Olympic Boxing Champion Lazizbek Mullojonov Faces Provisional Suspension After Positive Drug Test
A stunning blow to the world of Olympic boxing: Lazizbek Mullojonov, the reigning Paris Olympic heavyweight champion, has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a prohibited substance. The news, released by the International Testing Agency (ITA) on Tuesday, casts a shadow over the recent Games and raises serious questions about fair play.
The 26-year-old athlete from Uzbekistan tested positive for methasterone, a powerful synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid. This class of drug is known to accelerate muscle growth, enhance strength, and increase overall power – providing an unfair advantage in competitive sports. The positive test stemmed from an out-of-competition doping control sample collected on June 11.
The Doping Control Process and Athlete Rights
According to the ITA, Mullojonov has been formally notified of the adverse analytical finding and is afforded the opportunity to request analysis of his “B-sample.” “The athlete has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample,” a senior official stated.
The implications of the B-sample analysis are significant. If the second test confirms the presence of methasterone, the case will be deemed a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. However, even if Mullojonov chooses not to request a B-sample analysis, the case will still proceed as a confirmed violation. In either scenario, the athlete will be given a platform to provide explanations for the positive result.
Uzbekistan Boxing Federation Responds
The Uzbekistan Boxing Federation has been contacted for comment regarding the situation, but has not yet issued a public statement. The federation’s response will be crucial in understanding the support system surrounding Mullojonov and the potential next steps.
A Decorated Career Now in Jeopardy
Mullojonov’s career has been marked by significant achievements. Prior to his Olympic gold medal, he secured a bronze medal in the heavyweight event at the 2023 IBA World Boxing Championships. He also claimed a gold medal at super heavyweight during the 2022 Asian Amateur Boxing Championships, establishing himself as a dominant force in the sport.
This suspension represents a potentially devastating setback for the athlete, whose future in boxing now hangs in the balance. The outcome of the B-sample analysis and any subsequent proceedings will determine whether Mullojonov’s accomplishments will be forever tarnished by this doping allegation.
