Claressa Shields has been suspended and faces losing her titles after a test detected minute traces of marijuana in her system. The test and subsequent suspension came on the heels of Shields’ last fight against Danielle Perkins in Michigan. However, Shields has denied smoking and promised that the truth will be out.
Claressa Shields Suspended From Boxing
Claressa Shields has been suspended and is at risk of losing her titles after a test detected drugs in her body. The two-time Olympic gold medalist got into trouble after her last win against heavyweight Danielle Perkins. The boxing champions went head-to-head in Flint, Michigan, on February 2, and Shields knocked Perkins out with a unanimous decision. Her victory won her the title of boxing’s first undisputed women’s heavyweight champion, but the celebration was short-lived.
Shields got suspended by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission after the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) ran a test on her and Perkins following their fight. Their test was in line with the World Boxing Council Clean Boxing Program stipulation. Athletes are banned from using marijuana in competitions by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), but the ‘oral fluid sample’ taken from Shields revealed small traces of marijuana in her body.
WBO Calls Claressa Shields For Enquiry
After being suspended, The World Boxing Organization (WBO) asked Claressa Shields to appear for an inquiry. The WBO is not authorized to suspend boxers but can request a “show notice.” In the meantime, the Michigan Commission is also investigating whether Shields needs to be disciplined.
The Michigan Commission said on Thursday, February 20:
“Ms. Shields’ conduct as a licensed professional boxer constitutes an immediate threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest and the welfare and safety of professional athletes.”
Shields Responds To Being Suspended
The boxer has refuted doping allegations and being suspended on X, formerly Twitter. She wrote:
“On my soul can’t nobody tarnish my image. It’s a temporary suspension til I go to trial for this very small amount of marijuana.”
The undisputed world champion in three weight classes asserted that she was not in danger of losing her titles, writing:
“I’m not SUSPENDED from boxing, I’m not stripped of my titles. I’m just waiting. Also I can’t defend a lie! Do your research!”
She also reacted to another post on X that said:
“Breaking: Claressa Shields has been suspended from fighting in the state of Michigan and is being investigated after testing positive for… Marijuana.”
Shields responded:
“This isn’t breaking. And it’s not a thinking pose” (referring to OP’s thinking emoticon).
She continued:
“It was marijuana, no PEDs. Also, @arielhelwani it’s a temporary suspension til I go for trial for the petite amount.” She concluded, “I’ve never smoked weed.”
Fans React To Claressa Shields Being Suspended
After finding out Claressa Shields was suspended, some fans suspected the test must have detected secondhand smoke from the boxer, given her claims that she never smoked. Some also assumed that Papoose got Claressa Shields suspended. A fan wrote:
“Second hand smoke she clearly said she doesn’t smoke.”
A second person said:
“Smh she better stop risking it just to look cool with Pap.”
Another person remarked:
“She too busy trying to be a rapper’s girl.”
Claressa Shields is one of the greatest women boxers in history and was undefeated in 16 fights before she was suspended. Hopefully, the inquiry will determine the truth, and the boxer will also avoid secondhand smoke.
#Clique, what do you think about Claressa Shields’ suspension? Let us know in the comments.
