The worst fears regarding Janibek Alimkhanuly, the current IBF and WBO middleweight world champion, have come true. The B doping sample result has also come back positive.
Idman.Biz reports that, as in the A sample, meldonium was detected in the boxer's body in the B sample as well. This means the loss of championship belts for Alimkhanuly and, most likely, a disqualification for at least one year.
Rahimjan Erdenbekov, President of the Professional Boxing Federation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, made a statement on the matter, stating that the final examination from the VADA laboratory in the USA was confirmed by a 34-page document, and the B sample also formalized the doping fact. According to him, since Janibek is a licensed boxer of the federation and his last fight was held on the night hosted by Astana, the case is currently under the jurisdiction of the federation. The main question is whether the banned substance was taken intentionally or unknowingly.
According to experts, the situation is extremely serious, and how meldonium entered the body may not seriously affect the final result. According to anti-doping rules, the main criterion is the fact that the substance is detected. Whether the substance is taken knowingly or unknowingly often makes no difference in the professional boxing business.
The probability of him receiving at least a one-year disqualification is almost one hundred percent.
The situation regarding the championship belts is also not promising. Janibek can only keep one or both of his titles if the WBO and IBF organizations make concessions. However, this probability is considered very weak. Both organizations are known for their tough stance against doping, and the existence of official contenders for the title is also not in Alimkhanuly's favor.
The most serious question is related to another point: will Janibek Alimkhanuly be able to continue his career at a high level after this scandal? According to experts, regardless of how the case ends, the shadow of the doping scandal will remain on Alimkhanuly.