Claressa Shields suspended and under investigation as historic record in jeopardy after testing positive for marijuana
American boxing icon Claressa Shields has been suspended after testing positive for marijuana. The bombshell announcement comes just over two weeks after Shields defeated Danielle Perkins to unify all the belts in the women’s heavyweight division. Shields is the first and only three-weight undisputed champion in the four-belt eraGETTY In doing so, she became the first boxer to achieve undisputed supremacy in three separate weight classes during the four-belt era. However, that stunning feat is now under threat. The former Olympic gold medallist will now face an investigation having received a provisional suspension from the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission. Shields is said to have tested positive for marijuana in an oral fluid sample taken after her fight with Perkins. Under the WBC’s clean boxing programme, both fighters were subject to drug testing by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA). Marijuana is a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), who make guidelines for VADA and other testing associations. As a result, the Michigan Commission has opened an investigation. “Ms Shields’ conduct as a licensed professional boxer constitutes an imminent threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest, and the welfare and safety of professional athletes,” the Michigan Commission wrote in a statement. The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) has also requested a ‘show notice’ from Shields to explain herself. “Conversely, as it pertains to the WBO, when a champion tests positive for banned or prohibited substances, Sections 19 and 28 of our governing regulations mandate our intervention,” read a WBO statement. Shields beat Perkins to become undisputed at heavyweightGETTY “The alleged offender must ‘Show Cause’ by providing reliable evidence as to why the WBO World Championship Committee should not take affirmative action in light of the alleged violations of the referenced provisions and/or WBO policy. “From the outset, we must stress that, per WBO policy, when any WBO Champion or Participant tests positive for banned or prohibited substances, it is not necessary for the WBO to demonstrate intent, fault, negligence, or knowing use on the fighter’s part. “This is because it is the fighter’s duty to ensure that no banned or prohibited substances enter their body. “Fighters are fully responsible for any banned or prohibited substances found in their system.” talkSPORT.com has reached out to Shields’ representatives for comment. Follow talkBOXING on social media talkBOXING is now on Twitter and Facebook. Follow us on social media for big breaking boxing news, exclusive interviews and the best bits from our talkBOXING YouTube show. Like our Facebook page HERE Follow us on Twitter HERE Sign up for our WhatsApp channel HERE
American boxing icon Claressa Shields has been suspended after testing positive for marijuana.
The bombshell announcement comes just over two weeks after Shields defeated Danielle Perkins to unify all the belts in the women’s heavyweight division.
In doing so, she became the first boxer to achieve undisputed supremacy in three separate weight classes during the four-belt era.
However, that stunning feat is now under threat.
The former Olympic gold medallist will now face an investigation having received a provisional suspension from the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission.
Shields is said to have tested positive for marijuana in an oral fluid sample taken after her fight with Perkins.
Under the WBC’s clean boxing programme, both fighters were subject to drug testing by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA).
Marijuana is a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), who make guidelines for VADA and other testing associations.
As a result, the Michigan Commission has opened an investigation.
“Ms Shields’ conduct as a licensed professional boxer constitutes an imminent threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest, and the welfare and safety of professional athletes,” the Michigan Commission wrote in a statement.
The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) has also requested a ‘show notice’ from Shields to explain herself.
“Conversely, as it pertains to the WBO, when a champion tests positive for banned or prohibited substances, Sections 19 and 28 of our governing regulations mandate our intervention,” read a WBO statement.
“The alleged offender must ‘Show Cause’ by providing reliable evidence as to why the WBO World Championship Committee should not take affirmative action in light of the alleged violations of the referenced provisions and/or WBO policy.
“From the outset, we must stress that, per WBO policy, when any WBO Champion or Participant tests positive for banned or prohibited substances, it is not necessary for the WBO to demonstrate intent, fault, negligence, or knowing use on the fighter’s part.
“This is because it is the fighter’s duty to ensure that no banned or prohibited substances enter their body.
“Fighters are fully responsible for any banned or prohibited substances found in their system.”
talkSPORT.com has reached out to Shields’ representatives for comment.
