Claressa Shields Vows To Prove Her Innocence After Positive Marijuana Test
Claressa Shields’ trial date for her failed marijuana test will occur on March 6, as she presents her case to The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission.
Shields has come under fire after she failed a test once she defeated Danielle Perkins. It was a massive win as she became the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. It was also the third weight class that she had become undisputed in after having done so at 154 and 160, making her one of the greatest women’s fighters. But it all came crashing down after The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission’s findings.
Shields Reacts
They confirmed that an ‘oral fluid sample’ showed the marijuana, which is not allowed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The WBO could not enforce any action, as it is outside their jurisdiction to suspend boxers. The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission stepped up with their own investigation. Shields must now address them to put a line under the case, resulting in a strong reaction from Shields and others in the boxing world.
“March 6th, I go to trial! I pray this Michigan Commission suspension gets revoked. I have never smoked marijuana ever. I’m innocent until proven guilty. Also, 3.0 Nanograms is a very minute amount. Stay tuned. All of these networks that are click-baiting on social media are wrong, too. Every fighter who has a bad test gets Temporarily Suspended. I am innocent until proven guilty. [And] I am not suspended from boxing as a whole. I just can’t fight in Michigan til my trial is over,” Shields said
Conte Responds
Victor Conte has already had his say. Conte works closely with VADA, who are seen as the golden standard in testing in boxing. Victor was vocal about Ryan Garcia’s failed VADA test for Ostarine after the Devin Haney fight. Garcia was adamant he had not taken anything intentionally.
However, it did not prevent him from getting a year ban from the New York State Athletic Commission. Ryan also saw the result turned into a no-contest, preventing him from the best victory of his career. But Conte had a different take on the Shields matter, putting the onus on Shields to come up with an answer before the boxing authorities.
“It seems that the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission needs to revise its swab testing procedure for marijuana immediately. During the Claressa Shields fight night, there was heavy marijuana smoke in the arena. My understanding is that there were three positive tests for marijuana that night. In my opinion, it is the responsibility of the Michigan Commission to protect the health and safety of the combat participants.
“Not to penalize them for being exposed to second-hand smoke with absolutely no intention to cheat. When all the facts come out, I hope that the Michigan Commission will take responsibility for using a test method that is not scientifically valid for sports drug testing. Claressa Shields vows to be vindicated after positive marijuana test and WBO investigation,” Victor Conte said
Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.
