Olympic Champion Lazizbek Mullojonov Suspended
August 1, 2025 — Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Lazizbek Mullojonov, Uzbekistan’s celebrated heavyweight gold medalist from the 2024 Paris Olympics, has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for methasterone, a banned anabolic steroid. The International Testing Agency (ITA) confirmed the finding following an out-of-competition sample collected on June 11, 2025.
A Stunning Fall from Glory
Mullojonov, 26, captured global attention last summer when he defeated Azerbaijan’s Loren Alfonso Dominguez in the 92kg final at Roland Garros, securing Uzbekistan’s fifth boxing gold of the Games. His Olympic triumph was hailed as the pinnacle of a meteoric rise, following a bronze medal at the 2023 IBA World Championships and a gold at the 2022 Asian Amateur Championships.
But the ITA’s announcement has cast a shadow over his achievements. Methasterone, a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid, is prohibited at all times under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code due to its association with rapid muscle growth and enhanced strength.
Suspension and Consequences
Mullojonov now faces a critical juncture. He has the right to request a B-sample analysis. If the second test confirms the original result—or if he declines to proceed—the case will be treated as a confirmed anti-doping violation. The ITA has imposed a mandatory provisional suspension, which Mullojonov may challenge.
“The athlete will have the opportunity to present his explanations for the result,” the ITA stated in its official release.
The implications are severe. Mullojonov could be stripped of his Olympic gold medal and face a multi-year ban from competition. His scheduled bout against Ahmed Krnjić in Riyadh has already been canceled, and the WBC Heavyweight Grand Prix has listed Youness Baalia—whom Mullojonov defeated—as the advancing fighter.
A Blow to Uzbekistan’s Boxing Legacy
Uzbekistan’s boxing program has been a dominant force in recent years, with five gold medals at the Paris Games alone. Mullojonov’s suspension threatens to tarnish that legacy and raises broader questions about doping oversight in elite amateur boxing.
“This is a painful moment for Uzbek sport,” said a spokesperson from the Uzbekistan Boxing Federation. “We await the full investigation before commenting further.”
Final Word
Lazizbek Mullojonov’s provisional suspension is a sobering reminder of the fragility of athletic glory. From Olympic hero to embattled figure, his future now hinges on the outcome of a doping investigation that could redefine his legacy.
Sources:
- BoxingScene: Mullojonov provisionally suspended for methasterone
- MSN: Mullojonov faces possible medal loss
- ITA: Official statement on Mullojonov’s suspension
Sources
Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
