Vito Mielnicki Jnr’s career turn is the latest cautionary tale that a signing is not official until the boxer actually signs the contract.
After weeks of speculation that the middleweight contender would land with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, it was announced on Monday that Sampson Lewkowicz secured the services of New Jersey’s Mielnicki. News of the union was confirmed by both parties on Monday.
“I’m looking forward to having Sampson elevate my career to the world championship level, like he’s done with so many other fighters,” said Mielnicki Jnr in a media-provided quote. “We’re looking to build in Atlantic City in my next three fights.
“I’m excited to bring big-time boxing back to New Jersey and have Sampson take my career to the next level.”
The unexpected U-turn comes just weeks after a ring appearance on a November 22 Riyadh Season card, where Mielnicki, 22-1 (13 KOs), stopped unbeaten Samuel Nmomah in the 9th round. The win marked Mielnicki’s third straight fight at middleweight, all in an active 2025 campaign.
The previous two fights of the year for Mielnicki came in his home region. He fought to a 10-round stalemate with Connor Coyle in a February 14 clash at Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City. The outcome was changed to a no-contest when it was learned that Coyle tested positive for a banned substance.
Mielnicki officially returned to the win column with a 10-round shutout of Kamil Gardzielik on June 21 at the Prudential Center in Newark, mere minutes from his Roseland hometown.
The fight turned out to be his last with Top Rank, ending an agreement on amicable terms after just four fights.
It was believed at the time that Mielnicki would become among the first to sign with the newly formed Zuffa Boxing. However, BoxingScene has learned that, while terms were discussed, Mielnicki and his team never officially signed the written offer.
The slip in the cracks worked to the benefit of one of the sport’s best eyes for scouting and moving talent.
In signing with Lewkowicz, Mielnicki has a pathway to further grow his already rabid fan base throughout the northeastern portion of the U.S. rather than limiting himself to a Riyadh-heavy schedule. He is already a huge draw in North Jersey and New York City, with the plan now to take his talents just a bit further south but still within his home state.
“I’ve known Vito since his pro debut and my relationship with him and his father, Vito Sr., has been pure friendship,” stated Lewkowicz. “Signing this agreement will be a new sunrise for Vito Mielnicki’s career in 2026, starting in April in Atlantic City.”
Further details are forthcoming regarding Mielnicki’s next fight.
