Lazizbek Mullojonov, who won gold in the heavyweight division at the Paris 2024 Games, has been provisionally suspended. The Uzbek fighter tested positive for a banned substance.
Mullojonov dominated at Roland Garros last August. He beat Azerbaijan’s Loren Alfonso by unanimous decision in the final.
Two of his four victories at the Games came via unanimous verdicts as he bulldozed his way to the top in the 92kg category.
The 26-year-old southpaw turned professional in 2021. He’s undefeated in seven pro fights, with six wins by knockout.
But his career is now on pause. His upcoming bout against Bosnian fighter Ahmed Krnjić, scheduled for August in Riyadh, has been put on hold.
The International Testing Agency (ITA) broke the news of the failed test. According to Reuters, Mullojonov tested positive for methasterone. It’s a powerful anabolic steroid used to build muscle fast and boost strength.
The sample was taken during an out-of-competition test on June 11.
According to SportBIBLE, Mullojonov now has two choices. He can request a B-sample analysis to confirm or dispute the result. A second positive would mean a confirmed doping violation. If he declines to test the B-sample, it will also count as an admission of guilt.
Methasterone was once sold legally as a bodybuilding supplement. But the World Anti-Doping Agency banned it in 2009 due to its performance-enhancing effects.