- March 2, 2025
- 77
Claressa Shields’ team presents their argument regarding her positive marijuana test.
Claressa Shields’ team has issued a stern response to news that the three-division undisputed champion had tested positive for marijuana.
Shields was suspended by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission on Thursday and was issued a related “show cause notice” by the WBO after the commission accused Shields of testing positive for marijuana following her win over Danielle Perkins on February 2 in her hometown of Flint.
The 29-year-old Shields, 16-0 (3 KOs), has yet to comment publicly on the situation. However, her promoter, Dmitry Salita, shared his comments with BoxingScene and on social media on Friday:
“Claressa Shields has built her career on hard work, discipline and an unwavering commitment to clean competition,” Salita said. “She stands by her record, her historic achievements and her integrity as a world champion. She has been an inspiration to countless men and women throughout the United States and throughout the world since she was a teenage Olympian.”
In a formal statement from WBO founding president Luis Batista Salas, addressed to Salita, it was reported that Shields provided an oral fluid sample that tested positive for the presence of Marijuana (THC). The WBO has issued a show cause notice, to which Shields’ team has 30 days to respond, effectively requiring Shields to present evidence that refutes the alleged violation.
Alongside her suspension from the Michigan commission, Shields may also face the possibility of losing the WBO’s women’s heavyweight title. Salita asserts Shields’ innocence and is confident that she possesses a strong case that will exonerate her.
This matter is currently under review by the Michigan commission, and therefore, I am unable to provide further details at this time, Salita informed BoxingScene. “Nonetheless, we are completely confident that Claressa Shields will be exonerated once this issue is resolved and all evidence is presented.” Shields’ nutritionist, Victor Conte, who possesses significant knowledge regarding performance-enhancing substances but lacks specific expertise in marijuana testing, stated that only minimal traces of marijuana were detected in her sample.
Boxing Scene has yet to acquire the test results to confirm this assertion. Conte also noted that it is unusual for commissions to employ mouth swabs for marijuana testing, suggesting that Shields may have tested positive due to exposure to secondhand smoke in the arena or contact with individuals who had recently consumed marijuana.
A call made to the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission after business hours on Friday went to voicemail. BoxingScene will provide updates or comments on this report following its publication. While marijuana is prohibited in certain areas, including Michigan, it is not universally recognized as a performance-enhancing substance.
The World Anti-Doping Agency has prohibited all cannabinoid use during competition, whereas the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) removed marijuana from its testing list in 2012. In 2021, the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which had previously imposed strict penalties on fighters testing positive for marijuana, announced that it would no longer penalize fighters for cannabis use unless they appeared impaired, which would disqualify them from competing.