FLINT: American boxer Claressa Shields, a three-division champion, has been suspended and is under investigation after testing positive for marijuana following her victory over heavyweight Danielle Perkins in Michigan.

The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission suspended the 29-year-old athlete from

competing in the state after an ‘oral fluid sample’ taken after the fight on February 2 showed the presence of marijuana, which is banned in competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

“Ms. Shields’ conduct as a licensed professional boxer constitutes an immediate threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest, and the welfare and safety of professional athletes,” the Michigan Commission said on Thursday.

The World Boxing Organization (WBO), which does not have the authority to suspend boxers, has requested a “show notice” from Shields to provide an explanation.

The Michigan Commission is also conducting its own investigation to determine if disciplinary action is necessary.

Shields, the only boxer to hold every major world title — WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO — in three weight classes and a two-time Olympic gold medallist, took to social media last week posting, “Clean athletes win”. Under the World Boxing Council Clean Boxing Program, both Shields and Perkins have been tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA).

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2025

Editorial

Shocking ambush
Updated 13 Mar, 2025

Shocking ambush

The sophistication of attack indicates that separatists likely had support from experienced external players.
Suffocating crisis
13 Mar, 2025

Suffocating crisis

THREE of the five countries with the most polluted air on Earth are in South Asia. They include Pakistan, which has...
Captive grid
13 Mar, 2025

Captive grid

IT is a common practice: the government makes commitments with global lenders for their money and then tries to...
State Bank’s caution
Updated 12 Mar, 2025

State Bank’s caution

Easing monetary policy will be difficult for SBP without large, sustainable foreign capital inflows and structural tax reforms.
Syria massacre
12 Mar, 2025

Syria massacre

THERE were valid fears of sectarian and religious bloodshed when anti-Assad militants triumphantly marched into...
Too little, too late
12 Mar, 2025

Too little, too late

WHEN desperation reaches a point that a father has to end his life to save his daughter’s, the state has failed ...