Janibek Alimkhanuly At A Crossroads After IBF Strips His Title

IBF Strips Janibek Alimkhanuly of his Middleweight Title Belt

Janibek “Qazak Style” Alimkhanuly is one of the most talented fighters in boxing today, but his once-promising run at middleweight has hit a major roadblock. The Kazakh southpaw is no longer the IBF middleweight champion and now faces serious questions about his future in the sport.

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) stripped Alimkhanuly (17-0, 12 KOs) of its 160-pound title after he tested positive for the banned substance Meldonium in November 2025. The test occurred ahead of what was supposed to be a highly anticipated bout with reigning WBA champion Erislandy Lara.

That fight was ultimately canceled, and the consequences soon followed. While Alimkhanuly still technically holds the WBO middleweight title, the World Boxing Organization issued a twelve-month suspension in February 2026. The suspension is retroactive to December 2025, meaning the unbeaten champion will not be eligible to return to the ring until December 2026.

For a fighter who once appeared ready to dominate the middleweight division, the setback has halted his momentum completely.

FROM UNIFIED CHAMPION TO CAREER UNCERTAINTY

Alimkhanuly’s rise seemed inevitable after his dominant performance against Vincenzo Gualtieri in October 2023. In that fight, the Kazakh standout scored a sixth-round stoppage to unify the middleweight titles and establish himself as one of the division’s most dangerous fighters.

At that moment, many observers believed Alimkhanuly was on the verge of ruling the 160-pound division. There were even discussions about eventually moving up to challenge elite fighters in the super middleweight division. Instead, inactivity and controversy have slowed his progress. Since defeating Gualtieri, Alimkhanuly has fought only twice, leaving his once-surging career without the momentum that typically defines elite champions.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR JANIBEK ALIMKHANULY?

Despite the suspension, Alimkhanuly still possesses the skills to be a force between 160 and 168 pounds. His combination of technical ability, power, and ring IQ makes him one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport, when active. However, talent alone will not be enough moving forward.

When he becomes eligible to fight again in December 2026, Alimkhanuly will have two major tasks ahead of him: rebuilding his position in the middleweight division and restoring his credibility with boxing fans. Suspensions tied to banned substances often leave lasting damage to a fighter’s reputation, and regaining trust can be just as challenging as reclaiming championship gold.

For now, one of boxing’s most gifted champions finds his career paused at a critical moment. Whether Alimkhanuly can fulfill the potential many once believed was limitless will depend on what happens when he finally returns to the ring.

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