American boxing superstar Claressa Shields has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for marijuana. The suspension, issued by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission, follows her historic February 3, 2025, victory over Danielle Perkins, where Shields became the first boxer to achieve undisputed status in three different weight classes in the four-belt era.
The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission imposed the suspension after Shields’ post-fight oral fluid sample tested positive for marijuana, a prohibited in-competition substance under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations. The commission stated that her conduct “constitutes an imminent threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest, and the welfare and safety of professional athletes.”
Shields, one of the greatest female boxers of all time, quickly responded to the allegations. Taking to social media, she strongly denied ever using marijuana, stating, “I’ve never smoked weed.”
Her promoter, Dmitriy Salita, also defended her, saying, “Claressa Shields did not and does not ingest illicit drugs of any kind, including marijuana.” He expressed confidence that she would be exonerated.
To strengthen her defense, Shields shared an Instagram post containing photos of a urine drug test, which is considered the most reliable drug testing method. The results showed she tested negative for marijuana or any drugs, contradicting the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission’s accusations.
In her post, Shields stated, “I’ve always been transparent with y’all and never held my tongue, and this situation is no different! I want to clear up any confusion.”
She explained that on February 3, a saliva test sample was collected. On February 7, she was notified that the test came back positive with a trace of 0.3 ng/ml of marijuana. In response, Shields scheduled a urine test the next day, February 8. On February 11, she was notified that her urine test came back negative for marijuana.
“The moment I received the saliva test result, I acted immediately to schedule a follow-up urine test to ensure complete clarity. These results confirm that I’ve been clean and in full compliance the entire time,” Shields wrote in the caption.
She concluded her post by reaffirming her integrity: “I’ve always competed clean, and I stand by that. I take my integrity seriously inside and outside the ring.”
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has requested that Shields submit a “show cause” notice explaining the positive test result. While the WBO cannot enforce suspensions, its regulations require action when a reigning champion fails a drug test.
