By Kirra Livingstone
Beerwah boxer Dana Coolwell has hit back at the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) after receiving what he described as an unjust 18-month suspension following a positive drug test in the United States.
Coolwell, who fought Albert ‘Chop Chop’ Gonzalez in Las Vegas on April 6, volunteered for drug testing conducted by the NSAC ahead of the bout. He was not informed until May 15 that he had tested positive for oxymetholone, an anabolic steroid.
The ban applies only in the state of Nevada, meaning Coolwell remains eligible to fight elsewhere in the US and internationally. However, he will be barred from competing in Nevada until October 4, 2026.
Coolwell vehemently denied ever using performance-enhancing drugs and criticised the integrity of the testing process.
“I am a clean athlete. I have never taken performance-enhancing drugs in my life, and I am firmly, unequivocally against them,” he said.
“This situation is a disgrace, but I’ll come through it stronger, prouder, and more determined than ever to represent my family, my culture, and the sport with integrity.”
He said the procedures he experienced during testing “raised serious red flags”, including being asked to combine two urine samples — taken an hour apart — into one.
“Anyone familiar with proper testing protocol knows how bizarre and reckless that is,” Coolwell said.
“I’ve been tested multiple times throughout my career by official agencies — and it’s never been done that way.”
Coolwell said he had consulted other anti-doping bodies, who told him the method used was “highly unprofessional and susceptible to contamination or inaccurate results”.
He also questioned the seven-week delay in receiving his test result, contrasting it with the recent Ryan Garcia and Jaime Munguia cases, in which results were returned within a week.
Offered the option of a hearing, Coolwell said the session was scheduled for 3am Queensland time, making it virtually impossible for him to attend. When he requested an alternative time, he said the NSAC refused and proceeded in his absence, ultimately finding him guilty.
He claimed he was offered a reduced suspension in exchange for payment — an offer he declined.
“To those who’ve supported me through this — thank you. I see you, and I won’t forget it,” he said.
“To those who’ve used this as an opportunity to drag my name through the mud without knowing the facts — I see you too, and that won’t be forgotten either.”
kirra@gcnews.com.au
