Claressa Shields has boxing suspension dissolved but still faces enforcement action
Boxing star Claressa Shields still faces possible enforcement action for testing positive for marijuana last month in Michigan even though her suspension was "dissolved" Friday, according to an order issued by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission (MUCC), which regulates boxing in the state.
Shields, 29, announced the news on her social media account.
"Officially unsuspended!’’ Shields wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “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!!!"
However, the last line of the Order issued by the MUCC reads, "The Order does not resolve the Formal Complaint … and does not close the enforcement action."
Anne Morrell, newly elected chair of the MUCC, told USA TODAY Sports she could not comment on the matter.
CLARESSA SHIELDS TOLD YOU SO! INNOCENT & NOT SUSPENDED! Order Dissolved ... https://t.co/RiMUHo8AAJ via @YouTube
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) March 14, 2025
Shields faces a fine and the possibility of having the victory from her last fight overturned. That took place Feb. 2, when she became the undisputed heavyweight champion after beating Danielle Perkins by unanimous decision in her hometown of Flint, Michigan.
But after the fight, Shields has said, she tested positive for "trace'' levels of marijuana.
Shields was one of eight boxers on the card that night randomly drug tested, in adherence with MUCC rules. Marijuana is legal in Michigan but banned at Dort Financial Center, where the Feb. 2 fight was held.
Shields attorney, David Slutsker, said he and Shields were "happy and relieved that the suspension issue has been resolved in her favor.'' But Slutsker also said he is "astounded" the Formal Complaint – that Shields violated MUCC rules by testing positive for marijuana – is not resolved.
The Complaint, which was formally issued Feb. 12 and triggered Shields' suspension, stated the MUCC "investigated and determined that sufficient and good cause exists to find that the conduct of Respondent Claressa M. Shields, a licensed professional boxer, constitutes an imminent threat to the integrity of the sport of professional boxing, the public interest, and the welfare and safety of a professional requiring emergency action."
Slutsker represented Shields at a compliance meeting March 6 with Michigan officials and told USA TODAY Sports, "the Complaint was most definitely part of our defense presentation. It was in the evidence booklet we presented."
The order issued Friday by the MUCC appeared to acknowledge that.
"Based on the information the Respondent provided at the compliance conference, the Department (of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs), on behalf of the MUCC, finds there is no longer immiment threat to the integrity of the sport, the public interest, or the welfare and safety of a contest that requires emergency action. ... The Department will remove Respondent's name from the suspension list of the sanctioned record-keeping organization (Friday)," the order read.
Mark Taffet, Shields' manager, expressed gratitude for the suspension being dissolved.
"We appreciate the Michigan Commission's swift elimination of the suspension, and look forward to Claressa getting right back to business as boxing's GWOAT.''
Slutsker, however, said he is unsure what will be required to resolve the Formal Complaint and avoid enforcement action.
"It's ridiculous, but it is what it is when it comes to Michigan,'' he said. "So we will see how much of a future they have in Claressa Shield's fighting future that remains to be seen."
Shields’ victory over Perkins by unanimous decision improved her record to 16-0 and elevated her to the undisputed women’s heavyweight champion. But things subsequently unraveled for Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist whose rise to fame from poverty and abuse was chronicled in "The Fire Inside," a feature-length film released Christmas Day.
Her story took on a new chapter of adversity.
Shields was one of eight boxers drug tested after the event Feb. 2, according to her attorney and Dmitriy Salita, the event promoter. Boxers are chosen for drug testing by random, according to MUCC rules.
Shields has said a saliva test after her fight against Perkins showed trace levels of marijuana in her system, but her drug results were not publicly released.
She denied ever using the drug.
Informed about the failed drug test Feb. 7, Shields fought back against critics who attacked her integrity on social media.
One theory about the failed test is it could have been triggered by secondhand smoke.
Three boxers on the Feb. 2 card at the Dort Financial Center in Flint tested positive for marijuana. Joe Hicks, one of those boxers, said he tested positive for trace levels of marijuana and that the smell of the drug permeated areas of the facility. Mark Taffet, Shields’ promoter, and Salita also said marijuana could be smelled at the event.
Shields also was expected to argue that protocol was not followed when the saliva test was administered, according to Victor Conte, who describes himself as a "dietary supplement and training adviser'' for Shields. She is sponsored by Conte's supplement company, SNAC.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Claressa Shields has boxing suspension dissolved, penalties possible
-
Why Olympic medalist Omari Jones’ path to becoming ‘America’s next boxing superstar’ will be so difficult
2024 bronze medalist Omari Jones is the latest American boxer who will attempt turning Olympic success into professional dollars. But with the way the sport is changing, can the old formula still ...Yahoo Sports - 14h -
Does the Olympic business model still work?
As it chooses a new president, the world’s biggest sporting event is facing an exodus of major sponsors and a fast-changing media landscapeFinancial Times - 1d -
'I've still got big part to play' - historic night for Sterling
Raheem Sterling believes he has "still got a big part to play" in Arsenal's chase for silverware this season after helping the club into the last eight of the Champions League where they will face ...BBC News - 2d -
Swiatek to face Andreeva, Sabalenka meets Keys in Indian Wells semi-finals
Defending champion Iga Swiatek beat Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 6-3 on Thursday, avenging her Olympics semi-final loss to the Paris Games gold medallist to reach the last four at Indian Wells.The world ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Bills have 2 free-agent additions facing 6-game NFL suspensions for PEDs, GM Beane reveals
The Buffalo Bills stand to open the season minus two new free-agent defensive line additions upon learning Larry Ogunjobi and Michael Hoecht both face six-game suspensions for violating the NFL’s ...Yahoo Sports - 12h -
Gold has already topped $3,000. Here’s what it needs to go up another 16%.
Gold’s climb to an all-time high above $3,000 an ounce this week certainly turned heads, but the value of the precious metal is still around 16% below its real record high from 1980.MarketWatch - 13h -
When will the Department of Education be dissolved? Secretary McMahon doesn't know
Linda McMahon said Friday that President Donald Trump "intends" to sign an executive order to dissolve the Department of Education -- but it's still unclear when.ABC News - Mar. 7 -
TKO Boxing explained: What we know about Dana White's role and its plan, what could still happen in the future
White and Turki Alalshikh made the announcement about the new league coming to boxing, but many details are still to be announcedCBS Sports - 17h -
Inflation Data Test May Rock Unsteady Stock Market
The U.S. consumer price index report could generate concerns if inflation is still simmering.Inc. - 5d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Commanders receive high marks through the first week of free agency
The Washington Commanders receive high marks through one week of free agency.Yahoo Sports - 10m -
Report: Arsenal & Chelsea face competition for £50m transfer
Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly set to face competition from Real Madrid for the potential transfer of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen.The 19-year-old has impressed in the Premier League this ...Yahoo Sports - 16m -
Lando Norris takes pole but ‘learning curve’ continues for Lewis Hamilton in eighth
Lando Norris said he was “not getting ahead” of himself, despite making the perfect start to the new Formula One season in Melbourne. The McLaren driver topped all three qualifying sessions to grab ...Yahoo Sports - 18m -
Jonathan Kuminga drops 18 points in 20 minutes off bench in return vs. Kings
After missing 31 straight games due to an ankle injury, Jonathan Kuminga made his return to the court on Thursday against the Kings.Yahoo Sports - 20m -
Lisbie twins have defences seeing double at Braintree
Braintree Town's Kyrell and Kyreece Lisbie are inspiring young people with TikTok videos about the highs and lows of football life.Yahoo Sports - 22m
More in Sports
-
Commanders receive high marks through the first week of free agency
The Washington Commanders receive high marks through one week of free agency.Yahoo Sports - 10m -
Atleti's Gallagher: Focus now on beating Barça
Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher said the team has moved on from the painful UEFA Champions League exit against Real Madrid in a controversial penalty shootout on Wednesday.ESPN - 15m -
Estadio Azteca changes name ahead of 2026 WC
Mexico City's Estadio Azteca has changed its name to Estadio Banorte in order to help fund the final stages of remodeling for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.ESPN - 15m -
Guardiola laughs off Capello calling him 'arrogant'
Pep Guardiola has laughed off criticism from Fabio Capello after the former England manager accused the Manchester City boss of ruining Italian football.ESPN - 15m -
NWSL's BOS Nation to be renamed after backlash
Boston's 2026 NWSL franchise announced Friday that it will officially change its name following a highly-ridiculed launch last fall.ESPN - 15m