Erislandy Lara’s Title Defense Shifts Gears
Erislandy Lara, the WBA middleweight champion, finds himself in a new and unexpected scenario as he prepares to defend his title this Saturday, December 6th, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Originally, Lara was set to face Janibek Alimkhanuly, the IBF and WBO middleweight champion, in what promised to be a highly anticipated unification match. However, Janibek tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug (PED), specifically Meldonium, leading to his removal from the card. This sudden turn of events has thrown the promotion into disarray, but Lara remains undeterred and will now face Johan Gonzalez, a late replacement.
The Rise and Fall of Janibek Alimkhanuly
Janibek Alimkhanuly’s career has been marked by impressive victories and a relentless pursuit of boxing greatness. For over a year, he had been lobbying for a unification fight with WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames. However, his recent positive test for Meldonium has cast a shadow over his achievements. On the social media platform X, Janibek expressed his surprise at the result and requested a retest. Despite his claims of innocence, the immediate removal from the card underscores the severity of the situation. If his retest also flags positive, Janibek could face serious consequences, including being stripped of his titles, fined, and suspended. This setback could significantly damage his career and reputation in the boxing world.
Johan Gonzalez: A Late but Welcome Contender
Johan Gonzalez, a 34-year-old Venezuelan, has been announced as Erislandy Lara’s new opponent. Known for his powerful fighting style, Gonzalez boasts a record of 36 wins (34 by knockout) and 4 losses. However, his recent performances have been less than stellar. Since 2024, Gonzalez has lost two out of his last five fights, suffering knockouts to Yoenis Tellez and Jesus Ramos Jr. Despite these setbacks, he managed to eke out a 10-round split decision win against former two-time 154-lb champion Jarrett Hurd in March 2025. Gonzalez’s late entry into the bout adds an element of unpredictability, and it remains to be seen how he will perform against the experienced and capable Lara.
Lara’s Perspective on the Late Change
For Erislandy Lara, the sudden change in opponents presents a unique challenge. At 42 years old, Lara is a seasoned veteran who has seen his fair share of last-minute adjustments. Known for his technical prowess and strategic approach, Lara has maintained his status as a top contender in the middleweight division. While fighting a less formidable opponent like Gonzalez might be viewed as a step down, Lara’s focus and professionalism are likely to ensure that he approaches this fight with the same intensity and dedication as he would any other. The opportunity to retain his title and potentially face more formidable opponents in the future remains a driving force for the Venezuelan champion.
The Future of the Co-Feature
The unexpected removal of Janibek Alimkhanuly from the card raises questions about the future of Erislandy Lara’s fight. Initially slated as the co-feature for the expensive $74.99 PPV event on Amazon Prime Video, the decision to keep Lara’s bout in that slot is now up for debate. Given the less threatening nature of his new opponent, it might not make sense to maintain Lara’s fight at such a prominent position. To justify its place, a more solid contender like Yoenli Hernandez, Jesus Ramos Jr., or Meiirim Nursultanov would need to be brought in. However, the risk of pitting the 42-year-old Lara against a younger, more aggressive fighter on short notice is a significant concern for the promotion.
The Impact on the Boxing Community
The late change in the card has also had a ripple effect on the broader boxing community. Fans and analysts are divided on the implications of Janibek’s positive test and the choice of Gonzalez as a replacement. While some see it as a necessary move to ensure fair competition, others are disappointed by the loss of a high-profile matchup. The integrity of the sport is at stake, and such incidents highlight the ongoing struggle against PED use in boxing. As the boxing world awaits the results of Janibek’s retest, the focus remains on the action in the ring, where Erislandy Lara and Johan Gonzalez will do battle this Saturday night.
