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After creating history just a few weeks ago as the first undisputed women’s heavyweight champion, Claressa Shields is now facing a dark reality. On February 2, the most decorated women’s boxer added another accolade to her name against Danielle Perkins. Not only did she become the first-ever women’s undisputed heavyweight champion, but she also became the first boxer to hold an undisputed title in three weight categories.
However, just weeks after her triumph, The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission announced that the GWOAT had tested positive for ma****uana in an “oral fluid sample” taken after the fight. Later commission claimed that Shields’ failed test “constitutes an imminent threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest, and the welfare and safety of professional athletes.” Furthermore, it led to an immediate suspension, barring her from competing in Michigan for a while. As expected, the Flint native is extremely upset over the decision. And it looks like she is not alone—her team is right behind her.
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Vindication is on the way
Despite the heated controversy, surprisingly, Claressa Shields’ team was quite reserved up to this point as details of her suspension were still unfolding. While the 29-year-old was claiming her innocence repeatedly, her team chose to remain silent. However, it looks like even they have had enough now, as in a recent conversation with Boxing Scene, T-Rex’s promoter, Dmitry Salita, made his stance on the matter clear.
He does not doubt his fighter and strongly believes Claressa Shields is clean and is just counting the days before the decision is reversed. “We are 100 percent confident that Claressa Shields will be vindicated when this matter concludes and all the evidence is heard,” claimed Salita.
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The WBO lacks the power to suspend the Flint native and has demanded a “show notice,” to explain herself. The Michigan commission has not revealed the exact details about the substance found in the test. However, Claressa Shields has claimed that she has never taken any PEDs. The 29-year-old and her team are confident the WBO hearing will fully exonerate her from these allegations.
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Claressa Shields biding her time
The GWOAT has never been one to mince her words. She took to her Instagram to shut down the controversy and wrote, “I don’t smoke no damn weed and it’s a temporary suspension til I go to trial. Y’all love to tear a black woman down.” Instead of feeling pressured, she decided to keep fighting back. “I aint test positive for no damn PEDs! And the amount of weed they talking about is so small I can’t believe these bozos even making articles,” wrote Shields claiming that no one is doing their research before publishing against her.
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. 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!
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) February 21, 2025
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She once again urged everyone to do their research before making any claims. Shields took to her ‘X’ and 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. 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!”
For Claressa Shields, the WBO trial can’t come any sooner. This controversy has marred the month that was supposed to be dedicated to her historic victory. She would like to leave it behind her as soon as possible. What do you think? Let us know your thoughts down below.
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Debate
Does Claressa Shields' marijuana test really threaten boxing, or is it an overblown controversy?
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Does Claressa Shields' marijuana test really threaten boxing, or is it an overblown controversy?
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