Boxing : IBF Strips Janibek Alimkhanuly of Title Following Violations

Janibek Alimkhanuly is stripped of his IBF middleweight title due to multiple violations. The decision comes after a failed PED test and failure to meet mandatory defense obligations. Alimkhanuly, holding a record of 17-0 with 12 KOs, still retains the WBO title. The Kazakhstan fighter was pulled from a unification bout with WBA champion Erislandy Lara just days before their December clash due to a positive test for meldonium, a banned substance that enhances endurance. Both A and B samples confirmed the violation. While the WBO suspended Alimkhanuly for one year in February, they allowed him to keep his title. However, the IBF's ruling follows his inability to defend their title during the suspension. Additionally, Alimkhanuly faces a suspension until May 31 from the Kazakhstan Federation of Professional Boxing and until June 1 from the Association of Boxing Commissions in the United States.