The New York State Athletic Commission has suspended middleweight contender Connor Coyle indefinitely because he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs after his
10-round majority draw with Vito Mielnicki Jr. six months ago.
Northern Ireland’s
Coyle (21-0, 9 KOs, 1 NC), who hasn’t fought since he faced
Mielnicki (21-1, 12 KOs, 1 NC) in a bout ESPN aired February 14 from The Theater at Madison Square Garden, was also fined an undisclosed sum. The result of their fight was changed to a no-contest as well.
The Ring couldn’t confirm which banned substances were detected in Coyle’s system by the time this story was posted. Mielnicki’s team was informed of Coyle’s suspension Monday following a lengthy investigation into the NYSAC’s findings.
“He should be ashamed of himself,” Vito Mielnicki Sr., the fighter’s father and manager, told The Ring. “It’s disgusting for the sport. And this should really be changed to a win, not a no-contest. [Coyle] should get a loss on his record. And how could he be allowed to fight again?”
Matt Delaglio, the NYSAC’s executive director, declined comment when reached by The Ring.
The bout between Coyle, 35, and Mielnicki, 23, resulted in a majority draw because judges Ken Ezzo and Kevin Morgan scored it 95-95 apiece. Judge Tom Carusone scored for Mielnicki, 96-94.
Coyle, who resides and trains in Florida, entered for his fight with Mielnicki as the WBA’s No. 3 contender in the 160-pound division.
Mielnicki made his middleweight debut against Coyle after competing in the welterweight and junior middleweight divisions for the first 5½ years of his pro career. He is the WBO’s No. 7 contender for its middleweight champ, Kazakh southpaw Janibek Alimkhanuly (17-0, 12 KOs).
Keith Idec is a senior writer and columnist for The Ring. He can be reached on X @idecboxing