Women’s boxing champ Claressa Shields may be down for the count for a while after receiving a suspension from the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission.
Sky Sports reported that Shields is under investigation after testing positive for marijuana (a banned substance in competition) on February 3.
“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 said.
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Last week, Shields addressed rumors of a failed drug test on social media, maintaining her innocence. She reiterated that sentiment on X on February 20.
One day before the suspension, Shields won the WBO Undisputed Women’s Heavyweight Championship in her hometown of Flint, Michigan. As reported by the Detroit Free Press, she defeated Danielle Perkins by unanimous decision to become the first boxer to win undisputed titles in three different weight classes. The win also made Shields the first American heavyweight, male or female, to win an undisputed title since Riddick Bowe in 1992
According to the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission’s rules from the Department of Licensing & Affairs, a complaint must be filed if an athlete tests positive for a banned substance or refuses to test. If disciplinary action is recommended, the following suspensions are issued:
- 90 days for first-time violators
- One year for second-time violators
- Revocation of license on the third offense.
The athlete must test negative again before the suspension can be lifted. In Shields’ case, the test results could also change her win over Perkins to a “no decision.”
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