Janibek Alimkhanuly's unification fight with Erislandy Lara collapses after positive drug test.

San Antonio, TX – The highly anticipated middleweight unification clash between Janibek Alimkhanuly and Erislandy Lara has been called off after Alimkhanuly, the undefeated IBF and WBO champion, tested positive for a banned substance. The bout, scheduled for this Saturday in San Antonio as part of the Lamont Roach Jr. vs. Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz undercard, was set to pit two of the division’s top fighters against each other, with the winner poised to consolidate their position at the pinnacle of the middleweight ranks.

The news of Alimkhanuly’s adverse finding emerged on Tuesday afternoon, sending ripples throughout the boxing world. Veteran boxing journalist Dan Rafael confirmed the report, sharing details of the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) notification. The VADA letter cited the presence of meldonium as the substance responsible for the failed test.

Meldonium, a substance initially developed to treat heart conditions, has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list since 2016. According to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), meldonium can enhance athletic performance by increasing endurance, improving rehabilitation after exercise, and boosting central nervous system activation. Some studies also suggest potential cognitive benefits associated with the substance.

The positive test represents a significant setback for Alimkhanuly, who was looking to cement his status as the undisputed middleweight king. The Kazakh fighter, known for his aggressive style and formidable punching power, boasts an unblemished record of 17-0, with 12 knockouts. Alimkhanuly enjoyed a stellar amateur career before transitioning to the professional ranks, where he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with.

Alimkhanuly ascended to the WBO middleweight title in 2022 after Demetrius Andrade vacated the belt. He subsequently defended the title twice before unifying with the IBF strap by defeating Vincenzo Gualtieri in October 2023. Two more successful defenses followed, setting the stage for the now-canceled unification bout with Lara.

The cancellation is equally disappointing for Erislandy Lara, a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience at the highest levels of the sport. The Cuban southpaw, a former junior middleweight champion, currently holds the WBA "regular" middleweight title. Lara captured the vacant title in May 2021 with a first-round knockout of Thomas LaManna and subsequently defended it against Gary O’Sullivan before being elevated to full champion status by the WBA.

Since his promotion, Lara has added two more knockout victories to his resume, dispatching Michael Zerafa and Danny Garcia. At 41 years old, Lara was eager to prove that he still belongs among the elite of the division and add another significant victory to his already impressive career.

The circumstances surrounding Alimkhanuly’s positive test remain unclear, and further investigation is expected. It is not yet known whether Alimkhanuly will appeal the findings or what potential sanctions he might face. Depending on the outcome of the investigation and any appeals process, Alimkhanuly could face a suspension from boxing, jeopardizing his title reigns and future opportunities.

Meanwhile, Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), the promotional company behind the event, is scrambling to find a replacement opponent for Lara. PBC intends to keep Lara on the card to defend his WBA title, although the identity of his new opponent remains undisclosed.

The Roach Jr. vs. Cruz fight is still expected to proceed as planned. Roach Jr. (23-1-1, 9 KOs) will defend his WBA super featherweight title eliminator against Cruz (25-2-1, 17 KOs). This fight is a pivotal moment for both fighters, with the winner securing a mandatory shot at the WBA super featherweight title currently held by Hector Luis Garcia.

Roach Jr., a native of Washington, D.C., is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Angel Rodriguez in July 2023. Cruz, from Mexico City, is known for his aggressive, come-forward style and devastating punching power. His last fight was a unanimous decision victory over Giovanni Cabrera in July 2023.

The undercard also features a number of other intriguing matchups. These fights are still expected to go ahead as scheduled.

The fallout from Alimkhanuly’s positive drug test is likely to have a significant impact on the middleweight division. The cancellation of the unification bout throws the title picture into disarray, potentially opening up opportunities for other contenders to step into the spotlight. The situation also underscores the importance of stringent anti-doping measures in ensuring fair play and protecting the integrity of the sport.

As the boxing world awaits further developments in the Alimkhanuly case, the focus shifts to the remaining fighters on the San Antonio card. However, the shadow of the canceled unification bout will undoubtedly loom large over the event.