Imam Khataev Positive Drug Test Revealed Ahead of David Morrell Clash

A 2024 out-of-competition drug test of light heavyweight Imam Khataev (10-0, 9 KOs) produced a positive result, a revelation that has only come to light just days before a scheduled bout against David Morrell (11-1, 9 KOs).

The International Testing Agency (ITA) posted to their website on Tuesday that the Russian-born boxer tested positive for “clomifene and its metabolites.” Khataev has been hit with a two-year sanction by the ITA on behalf of the International Boxing Association (IBA). The ban went into effect on June 26 of this year and remains in effect until June 25, 2027.

At present, Khataev is scheduled to face Morrell in a light heavyweight clash on Saturday on the undercard of Edgar Berlanga vs. Hamzah Sheeraz. That fight would take place at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York City, NY.

Imam Khataev Positive Drug Test Revealed Ahead of David Morrell Clash

What Did Imam Khataev Test for and What Does It Mean for Him?

Khataev tested positive for clomifene, a drug that is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) prohibited list. According to the statement published by the ITA it can be used to increase testosterone levels by athletes. Those familiar with Conor Benn may recall that he also tested positive for the same substance.

The ITA, which supports the IBA in delivering their anti-doping program, says in their statement that the test was conducted on April 9, 2024. All of Khataev’s results from that date onwards have been disqualified. However, it should be noted that he has not participated in any IBA sanctioned bouts since July 15, 2023. He has fought in seven sanctioned professional contests that have nothing to do with the IBA since that date. The disqualification of his results have little bearing on the results of those bouts.

Organizers for the July 12 card that features Khataev have yet to comment on the situation as this piece goes published. Whether he remains Morrell’s opponent on Saturday remains to be seen.

How Has Imam Khataev Responded?

Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM), promoters of Khataev, issued a statement on his behalf a day after the ITA had published their own. The following explanation was given for his positive test:

“The adverse finding was unexpected and deeply concerning to Imam. Imam categorically denies the intentional or knowingly ingestion of any banned substances and insists that the only possible explanation for this adverse analytical finding is food contamination. Indeed, Imam’s anti-doping control took place at dawn during Ramadan, shortly after the nightly feast that breaks the fast. At the time, Imam had a high-protein diet and must have unknowingly consumed clomifene-contaminated food, which, in turn, must have directly affected the adverse analytical finding.”