Undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields is not beneath menace of suspension following an official assertion by the World Boxing Group.
Shields confronted suspension and the attainable stripping of her title after testing constructive for leisure medicine after her struggle with heavyweight Danielle Perkins on February 2. Nevertheless, the presence of marijuana from a swab take a look at was questioned by her workforce. They imagine Shields and others on the invoice have been subjected to second-hand smoke from the group as urine samples got here again destructive.
Subsequently, the ‘GWOAT’ is unlikely to face any additional punishment over the matter. The WBO despatched a letter to World Boxing Information stating that the present procedures in opposition to Shields have been placed on maintain.
“On February 21, 2025, the WBO World Championship Committee acquired an e-mail communication from Mr. David Andrew Slutsker, on behalf of the subject material fighter, requesting a keep of proceedings to answer the “Present Trigger” discover letter issued by this Committee on February 20, 2025. Group Shields acknowledged that they’re at the moment awaiting a gathering date with the Michigan Unarmed Fight Fee to hunt a revocation of Ms. Shields’ suspension. Accordingly, Group Shields is petitioning that the interval for responding to the “Present Trigger” discover letter be stayed till after the ultimate disposition of the proceedings earlier than the Michigan Fee.
Claressa Shields given keep of proceedings
“Having thought of the arguments raised by Group Shields, this Committee hereby grants the request for a keep of proceedings. The Committee reserves its proper to concern any additional rulings deemed needed, useful, and handy to perform the needs, insurance policies, and intent of the WBO Laws of World Championship Contests, together with however not restricted to those who finest serve the pursuits of boxing and the World Boxing Group. If in case you have any questions or issues, please don’t hesitate to contact the WBO foremost workplace,” stated WBO President Gustavo Olivieri Esq.
Each VADA {Voluntary Anit-Doping Company] and WADA [World Anti-Doping Agency] have been urged to conduct their very own investigation into the matter, which doesn’t appear needed on condition that different boxers on the cardboard examined constructive from swabs. All three highlighted from the invoice are beforehand clear athletes and won’t face disciplinary motion because it’s not within the public curiosity.
Shields’ supervisor, Mark Taffet, welcomed the result on social media.
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