The New Jersey-based sanctioning organization has, however, taken its 160-pound championship from besmirched middleweight Janibek Alimkhanuly. The Ring confirmed that the Kazakh southpaw’s manager, Egis Klimas, was informed of the IBF’s decision Tuesday in a letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Ring.
The IBF cited multiple violations of its rules for stripping Alimkhanuly, first and foremost for using a performance-enhancing drug. Alimkhanuly also can’t satisfy his mandatory obligation within the allotted time because he tested positive for Meldonium, a banned substance, in mid-November.
The A and B samples Alimkhanuly submitted to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, which administered testing for their fight, came back positive for a PED that can help boxers enhance endurance and shorten recovery time while training.
Alimkhanuly, 32, has also been suspended by the Association of Boxing Commissions in the United States until June 1. Thirteen of Alimkhanuly’s 17 pro bouts have taken place in the U.S.
He was also suspended until May 31 by the Kazakhstan Federation of Professional Boxing. Three of Alimkhanuly’s other four professional fights have been held in his native country.
Keith Idec is a senior writer and columnist for The Ring. He can be reached on X @idecboxing.