The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has officially declared its middleweight title vacant, citing the inability of champion Zhanibek Alimkhanuly to meet his mandatory defense requirements. This decision stems from Alimkhanuly’s ongoing suspension, which is connected to an anti-doping investigation by VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association). The IBF’s ruling leaves the prestigious belt unclaimed, a move that contrasts with the World Boxing Organization (WBO)’s earlier decision not to strip the Kazakh boxer under similar circumstances.
