The doping suspension of three-weight undisputed world champion Claressa Shields has been lifted. The 30-year-old American boxer was suspended because she tested positive for marijuana after defeating heavyweight Danielle Perkins in Michigan on February 3.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned the use of marijuana in competition. Shields claimed that the tests only revealed “trace” levels of marijuana and denied ever using it.
According to the BBC, the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission, which provisionally suspended Shields’ license, stated on March 6 that she “provided evidence” and that “her conduct no longer poses an imminent threat to the integrity of the sport, the public interest, or the welfare and safety of a contestant.”
According to the commission, Shields’ suspension “does not close the enforcement action,” which means she can still be subject to other consequences. Her victory over Perkins might be revoked as a no contest, or she might be penalized.
The world champion wrote on X, “Officially unsuspended ! But y’all a little quiet! Y’all was real loud about me “supposedly” smoking marijuana and being suspended! No worries! And still an Undisputed heavyweight champ! I have the Order to prove it!!! About to go live on Instagram! #freeClaressaShields #Gwoat #claressashields #MichiganCommission.”
Shields also threatened to move for reasons other than this particular incident.
She wrote, “After dealing with what I’ve been dealing with, I’m considering moving out of the country, starting a boxing program in Africa and opening a school for underprivileged kids. The truth is that I don’t like the nonsense that’s going on in the U.S. There’s too much racism, sexism and, although everyone shouts ‘equality’, there isn’t. I’ve worked my butt off to get to where I am, and there are still people working countless hours to try to turn off my light.”
