Undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields is now not underneath risk of suspension following an official assertion by the World Boxing Group.
Shields confronted suspension and the attainable stripping of her title after testing optimistic for leisure medicine after her struggle with heavyweight Danielle Perkins on February 2. Nonetheless, the presence of marijuana from a swab take a look at was questioned by her workforce. They consider Shields and others on the invoice had been subjected to second-hand smoke from the group as urine samples got here again adverse.
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 had 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. Staff Shields acknowledged that they’re presently awaiting a gathering date with the Michigan Unarmed Fight Fee to hunt a revocation of Ms. Shields’ suspension. Accordingly, Staff 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-about the arguments raised by Staff Shields, this Committee hereby grants the request for a keep of proceedings. The Committee reserves its proper to concern any additional rulings deemed essential, useful, and handy to perform the needs, insurance policies, and intent of the WBO Rules of World Championship Contests, together with however not restricted to those who finest serve the pursuits of boxing and the World Boxing Group. When you’ve got any questions or issues, please don’t hesitate to contact the WBO essential workplace,” stated WBO President Gustavo Olivieri Esq.
Each VADA {Voluntary Anit-Doping Company] and WADA [World Anti-Doping Agency] had been urged to conduct their very own investigation into the matter, which doesn’t appear essential on condition that different boxers on the cardboard examined optimistic 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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