Claressa Shields given ‘stay of proceedings’ by WBO

Undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields is no longer under threat of suspension following an official statement by the World Boxing Organization.

Shields faced suspension and the possible stripping of her title after testing positive for recreational drugs after her fight with heavyweight Danielle Perkins on February 2. However, the presence of marijuana from a swab test was questioned by her team. They believe Shields and others on the bill were subjected to second-hand smoke from the crowd as urine samples came back negative.

Therefore, the ‘GWOAT’ is unlikely to face any further punishment over the matter. The WBO sent a letter to World Boxing News stating that the current procedures against Shields were put on hold.

“On February 21, 2025, the WBO World Championship Committee received an email communication from Mr. David Andrew Slutsker, on behalf of the subject matter fighter, requesting a stay of proceedings to respond to the “Show Cause” notice letter issued by this Committee on February 20, 2025. Team Shields stated that they are currently awaiting a meeting date with the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission to seek a revocation of Ms. Shields’ suspension. Accordingly, Team Shields is petitioning that the period for responding to the “Show Cause” notice letter be stayed until after the final disposition of the proceedings before the Michigan Commission.

Claressa Shields given stay of proceedings

“Having considered the arguments raised by Team Shields, this Committee hereby grants the request for a stay of proceedings. The Committee reserves its right to issue any further rulings deemed necessary, helpful, and convenient to accomplish the purposes, policies, and intent of the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests, including but not limited to those that best serve the interests of boxing and the World Boxing Organization. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the WBO main office,” said WBO President Gustavo Olivieri Esq.

Both VADA {Voluntary Anit-Doping Agency] and WADA [World Anti-Doping Agency] were urged to conduct their own investigation into the matter, which doesn’t seem necessary given that other boxers on the card tested positive from swabs. All three highlighted from the bill are previously clean athletes and will not face disciplinary action as it’s not in the public interest.

Shields’ manager, Mark Taffet, welcomed the outcome on social media.

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