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The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has officially stripped Kazakh boxer Janibek Alimkhanuly of his middleweight world championship title. The decision was announced by the President of the Professional Boxing Federation of Kazakhstan, Rakhymzhan Erdenbekov.

This development stems from the IBF's stringent regulations regarding title defenses. Champions are typically required to defend their belts within a nine-month period. For Alimkhanuly, this meant he needed to defend his title by July 4, 2026.

IBF's Decision and Timeline

However, due to circumstances that led to sanctions, the IBF Board of Directors convened on March 5, 2026. They made the immediate decision to declare the title vacant, effectively removing it from Alimkhanuly.

Adding to the complexity, Alimkhanuly was previously suspended for six months by the Professional Boxing Federation of Kazakhstan in December 2025 for failing a doping test. Furthermore, the WBO also suspended him for one year, until December 2, 2026, for the same doping violation.

Future Outlook and Appeals

Rakhymzhan Erdenbekov acknowledged that this situation serves as a significant lesson for Alimkhanuly's team. Despite the setbacks, Erdenbekov expressed confidence in the boxer's return to the ring later this year, predicting a stronger comeback and a pursuit of all four world titles in the near future.

Alimkhanuly's team has indicated their intention to appeal the IBF's decision.