Boxing
Mielnicki's Record Cleared After Coyle's Drug Test Violation
2025-08-18

In a significant turn of events within the professional boxing world, Vito Mielnicki Jr.'s fight record has been retrospectively adjusted, clearing a previously held majority draw. This change comes after the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) declared his February 14 contest against Connor Coyle a \"no contest,\" citing a post-fight drug test violation by Coyle. This ruling effectively removes one of the few imperfections from Mielnicki's burgeoning career, leaving him with a single defeat from an earlier bout.

Revised Bout Outcome: Mielnicki vs. Coyle Declared \"No Contest\"

On a momentous occasion, February 14, 2025, at the illustrious Madison Square Garden in New York City, a boxing match unfolded between New Jersey's rising star, Vito Mielnicki Jr., and Northern Ireland's tenacious fighter, Connor Coyle. This captivating encounter, part of the high-profile Keyshawn Davis-Denys Berinchyk-headlined ESPN event, initially concluded in a 10-round majority draw. Judge Tom Carusone scored the fight 96-94 in Mielnicki's favor, while Ken Ezzo and Kevin Morgan saw it dead even at 95-95 after a series of intensely competitive middleweight rounds. Coyle's remarkable resurgence in the latter half of the fight, particularly securing the final four rounds on Morgan's scorecard, prevented what would have been his inaugural professional defeat.

However, the official narrative of this bout took an unforeseen turn. BoxingScene has recently verified that the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) has officially nullified the majority draw, reclassifying it as a \"no contest.\" This decisive action stems from a formal settlement reached between Connor Coyle and the commission, precipitated by an adverse finding in Coyle's post-fight drug test. Although the specific terms of Coyle's agreement with the commission have not been publicly detailed, it is understood that he remains under an indefinite suspension from the sport. Notably, Coyle, whose professional record now stands at 21-0 with 9 KOs and 1 NC, has not stepped into the ring since this controversial February encounter, and his absence is expected to persist for the foreseeable future.

For Mielnicki, this ruling marks a significant personal victory. The 23-year-old talent, making his middleweight debut after outgrowing the junior middleweight division, now sees his record stand at 20-1 with 12 KOs and 1 NC. Since the contested bout, Mielnicki has demonstrably moved forward, securing a resounding 10-round shutout victory against the previously undefeated Kamil Gardzielik on June 21 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This dominant performance, which included a knockdown in the third round, showcased Mielnicki's continued growth and prowess. This recent triumph further solidifies his standing as a significant draw in the boxing landscape of New York City and North Jersey, a marketability that Top Rank, his promoter since last summer, has effectively leveraged. With the Coyle bout now officially expunged, Mielnicki's only remaining career setback is the majority decision defeat to James Martin in Los Angeles back in April 2021, marking a remarkable fourteen-fight unbeaten streak since that time.

This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the rigorous standards and ethical responsibilities inherent in professional sports. The New York State Athletic Commission's swift and decisive action underscores the importance of fair play and the integrity of competition. For athletes, it highlights the paramount necessity of adhering to anti-doping regulations, as deviations can have severe and lasting repercussions on their careers and reputations. From a fan's perspective, while the immediate result of a fight can be exhilarating, the long-term integrity of the sport relies on transparent processes and accountability. This reclassification, though delayed, ultimately reinforces the foundational principles of honesty and fairness that should govern every sporting contest, ensuring that achievements are earned legitimately.

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