Before his scheduled Saturday middleweight unification bout against Erislandy Lara, Janibek Alimkhanuly tested positive for a banned substance.
The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) has informed the World Boxing Organization (WBO) that a Kazakh fighter failed their test, and an internal investigation is ongoing.
According to American media, Venezuelan Johan Gonzalez will take Alimkhanuly’s place in the fight against WBA champion Lara, who holds both the IBF and WBO titles.
Melonium, a performance-enhancing drug that can increase an athlete’s endurance, is reported to be the banned substance. The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) has banned it since 2016 and has issued a ban.
The fighter has requested that a second “B” sample be tested because Alimkhanuly’s “A” sample returned a negative analytical finding.
Alimkhanuly claimed in a letter to X that Vada’s findings surprised him.
You are well aware of how strongly I have always backed clean sport. When I read the news, I was taken aback,” Alimkhanuly said.
“Vada took the initial test, and he declared everything to be spotless. My vitamins are the same as they were before. I requested a retest because I don’t know what happened with the second test.
Alimkhanuly last met on April 5th, when he won the WBO and IBF titles to defeat Anauel Ngamissengue in a fifth-round stoppage.
Since making his professional debut in 2016, the 32-year-old has won all 17 of his matches.
Cuban-American Lara stopped Danny Garcia in the ninth round to retain his WBA title, which he had lost to him 14 months ago.
The 42-year-old, who was formerly the lightweight champion, has won 31 of his 37 fights since making his debut in 2008.
Helen Skelton, a television host, explains that there is chaos at work and with her family, which she explained was exactly how it was planned.
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(Photo: Nicky Johnston / Prima UK)
She remains busy with TV work and it seems her life off screen is just as packed – but Helen Skelton wouldn’t have it any other way. And unsurprisingly going into 2026 after two decades on TV there are no signs of things changing for her.
Every year is a gift, she says, “I believe.” I don’t take anything for granted because I’ve lost family when they’re in their 20s. I’m very close to my mother, my brother, and my father, who is now 70. Nothing has been made. I’m a big fan of saying yes when I have to, so I’m going for lunch, to go away for the weekend, to stay up late, and to have pizza. No sugar, early nights, or herbal tea are all that everyone else enjoys, but laughter and quality time with mates are just as beneficial. Remove the strain. Spending time with those who make you laugh is the real reset.
At 42, former Blue Peter presenter Helen is living her best life. On screen her work includes BBC Morning Live and Channel 5 travel show with pal Dan Walker Yorkshire Great and Small. And when she is not presenting, she is mum to her three children – Elsie, Ernie and Louis – who she shares with ex-husband Richie Myler.
She toldPrima magazine the balance seems to be right – even if in her life that means a bit of chaos. Helen says: “Something I’ve really embraced since turning 40 is that sense of acceptance: ‘We are who we are.’ That’s my mantra. My house is chaos, my car’s a tip, I’m probably going to be late. I’ll turn up to a kid’s birthday party without the present wrapped and when my friends come to dinner, they bring their own food. I’m chaotic, but I’m great fun!”
She continues, “I used to worry about returning to work after having my kids, but now they love what I do. Every year, my oldest, Ernie, 10, is so devastated that I can’t do it strictly. They occasionally say something that just makes me shiver when they recently said to someone, “My mum’s Helen Skelton!” Additionally, they believe I’m completely embarrassing.
Helen’s marriage to rugby player Richie ended in 2022 and she bounced back in the public spotlight on Strictly Come Dancing. Throwing herself into the series no doubt when feeling physical and mental pain to make the final. Since then there have been rumours of a new romance for Helen, but since he split she has not commented on her love life publicly.
In October, she reignited romance speculation with Morning Live star Gethin Jones after the co-hosts appeared close in a behind-the-scenes video shared to Instagram. Previously there were reports they had enjoyed a spa date in June and they made a red carpet appearance together at the Mirror ’s Pride of Britain Awards.
However, Helen uses the ‘F’ word when describing her closeness with Gethin and Michelle Ackerley, her Morning Live co-hosts.
She claims that she has known Gethin and Michelle for 25 years. Since Geth and I have always shared a flat, Michelle and I were flatmates when we lived in London, and we have always crossed paths. We are all at the same mental level. The tricky part is that sometimes we forget we’re on air because we’re such good friends! I respect both my real friends and my work friends.
They are close enough for her to refer to him as “Geth,” so at least for the time being, there isn’t a planned full-fledged relationship between them. Helen has decided that her family is complete and that she will not grow it further, whatever happens in the future with her romantic partner.
She was seen on social media this week putting up the Christmas tree and decorating it with her trio of kids. She also regularly posts about them out and about doing activities together at weekends. In the new interview, Helen explains: “I would have had more kids until this stage [of motherhood] – I really would. I really like it. The no sleeping and no routine – working in telly is really good training for that. But I’m really conscious I’m at that stage where they all really want me, and I want to be there for them all.”
Helen has always drawn viewers’ attention on screen for all the right reasons, both for her Channel 5 shows and for her family’s outdoor pursuits, which help keep her physically fit. She appears younger than her age and spends a lot of time outdoors for her Channel 5 shows. And she claims that she hasn’t had much assistance from her fans to delay the ageing process and that she hasn’t had any routine to do so.
She claims that I lack beauty because I’m boring. I simply apply moisturizer to my face after washing it. I occasionally get Botox. I’m very casual. Don’t get me wrong, there are many things I would alter about my face, but going that route is foolish. What stop do you have? The Baftas’ restrooms had me changed, and the last time I went to the National Television Awards, I had to put on my dress in the car. You don’t have time to overthink if you cause that level of chaos.
Continue reading the article.
So expect a lot of fun and a lot of chaos if Helen Skelton is involved, whether it is in beauty, broadcasting, or boyfriends.
Fulham’s nine-goal display gave Manchester City the lead in a typically title-chasing performance.
Pep Guardiola’s side’s defensive display, unfortunately, will have elicited relief from those same rivals.
Erling Haaland scored his 100th Premier League goal in the opening period of play, followed by a Phil Foden double, one from Tijjani Reijnders, and Sander Berge’s own goal, who gave City a 5-1 lead at the break. They appeared to be making a significant margin of victory.
However, Fulham responded with three unanswered goals and even had one of their own as they approached the end of one of the outstanding comebacks in stoppage time.
City held on for the win, 5-4, and all three points, almost firmly in their grasp, almost absorbing shots from the end.
“That’s football, that’s the beauty of football,” said Haaland, “but they went and made it 5-3 after I was close to scoring.”
“We love the game because of that.”
The powerful Norwegian added two assists as he scored 100 goals in 111 Premier League games, making it the fastest century since the start of the competition.
However, City changed from a team that appeared to be capable of keeping the score to a group that almost begged for the win.
Guardiola made the joke that “the players don’t respect me because I’m so old!” They are not required to behave in that manner toward their manager.
The league only allows it to occur.
two hours ago
five hours ago
An absurd encounter’s statistics
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The statistics show what a thriller and unusual result it was, Manchester City’s victory at Fulham will have been a great watch for the neutral.
How unfavorable is Man City’s defense?
Even though it delivered in terms of entertainment value, Guardiola’s side’s supporters must have noticed that there must be improvement if they are to truly challenge Arsenal’s leaders.
In this game, City’s attacking prowess are unquestionable; their first four attempts on target in this game resulted in goals, and Haaland and Foden’s consistent form this year will make almost any Premier League team struggle to stop them.
However, their defense is far behind, despite their play continuing to be dignified of title winners.
In the Premier League, City allowed 16 goals in just 14 games compared to Arsenal, who have only allowed seven in 13 games.
At this point in Guardiola’s six Premier League titles, it is unusual for City to concede as many as that in a title-winning campaign. It happened once, in 2023-24.
Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison said on BBC Radio 5 Live, “You can’t expect to win the Premier League when you defend like that.”
“Manchester City’s defensive posture is a problem. We know they can score goals, but I’ve said it before, but they need to improve defensively.
Guardiola is “preoccupied” but sees positives.
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In all competitions, Manchester City has conceded 10 goals in their most recent four games, but only three in the four games that followed.
Guardiola can at least believe that the recent defensive problems can be fixed, and the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach even believes that the recent back-pressure issue could benefit his side by bringing focus to their minds.
Guardiola stated, “Of course, I was concerned Fulham could come back,” but this will help us in upcoming games.
Some players believe that each game is a new team. To begin correcting, you must create a process.
The way we played in the first half, the five goals we scored, and the way we came here were some of the things that were really encouraging.
Fulham’s nine-goal display gave Manchester City the lead in a typically title-chasing performance.
Pep Guardiola’s side’s defensive display, unfortunately, will have elicited relief from those same rivals.
Erling Haaland scored his 100th Premier League goal in the opening period of play, followed by a Phil Foden double, one from Tijjani Reijnders, and Sander Berge’s own goal, who gave City a 5-1 lead at the break. They appeared to be making a significant margin of victory.
However, Fulham responded with three unanswered goals and even had one of their own as they approached the end of one of the outstanding comebacks in stoppage time.
City held on for the win, 5-4, and all three points, almost firmly in their grasp, almost absorbing shots from the end.
“That’s football, that’s the beauty of football,” said Haaland, “but they went and made it 5-3 after I was close to scoring.”
“We love the game because of that.”
The powerful Norwegian added two assists as he scored 100 goals in 111 Premier League games, making it the fastest century since the start of the competition.
However, City changed from a team that appeared to be capable of keeping the score to a group that almost begged for the win.
Guardiola made the joke that “the players don’t respect me because I’m so old!” They are not required to behave in that manner toward their manager.
The league only allows it to occur.
two hours ago
five hours ago
An absurd encounter’s statistics
JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.
The statistics show what a thriller and unusual result it was, Manchester City’s victory at Fulham will have been a great watch for the neutral.
How unfavorable is Man City’s defense?
Even though it delivered in terms of entertainment value, Guardiola’s side’s supporters must have noticed that there must be improvement if they are to truly challenge Arsenal’s leaders.
In this game, City’s attacking prowess are unquestionable; their first four attempts on target in this game resulted in goals, and Haaland and Foden’s consistent form this year will make almost any Premier League team struggle to stop them.
However, their defense is far behind, despite their play continuing to be dignified of title winners.
In the Premier League, City allowed 16 goals in just 14 games compared to Arsenal, who have only allowed seven in 13 games.
At this point in Guardiola’s six Premier League titles, it is unusual for City to concede as many as that in a title-winning campaign. It happened once, in 2023-24.
Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison said on BBC Radio 5 Live, “You can’t expect to win the Premier League when you defend like that.”
“Manchester City’s defensive posture is a problem. We know they can score goals, but I’ve said it before, but they need to improve defensively.
Guardiola is “preoccupied” but sees positives.
JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.
In all competitions, Manchester City has conceded 10 goals in their most recent four games, but only three in the four games that followed.
Guardiola can at least believe that the recent defensive problems can be fixed, and the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach even believes that the recent back-pressure issue could benefit his side by bringing focus to their minds.
Guardiola stated, “Of course, I was concerned Fulham could come back,” but this will help us in upcoming games.
Some players believe that each game is a new team. To begin correcting, you must create a process.
The way we played in the first half, the five goals we scored, and the way we came here were some of the things that were really encouraging.
Following discussions between senior US officials and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, a Russian official said, “No compromise” was reached on the crucial issue of controlling Ukrainian territory to end Moscow’s war.
As the United States attempts to put an end to the deadliest war in Europe since the Second World War, Steve Witkoff, the special envoy of US President Donald Trump, and his son Jared Kushner met Putin in Moscow on Tuesday.
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The discussions ended at midnight and lasted for almost five hours. Top Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, who was present, said, “We haven’t found a compromise, but some American solutions can be discussed.”
Although Ushakov described the conversation as being “very helpful and constructive,” he also emphasized that “a lot of work is still to be done both in Moscow and Washington.”
Washington has updated its 28-point draft since it was previously leaked, which has drawn strong criticism from Russia and its allies for favoring Russia, and the US delegation had traveled to the Russian capital to discuss it.
The subsequent counterproposal by Kyiv and Europe has received criticism from the Kremlin, with Putin claiming on numerous occasions that it is “unacceptable” to his country.
The Russian leader made inflammatory remarks at an investment forum prior to his meeting with US officials, claiming that his country was prepared to fight off against Europe.
Putin remarked about Ukraine’s European allies as saying, “They are on the side of war.” We can see clearly that all of these modifications are intended to essentially stop the entire peace process and make demands that Russia will find utterly unacceptable.
Following the attacks on Russian ships carrying Russian oil off Turkiye, the 73-year-old added that Russia would increase its attacks on Ukrainian ports and vessels as well as tankers supporting Kyiv.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, economic adviser Kirill Dmitriev, and aide Yury Ushakov meet with Jared Kushner, son of US President Donald Trump, and special adviser Steve Witkoff at the Kremlin in Moscow on December 2, 2025.
Andrii Sybiha, the Ukrainian minister of foreign affairs, said it was obvious that Putin did not want the war to end.
He stated on Thursday that he was prepared to fight through the winter. He is currently threatening navigation freedom and sea ports,” Sybiha wrote on social media.
Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, stated that a “dignified peace” was required while he was in Ireland.
When questioned about his fear that the US might lose interest in the peace process, he responded that he worried that Kyiv’s allies would soon become “tired.”
He explained that Russia’s goal is to “retire the interest of America from this situation.”
Trump, on the other hand, acknowledged the difficulty of the negotiations.
At a cabinet meeting in Washington, DC, Trump said, “Our people are over in Russia right now to see if we can get it settled.” Not an easy circumstance. What a mess, he continued, noting that the conflict was causing tens of thousands of casualties each month.
A senior figure in Kyiv told the AFP news agency that Witkoff and Kushner might meet with Ukrainian leaders on Wednesday in Brussels.
Russia claimed that it had taken Pokrovsk, a city of “special significance,” in Ukraine’s Donbass, as a result of the flurry of diplomatic activity.
Moscow claims that the development is inevitable, and Kyiv refutes this.
Putin said on Tuesday that the Russian army could easily advance in any direction that the General Staff thought was most promising from this base and this sector.
More than 19% of Ukraine is under the control of Moscow’s forces, up one point from the previous year. According to pro-Ukrainian maps cited by Reuters, Russia’s troops advanced more quickly in 2025 than they did in any other year since 2022.
Russia demanded a cap on the size of the Ukrainian army, complete dominance of the Donbass, and recognition of Moscow’s presence in the Ukrainian regions of Zaporizhia and Kherson in the earlier, leaked US peace proposal.
St Mary’s Stadium is home to a female football news reporter from BBC Sport.
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Sarina Wiegman, England manager, chuckled and said, “She celebrated as if she had won the Champions League.”
And it wasn’t far off for Lucia Kendall.
Six minutes into their 2-0 win over Ghana at St Mary’s Stadium, Wiegman was reflecting on the moment the Aston Villa midfielder raced off into the corner.
“They are still putting some treatments on the grass”! Kendall’s flawless knee slide was made a joke by her.
There was a large smile on the 21-year-old’s face as she began to walk, puffing out her cheeks in disbelief, and being surrounded by her team-mates.
Kendall spent ten years at Southampton, where she had worked there for ten years, where she had played 103 games before joining Villa in July, and where she had worked for the academy.
The ball was the stuff of dreams for her when she saw it hit the back of the net at St. Mary’s Stadium on her only third appearance for England.
“It was a really special moment for me to be able to do it here, where I was raised.” Kendall told ITV, “This place made me into the player I am.
“Things have happened so quickly.”
Kendall may have been “made” by Southampton, but a major choice at the age of 15 changed how she saw her future.
The talented youngster eventually had to choose between the two sports as she transitioned into Southampton’s first-team squad, but her father, Will, played cricket for Hampshire. She chose football as her choice.
“It was fascinating,” he said. In her first England media conference in October, Kendall said, “There is no time for me to do both.”
Growing up, I adored playing cricket. It was a very difficult choice. I exchanged messages, but when the time came, I realized I liked football a little more.
Kendall has started out in a similar manner to Frank Lampard, an England midfielder known for his goalscoring prowess, and she idolized him growing up as a Chelsea fan.
It was obvious from the beginning that Kendall had the desire and commitment to become a star while juggling a psychology degree at Southampton.
The second-tier club continued to care for her as long as they could, but Villa made an effort to reinstate her when her contract expired this summer.
Kendall, who was born in Winchester and started out in the top flight before joining the England squad, has quickly established a name for herself.
She exhibits consistency, which is difficult to do when you first enter the WSL with Aston Villa and then you just move in.
She just keeps up her levels and shows that she is a good player, which is impressive because things have happened so quickly and quickly.
Kendall hit the crossbar in the second half to almost equalize her goal at St Mary’s, but Alessia Russo added a second with an injury-time penalty.
After an hour, the home crowd roared at her and the stadium announcer gushed, “Southampton’s very own,” in a loud voice.
In more than a decade of service, Kendall noted that, having spent so long playing senior football at Southampton, I did so at the age of 16, and that proved invaluable.
They consistently believed in me as a player and the belief that I had. I hoped to move on to [the next step].
She is a very strong midfielder both technically and tactically.
Images courtesy of Getty
Former England striker Ian Wright claimed Kendall had just “got it” as a midfielder and that she had always appeared natural.
Wiegman wants to keep her safe, claiming that both Villa and the media can. However, Kendall’s “humble” behavior doesn’t bother her.
Kendall was speaking in front of the media days after being first called up by the Lionesses, stating that she was determined to impress but also understood that she had a responsibility to the team’s greater good and that she had a responsibility.
Russo, a striker for Arsenal, described Kendall as having “been here for years” as she “seen herself in the squad.”
Being able to be in and around them and experience their environment is something I didn’t expect to do until this team had just won back-to-back Euros, Kendall said.
It takes me a while to “break out of my shell.” I have a psychology degree from a university. I prefer to maintain my life’s pursuit of football by sticking to it.
I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family. I wouldn’t say I do too much. I simply enjoy living in harmony with nature.
Marieanne Spacey-Cale, who trained her at Southampton, is well-versed in Kendall’s mindset and said she was ready to play for her country.
As soon as I met her, I knew. The former Arsenal and England forward called her a very grounded, humble young woman, and she was ambitious.
She is aware of her desires and route. She plays with skill. She completely comprehends [the game] for a person her age.
She can defend herself and make lung-bursting runs forward. She plays both technically and tactical midfield very well.
