A moment meant to celebrate Claressa Shields in the annals of boxing history was overshadowed when her name became engulfed in a PED fiasco. Earlier last month, the GWOAT defeated Danielle Perkins to become the first woman’s undisputed heavyweight champion in history. Not only that, with the unanimous decision victory, she also became the first boxer to achieve undisputed status in three different weight classes.
However, the celebration was short-lived as an “oral fluid sample” taken post-fight during a routine test came back positive for marijuana. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, acting on the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission (MUCC) findings, suspended the 30-year-old on February 20, labeling her an “immediate threat to the integrity of sport.” Shields fired back on social media, insisting she’d never used drugs.
This sparked a firestorm in the community. Boxing insider Rick Glaser wasted no time, posting on ‘X’ that Shields had “reputedly failed a drug test…rumored to be a PED test.” The claim echoed throughout the combat sports world as outlets started covering the positive result. Even MMA journalist Ariel Helwani spoke on the issue at length which incurred the wrath of Shields who immediately shot back on X: “This isn’t breaking and it’s not a thinking face, it was marijuana, no PEDs.” However, despite the defense, the damage was done—or so it seemed.
Officially unsuspended ! 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!!! About to go live on Instagram! #freeClaressaShields #Gwoat… pic.twitter.com/DBxNks0LnN
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) March 14, 2025
BALCO founder Victor Conte immediately leaped to her defense stating, “Claressa Shields did not test positive for a PED… the commission did a mouth swab test after the fight,” revealing the trace marijuana (3.4 ng/ml) could’ve come from second-hand smoke. Despite her clean VADA blood and urine tests, the suspension stood until Shields faced the MUCC on March 14 at a special conference. Here, she explained her case, and subsequently, the commission reversed course, dissolving the suspension days later after finding “a procedural error occurred during the collection,” as confirmed in their final ruling. Shields took to X on March 18, writing, “FAULTY TEST!!! Evidence proved it! … I’m officially Cleared!”
Still, she felt betrayed by the media’s spin, which she blasted as overblown and premature. “Shouldn’t be reporting sh*t til I got the chance to defend myself,” she tweeted, furious at the rush to judgment from several influential boxing figures. The ordeal cleared up fast, leaving no lasting mark on her record, but Shields warned a prolonged fight could’ve tarnished her legacy. Now, she’s channeling that fire into her toughest challenge yet: reforming the system to ensure no other boxers have to face the same nightmare again.
Claressa Shields prepares for a war
In a recent interview with TMZ Sports after the Mayer-Ryan clash, Shields revealed, “I’ll be working with the Michigan Commission and other commissions to make sure the right steps are taken like when a fighter does test positive for anything.” She believes the current testing system is full of flaws, leaving boxers vulnerable.
Claressa Shields Says She’s Working W/ Boxing Commissions To Fix Drug Testing | Click to read more https://t.co/XePOQdcI81
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) March 30, 2025
The 30-year-old stressed that the Commission needs to control the leak of information before anything is confirmed. As the media mostly take this way out of proportion, jeopardizing fighters’ careers. While Claressa Shields does not oppose anyone who smokes w**d, she remained firm that she has never taken it. “So it’s just like why put it on me and then make the suspension such a big deal, like I was a threat to the sport?” she asked.
The GWOAT shared, “Me and my team have been working behind the scenes to get some things done.” She doesn’t want to sue anyone but has decided to take steps to prevent something like this from happening again. At the initial stages of the controversy, Shields openly warned boxing insider Rick Glaser with a lawsuit over fake reports. Now cleared, she seems ready to back that up.
Shields pointed out the need for better rules to protect boxers in these spots. Right now, the fighters are helpless and she wants to change that. “What we are trynna do that is working how to help athletes moving forward who have to deal with this. There needs to be better protocol because I never even had a chance to defend myself before everybody put the news out,” she asserted.
While Claressa Shields is determined, it will be the toughest fight of her career—convincing bureaucrats. However, we have seen the GWOAT overcoming wild odds against her. So, if someone can pull this off, it will be the most decorated female boxer of all time.
What do you think about Claressa Shields’ new initiative? Let us know your thoughts down below.
The post Cleared of Fake PED Allegations, Claressa Shields Takes Extra Step to Secure Boxers’ Future appeared first on EssentiallySports.
