Johan Gonzalez: 'A dream come true I’m here to win the world title.'

One man’s loss truly became another man’s opportunity. After Janibek Alimkhanuly tested positive for the banned substance Meldonium, forcing Tuesday’s cancellation of his planned title unification bout with Erislandy Lara, the WBA middleweight champion will now face late-replacement contender Johan Gonzalez on Saturday night in San Antonio.

The matchup headlines a dramatic turn of events that salvages Lara’s return to the ring while presenting Gonzalez with the biggest opportunity of his career—one he accepted on mere days’ notice. The fight will take place at the Frost Bank Center as part of the PBC on Prime Video PPV card headlined by Isaac Cruz vs. Lamont Roach Jr. Gonzalez (36-4, 34 KOs), a heavy-handed Venezuelan contender, received the call just six days before fight night, but says the short notice won’t shake his confidence.

“This is absolutely a dream come true,” Gonzalez said Thursday. “I found out six days ago… Now I am here to win and take the world title. I know I can do it.”

Johan Gonzalez enters the bout fresh off a split-decision victory over former unified champion Jarrett Hurd in March, a win that restored some momentum at 160 pounds. Still, his recent form includes alternating victories and losses across his last four bouts, with setbacks to Yoenis Tellez and Jesus Ramos.

Despite the volatility, Gonzalez believes his readiness and power make him a live threat.

“My fundamentals and my hunger will make the difference,” he said. “I’m here to shock the world.”