Igor Mikhalkin Tests Positive For Meldonium, Stripped of EBU Title

By Per Ake Persson

EBU light heavyweight champion Igor Mikhalkin (18-1) has tested positive for the forbidden substance meldonium and has been stripped of the title.

The test was done after Mikhalkin defended the title on March 12 and beat Patrick Bois. He was already booked for a defence May 27 against Medhi Amar but that fight is now off.

Mikhalkin makes no excuses and states in a press release from his promoter EC Boxing, admitting that he indeed had taken meldonium and was simply unaware that it is on the list of forbidden substances since the beginning of this year.

Meldonium is the same substance that tennis star Maria Sharapova and runner Abeba Aregawi tested positive for. It helps – or so it is claimed – with blood circulation but whether or not it really makes a difference appears to be a matter of discussion.

Mandatory challenger Enzo Maccarinelli will now face the highest ranked available boxer for the vacant title.

Mikhalkin also face a suspension but for how long isn´t clear yet.