WBC Champion Carlos Adames Challenges Janibek Alimkhanuly, Bringing Up Past Doping Controversy

A major showdown appears to be brewing in professional boxing. WBC middleweight world champion Carlos Adames of the Dominican Republic has issued an open challenge to Kazakh fighter Janibek Alimkhanuly. However, Adames accompanied his callout with a sharp jab referencing the Kazakh boxer's previous anti-doping situation.

"Hey Janibek, are your drug tests clean? Are you ready to step into the ring? Let's make this fight happen," Adames posted on his X social media account.

The Dominican fighter had previously announced his move up to the super middleweight division (up to 168 lbs). Meanwhile, Janibek Alimkhanuly currently competes in the same weight class, holding the number one spot in the WBO rankings. Following British boxer Hamzah Sheeraz's withdrawal from negotiations, Alimkhanuly has been waiting for an opponent as the mandatory contender for the vacant title.

Adames' provocative statement stems from an incident in December 2025 involving the Kazakh boxer. Ahead of a three-belt unification bout against Cuban fighter Erislandy Lara, Alimkhanuly tested positive for the banned substance meldonium.

Following an investigation, the WBO rendered its disciplinary decision in February 2026. Ultimately, the sanctioning body kept Janibek in its plans, designating him as the primary contender for the WBO super middleweight title in August. Capitalizing on these events, Carlos Adames seems intent on applying psychological pressure to his potential opponent while stirring up pre-fight drama.