Methasterone detected: Uzbek boxer risks Olympic legacy

The International Testing Agency (ITA), which manages the independent anti-doping program for the World Boxing Federation (World Boxing), has announced that metabolites of the substance methasterone have been detected in Uzbek boxer Lazizbek Mullojonov.

According to the ITA, analysis of a sample collected during an out-of-competition doping control on June 11 of this year revealed the presence of methasterone metabolites in Mullojonov’s system.

Methasterone is classified under Section S1.1 (anabolic androgenic steroids) of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List. It is a substance that is permanently banned, both in and out of competition, and is not categorized as a specified substance. Methasterone is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid known to promote rapid muscle growth, as well as increases in strength and power.

The athlete has been notified of the finding and has the right to request a B sample analysis.

If the B sample confirms the result of the A sample, it will be regarded as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. If the athlete does not request the B sample analysis, the case will proceed as a confirmed violation. The athlete will also be allowed to comment on the result.

Additionally, by Article 7.4.1 of the World Anti-Doping Code and World Boxing regulations, the athlete is subject to a mandatory provisional suspension. The athlete has the right to appeal this suspension and request its reversal.

Since World Boxing has delegated its anti-doping program to the ITA, all proceedings in this case will be handled by the ITA. No further comments will be issued while the investigation is ongoing.

As a reminder, Lazizbek Mullojonov won the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. In the final bout, the Asian champion in the under-92 kilogram category, world champion among military athletes, and 2022 World Championship bronze medalist, faced Azerbaijani boxer Alfredo Dominguez, originally from Cuba, and defeated him.