Another Uzbek Olympic champion suspended for 3 years

north_east

Possible reason for Mullajonov's doping test revealed

The International Testing Agency (ITA) has officially announced that Uzbek boxer Lazizbek Mullajonov has been suspended from competition for three years after a prohibited substance was detected in his sample. The decision was made under the Independent Anti-Doping Program for global boxing. The ITA press service reported the development.

Mullajonov was found to have violated anti-doping rules after metabolites of metasterone were detected in an out-of-competition sample collected on 11 June 2025. Metasterone is an anabolic androgenic steroid classified under Section S1.1 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. It is a synthetic substance known to increase muscle mass and strength and is banned at all times.

The athlete did not contest the charges. According to Article 10.8.1 of the anti-doping rules, athletes who admit their violation before the standard period may have the typical four-year ban reduced by one year. Accordingly, Mullajonov received a three-year disqualification.

The suspension will be in effect from 22 July 2025 to 21 July 2028. All of the athlete’s results recorded between 11 June and 22 July 2025 will also be annulled.

WADA and the Uzbekistan National Anti-Doping Agency have the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

For reference, the 26-year-old Mullajonov won the gold medal in the -92 kg weight category at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. He is also an Asian champion and a bronze medallist at the World Championships.

It is worth noting that earlier, two-time Olympic champion Ulugbek Rashidov was suspended for two years, from 13 May 2025 to 12 May 2027. He later commented on the decision on social media, stating that the ban was issued not for using prohibited substances, but for failing to comply with whereabouts requirements.