BOXING

A middleweight boxer who punched his opponent after their fight ended has been suspended indefinitely by the New York State Athletic Commission.

James Butler, 28, of New York, also faces a second-degree assault charge for the short hook with gloves off that dropped Richard Grant long after the final bell.

Grant had just won a 10-round decision at New York televised Friday night by ESPN.

Deputy Commissioner Mike Pascale spoke to Butler, who also was sent an official letter, said Eamon Moynihan, commission spokesman.

Butler has 20 days to respond, and a hearing is likely after that to determine his punishment and whether he will receive his $10,000 purse.

Footage from the telecast shows Butler slugging Grant, 24, as they met for the usual fighters’ hug after the match. Grant went down and appeared groggy. He received stitches for a cut tongue.

Butler was escorted from the ballroom and arrested Saturday on the assault charge, a police spokesman said. He was arraigned Saturday and released, and could face up to seven years in prison if convicted.

Butler (18-3) had been a contender known as the “Harlem Hammer.”