Erislandy Lara on Janibek Alimkhanuly: ‘He should be punished’
Erislandy Lara, known for his reserved nature, expresses strong sentiments about the recent events surrounding his upcoming fight. The situation has left him with a sense of injustice, as a drug-testing scandal involving Janibek Alimkhanuly has led to a significant change in his original plans.
Lara, a Cuban boxer based in Las Vegas, is not holding back when it comes to his thoughts on Alimkhanuly's future. He believes that the 32-year-old Kazakhstani should face consequences for his actions. Lara's comments come as a result of Alimkhanuly's positive test for meldonium, a banned substance, which has forced the IBF and WBO 160lbs champion to withdraw from their highly anticipated unification bout.
The original fight, scheduled for the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, was set to be a three-belt showdown, with Lara's WBA title also on the line. However, the scandal has led to a last-minute change, as Lara will now face Johan Gonzalez in a crucial third defense of his WBA title. This substitution provides Lara with a chance to resume his career, which has been somewhat stagnant since his victory over Danny Garcia in September 2024.
Despite the setback, Lara remains focused and determined. He emphasizes his commitment to the fight, regardless of the opponent, and expresses his gratitude for being part of a significant event. The Lara-Gonzalez bout is part of a four-fight pay-per-view event, with Isaac Cruz and Lamont Roach Jnr also featured.
This incident raises questions about the role of sanctioning bodies in boxing and the legitimacy of their decisions. It sparks a debate: Are these bodies maintaining control over the sport, or have they lost their authority? The controversy surrounding Alimkhanuly's positive test and its impact on the boxing world is a topic that invites further discussion and analysis.
