WBO Suspends Middleweight Champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly

The positive test was confirmed through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, which oversees drug testing for many of boxing’s major events. Meldonium is prohibited under anti-doping rules and has resulted in suspensions across multiple combat sports.

The suspension prevents Alimkhanuly from participating in any boxing or exhibition bouts during the penalty period. As a result, the WBO has moved to preserve activity within the division by ordering an interim title fight between its top-ranked contenders. Denzel Bentley, ranked No. 1 by the organization, will face No. 2-ranked Endry Saavedra for the interim WBO middleweight championship.

The WBO also confirmed that Alimkhanuly will be required to face the interim champion immediately upon the expiration of his suspension in December 2026. He will not be permitted to take another fight beforehand without risking further penalties under WBO regulations.

Alimkhanuly had built his position as one of the division’s dominant champions prior to the suspension. His planned unification fight with Lara had represented an opportunity to strengthen his hold on the division’s championship structure. Instead, the failed test and resulting suspension have interrupted his title run and opened a path for other contenders to claim position while he remains inactive.

The suspension immediately alters the direction of the middleweight division. With the champion sidelined and an interim title now in play, the division’s championship picture will move forward without Alimkhanuly until his eligibility is restored at the end of 2026.