects the fighters but also the fans and the promotional event, which was set to be a significant boxing card [https://www.boxing247.com/boxing-news/janibek-ped-shock-puts-lara-unification-fight-in-jeopardy/298768]. ### Conclusion: The Fallout from Alimkhanuly's Drug Test - **Major Findings**: 1. Janibek Alimkhanuly's positive drug test for meldonium has led to the cancellation of his unification bout with Erislandy Lara. 2. Lara is demanding accountability and punishment for Alimkhanuly's actions, which he views as detrimental to the sport. 3. Alimkhanuly is contesting the test results and seeking a retest to clear his name. - **Implications**: This incident raises significant questions about athlete conduct and the integrity of competitive sports, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining fair play in boxing [https://www.badlefthook.com/boxing-news/111805/janibek-alimkhanuly-fails-drug-test-for-meldonium-erislandy-lara-fight-canceled].