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After undisputed world champion boxer Claressa Shields was suspended from competing in Michigan for testing positive for marijuana, her promoter Dmitriy Salita says he’s confident she will be cleared of wrongdoing once the investigation concludes.

A statement from Dmitriy Salita:

“Claressa Shields has built her career on hard work, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to clean competition. 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.

This is a pending matter with the Michigan commission and, as such, I cannot share much more. However, we are 100-pecent confident that Claressa Shields will be vindicated when this matter concludes, and all the evidence is heard. One thing I can say with confidence, Claressa Shields did not and does not ingest illicit drugs of any kind including marijuana. And there is nothing in this instance that will tarnish her still growing legacy.”

Claressa Shields

Dmitriy Salita

According to Reuters, Shields, 29, the undisputed champion in three weight classes, has been suspended from competing in the state by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission after an oral fluid sample was taken after her bout against Danielle Perkins on Feb. 2.

–>Claressa Shields suspended, under investigation in Michigan after positive marijuana test, per reports

The World Boxing Organization has requested a “Show notice” from Shields to provide an explanation.

The WBO does not have the authority to suspend boxers, but the Michigan Commission is conducting its own investigation to determine whether disciplinary action is necessary.

The Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency tested Shields and Perkins under the World Boxing Council Clean Boxing Program.

Anthony Joshua has fought both Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker.

He beat Parker for the WBO belt back in 2018 in what was his first fight to go the full 12 rounds. That made the Brit a unified champion, but since then he has been dethroned first by Oleksandr Usyk who beat him in 2021 and 2022, then by Dubois in September who stopped him inside five rounds as Just AJ attempted to become a three-time world champion.

Parker and Dubois were due to fight this past weekend but a late illness to ‘DDD’ meant Parker instead faced late stand-in Martin Bakole and knocked him out inside two rounds.

Speaking to BoxNation, Joshua was asked what chance Parker stands against Dubois if the two meet and believes the New Zealander has ‘a great chance’.

“A great chance. He’s a phenomenal fighter, so is Dubois. Great Chance. I feel like Dubois had to show a little bit more with his fight with Hrgovic, he had to dig deep. His fight with Miller, he had to dig deep, his fight with me he kind of like, it’s like he announced himself as the heavyweight slayer as he called himself. Dubois, he’s just edging it.”

Despite Parker coming through adversity after being knocked down in his victory over Zhilei Zhang, ‘AJ’ still sounded caution about his ability to fight through tough moments.

“Look at Parker, he’s gone in there and knocked out Bakole. If it gets tough, I’ve seen it from Dubois, he’s managed to come through, with Parker, he’s gone in there and blasted out Bakole. It would have been nice to see a bit more, see what his engine’s like in the later rounds, see what grit he’s got, but he’s gone in there and done what we all want to do as heavyweights and knock him out.”

Parker will be hoping the Dubois honours their fight and he gets his world title shot, though some believe Dubois may instead push to go straight in with Usyk for an undisputed clash.

Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has his sights set on a potential blockbuster fight with Tyson Fury and a rematch with IBF champion Daniel Dubois when he returns to action, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The British-Nigerian boxer, who suffered a knockout defeat to Dubois at Wembley Stadium last year, is reportedly eager to get back into the heavyweight title picture after watching Saturday’s fights in Saudi Arabia featuring Agit Kabayel’s win over Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker’s victory against late replacement Martin Bakole.

“The whole night got him (Joshua) very excited about coming back,” Matchroom CEO Hearn told Sky Sports.

“I think the right thing to do would be to rematch Daniel Dubois, I think that’s what he would like to do, to have another shot at the world heavyweight championship.”

Hearn also revealed Joshua’s interest in facing Fury, despite ‘The Gypsy King’ announcing his retirement in January following back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.

“We want to fight Tyson Fury but know he’s retired at the moment. I hope he watched tonight and the hairs on his arms stood up a little bit. We could do something really special. Respect to him, if he doesn’t come back then good luck but if he could, there would be a lot of happy people,” Hearn added.

Top Rank COO Brad Jacobs shares Hearn’s belief that a Joshua fight could tempt Fury back into the ring, telling Sky Sports last week; “Nobody is in Tyson’s head, only himself, of course. I think an Anthony Joshua fight gets him out of retirement, if it’s the right situation and he feels right about it.”

“I believe there is the potential for it. What happens nobody knows. Tyson has done shocking things before, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he did it again,” Jacobs added.

Anthony Joshua

Meanwhile, Sky Sports Boxing analyst Johnny Nelson has suggested Joshua could potentially face Joseph Parker in a rematch of their 2018 bout, which Joshua won by unanimous decision.

“You know what I think is going to happen. I think Daniel Dubois goes on to box Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua sat ringside, he’s not got an opponent yet and either way I thought, if Parker wins tonight, all of sudden AJ will find an opponent and he won’t be getting in with Daniel Dubois again,” Nelson said before Parker’s win over Bakole.

Dubois was originally scheduled to defend his IBF title against Parker on Saturday but withdrew due to illness. The IBF champion is now expected to target a unification bout with WBC, WBA and WBO champion Usyk.

Desperate Claressa Shields Pens One Line After Unexpected Support Amid Michigan Suspension

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields isn’t happy about how she has been treated. You see, after her victory over Danielle Perkins earlier this month in Michigan, Shields tested positive for marijuana, samples for which were taken via mouth swab. The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission immediately suspended the unbeaten boxer.

“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 wrote in a statement. Meanwhile, the president of the Association of Boxing Commissions Michael Mazzuli condemned the move.

He labeled the statement from the Michigan Commission “overkill” while demanding Michigan present its findings. “We would like to know what the amount of marijuana in the system was – the nanogram level,” Mazzuli said. “My understanding is it was a swab test – therefore, there is no nanogram level.”

“We feel the fighter should not be stripped of any title. In fact, numerous states and tribal commissions no longer test for marijuana and mine [the Mohegan Sun (Connecticut) commission] is one of them. The sport has to change with the industry and today’s standards,” he added. Sometime after the report, Shields hopped on to share her thoughts.

Claressa Shields

Shields expressed her gratitude for Mazzuli’s support. “Thank you! This is not how you treat a 2x Olympic Champ & 17x World champion,” she wrote. Meanwhile, Shields’ manager has also commented on the matter.

Claressa Shields’ situation is absurd, claims her manager

Claressa Shields’ manager, Mark Taffet, has slammed the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission for calling the undefeated champion “an imminent threat to the integrity of professional boxing” over a marijuana-related suspension. Taffet called the statement “absurd” and criticized the commission for making such claims before a proper hearing. “Harmful, dangerous, horrifically inappropriate statement by a government [agency] prior to a hearing. I am incredulous,” he wrote on Facebook.

Shields, who became boxing’s first undisputed women’s heavyweight champion after defeating Danielle Perkins on February 2, denied using marijuana. Performance-enhancing drug expert Victor Conte suggested the failed test “likely would have come from second-hand smoke in the arena.” Marijuana is not considered a performance-enhancing drug and is not banned in most U.S. states. Taffet questioned Michigan’s process, stating, “We respect the process … why don’t they?” as the controversy continues to unfold.

That being said, Claressa Shields has found herself in the middle of quite the controversy, as mouth swabs revealed marijuana usage. However, what are your thoughts on the situation?

Anthony Joshua Finally Answers Whether He Thinks Tyson Fury Has Really Retired This Time

Tyson Fury’s retirement came as a surprise to many people including his old rival Anthony Joshua.

‘The Gypsy King’ made the announcement in a short video early in January. It came just a matter of weeks after the former WBC champion lost a second fight to Oleksandr Usyk. In a rematch of their May 2024 undisputed contest, Fury was out-pointed once again, this time by unanimous decision to leave him with his second consecutive defeat and no world titles.

Just a couple of months before, Joshua found himself in a similar situation. After being dethroned by Usyk and beaten in a rematch, he had rebuilt and worked his way back into a world title fight against Daniel Dubois in September.

He was however stopped inside five rounds which meant many had hoped he and Fury had no better option than to finally fight one another.

Speaking to iFLTV, Joshua was asked about whether or not Fury was retired.

“Yeh, he has, he’s announced it so yeh he has.

Has he retired with a possibility of coming back? Yes. Has he retired? Yes. Is he going to fight next month, no?

In short, he might come back but he is retired.”

Fury has announced his retirement several times before. The long spell he had away from the ring was following his world title victory over Wladimir Klitschko but he still came back and returned to the top of the tree.

As of yet, Fury remains retired with no word as to a potential return while Joshua still feels that Fury is the best option for him.

Ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with one of your favorite celebrities and get a peek into their world? To hear their thoughts, gain a bit of wisdom, or discover their favorite things firsthand? Well, here’s your chance!

Mike Tyson is known worldwide for his prowess in the ring, but outside of boxing, he’s a man of surprising tastes and interests. In this candid Q&A, the former heavyweight champion shares a lighter side of his personality, diving into his favorite foods, go-to beverages, and hobbies that bring him joy. From unexpected culinary preferences to how he unwinds in his free time, Tyson gives us a glimpse into his life beyond the spotlight.

  • When you’re in the mood for a drink, what is your beverage of choice?

I love homemade Raspberry Zinger tea with agave. When I’m out, I’ll order a mocktail that consists of ginger ale and cranberry juice.

  •  Do you have a go-to restaurant you love to frequent and what is your favorite item on the menu?

I love Catch. Everything on the menu is good, but I can’t get enough of their vegan spaghetti entree. I also like old school Pierro’s and always order the garbage caesar salad.

  •  Of all the places you’ve been, which one is a destination you would want to go back to time and time again? 

I really love Saint Barts and the south of France. My daughter trains in the south of France and we frequent it often. It’s just such an awesome place.

  • If you were rating the hotels you’ve stayed at, which one would receive a rave review and why?

Hands down, the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills. The service is unmatched and since they know me so well, they always make my stay extra special. It feels like my home away from home.

  • What is your favorite home-cooked meal?

My wife cooks seafood dishes all the time. Her spaghetti with mussels and scallops in a garlic, basil and marinara sauce is my absolute favorite dish.

  • Plane, train, boat, or car – what is your favorite mode of transportation?

If the ride is short enough, I prefer being driven around in my Sprinter van. It’s comfortable and private.

  • . What song could you listen to on repeat and never get sick of it?

If you ask my wife, there are a few of them. It depends on what kind of mood I’m in, but lately it’s been Phyllis Hyman’s “I Don’t Want to Lose You.”

  • What is one of your favorite quotes and why does it resonate with you?

“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth,” quoted by me. This statement is a great metaphor for life. We all have a plan and then life kicks our ass a little bit, forcing us to come up with a new plan or shift things around a bit. It’s character building 101.

  •  When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, what is your dessert of choice?

If I’m being fancy, key lime pie. But I usually crave Blue Bell’s cookies and cream ice cream.

  • What’s an experience at the top of your bucket list that you can’t wait to check off?

You know, I’m not really a bucket list kind of guy. I already feel like I have lived more than nine lives. What’s most important to me now is making quality time for my family and just being present. So, my bucket list is to live in the here and now, making the most of every moment.

  •  What is your favorite pastime?

Being in my bird coop, of course.

  •  What is your favorite animal and why?

Pigeons are my favorite but specifically pedigree bloodlines of rolling pigeons. When I was younger, I used to like flying them and watching them roll out of the sky. As I’ve grown, I really love the breeding process. I have connected with the kings of the pigeon world and have quite a bloodline. I’m looking forward to participating in an international competition soon.

  •  What is your all-time favorite movie? Can you share a memorable quote, character or storyline from it?

You might be surprised, but my taste in movies varies and I’ll watch anything from Gladiator to The Notebook.

  •  Who is your favorite travel companion and why?

My wife and kids. I absolutely love being with my family. We get each other’s humor and it’s just always great being in their company.

Wrapping up our conversation with Mike Tyson, it’s clear that the man behind the legend is as multifaceted as he is iconic. From his candid reflections to his lighthearted insights on food, drinks, and pastimes, Tyson is a testament to resilience, growth, and the importance of enjoying life’s simple pleasures. At the end of the day, we’re reminded that even the most formidable champions have a human side—one filled with stories, passions, and a genuine love for living.

Oleksandr Usyk was sat ringside with Anthony Joshua as they watched Joseph Parker’s statement victory in Riyadh.

The WBO interim heavyweight champion produced a devastating performance as he knocked out Martin Bakole in the second round.

Parker called for a bout with Usyk after his sixth straight victory, with the Ukrainian watching on in the crowd.

Footage from ringside captured both Usyk and Joshua’s reaction to the knockout blow.

The pair could be seen intensely watching on before they were left stunned by Parker’s vicious overhand right.

Joshua leant back in shock as he rested his arm on Usyk, with the duo staring at each other in amazement.

Usyk could then be seen rising to his feet and applauding Parker, who he could now face next.

A bout with Daniel Dubois had been a possibility before the IBF champion was forced to withdraw from his scheduled meeting with Parker.

As a result, Bakole stepped in on short notice to face the New Zealander, who now has a professional record of 36-3 with 24 knockouts.

After the fight, Parker paid tribute to his opponent before calling for a blockbuster showdown with Usyk.

The 33-year-old said: “Martin Bakole, thank you very much for accepting the challenge and flying all the way here on short notice to give me a good fight.

“I just went out there, listened to Andy [Lee] and stayed calm, structured and composed to get the victory.

“I’m fit, I’m strong, I’m healthy, I’m sharp thanks to these two men and my hard work.

“Andy was breaking it down for me and I had to be patient. I want to say, who is next? How do I fight for the world title next?

“If Usyk wants a dance partner then I will get Frank [Warren] in here to lock in a fight. I want to be champion of the world again soon.”

Anthony Joshua 

Parker has now won six fights in a row since losing to Joe Joyce in 2022.

He also previously faced Joshua, suffering a unanimous decision defeat at the Millennium Stadium in 2018.

As for AJ, he has been out of the ring since suffering his fourth professional loss to Dubois in September.

Meanwhile, the Brit previously faced Usyk twice in 2021 and 2022, losing both bouts via decision.

As for the undefeated world champion, Usyk extended his record to 23-0 with 14 knockouts by beating Tyson Fury for a second time in December.

He had planned to face the winner of Dubois vs Parker before the former was forced to withdraw through illness.

Usyk remains keen on a unification bout with Dynamite, who he previously faced in 2023.

Dubois was stopped in the ninth round after dropping Usyk with a controversial low blow earlier in the fight.

The 27-year-old has since picked up wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Joshua to move to 22-2 as a professional.

Claressa Shields isn’t letting any druggie narratives fly about her! The undisputed world champion was iced out of her sport in Michigan earlier this week, per ESPN. The state’s Unarmed Combat Commission moved to suspend and investigate Shields after a saliva swab tested positive for marijuana. Now, the boxer is denying that she ever smoked and clearing the air among her supporters by sharing her two test results.

Details On Claressa Shields’ Michigan Boxing Suspension

ESPN reports that officials took Shields’s “oral fluid sample” in early February after her win against Danielle Perkins. At the time, the test indicated the presence of weed–a banned substance in competitive sports. On Thursday (February 20), the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission dragged Claressa Shields in their statement.

“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,” it reportedly stated.

While the Unarmed Combat Commission weighs whether it will take disciplinary action, the World Boxing Organization demands a formal explanation from Shields. Mind you, Claressa is a BIG DAWG in professional boxing. She is the only boxer to hold every major world title, says ESPN, from the WBA to the WBC, IBF, and WBO.

Claressa Shields 

Boxer Shares Timeline Of Test Results In Social Media Clap Backs

Now that we understand what’s going on let’s get into Claressa clapping back at the marijuana allegations. She seemingly started addressing bubbling reports of her failed test last week. On Valentine’s Day, she replied to a tweet about the topic, writing, “NICE TRY HATERS 😂 DON’T Ever try and put no bullshit on me. CLEAN ATHLETES WIN,” she wrote. In a separate tweet, she seemingly labeled the drug results dispute a lie.

However, Claressa Shields has been going in the last two days about her alleged innocence. On the 20th, she spoke about why she won’t defend a lie. “On my soul can’t nobody tarnish my image. It’s a temporary suspension til I go to trial for this very small amount of marijuana. I’m not SUSPENDED from Boxing, I’m not stripped of my titles. I’m just waiting. Also, I can’t defend a lie! Do your research,” Shields tweeted.

The boxing champion thanked her supporters the following day for standing by her. She also retweeted a supportive statement from her boxing promoter, Dmitriy Salita, who denied that Claressa uses illicit drugs of any kind.

Late Friday (February 21), Claressa Shields hopped over to Instagram with her drug test results, a timeline, and an explanation. She uploaded the documents about the oral swab test, taken on the third, and the urine test, which was collected on the eighth. As mentioned, the saliva swab yielded a positive result, while the urine showed a negative result. In her caption, she wrote:

“A urine tests — the most reliable testing method — can detect weed for up to 30 days in your urine, and came back negative. 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. I’ve always competed clean, and I stand by that. I take my integrity seriously inside and outside the ring.”

While things are getting heated regarding the ring, the same can be said for Claressa Shields’ life outside it!  Though this type of heat seems more than welcomed! The champion and her new bae, Remy Ma’s estranged husband Papoose, were recently spotted still going strong in Hawai’i.

Claressa Shields has been suspended by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission after testing positive for marijuana following her win over heavyweight Danielle Perkins earlier this month, according to reports.

Shields, 29, tested positive for the banned substance via an “oral fluid sample” following her win over Perkins on Feb. 3, Sky News and BBC reported on Thursday, prompting the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission to open an investigation. Shields, a native of Flint, Michigan, will not be able to compete in Michigan while suspended.

“Ms Shields’ conduct as a licensed professional boxer constitutes an imminent threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest, and the welfare and safety of professional athletes,” the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission said in a statement to Sky News.

The suspension comes less than a month after Shields made history and became the first boxer, male or female, to win undisputed titles in three different weight classes after defeating Perkins by unanimous decision on Feb. 3 at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Michigan. Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and women’s boxing champion, moved to 16-0 with three TKOs with the win.

Shields responded to the news of her suspension on X (formerly Twitter), writing, she’s “never smoked weed.” She continued, “It was marijuana, no PEDs. … it’s a temporary suspension (until) I go to trial for the very petite amount.”

In another tweet, she added, “And still the UNDISPUTED WOMENS HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!”

Last week, Shields shot down rumors that she tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug, declaring she’s “been a clean athlete all my life.” She added, “To ever put my name and PEDS with positive and my name in the sentence is damaging.”

Although marijuana has been legal in Michigan since late 2018, marijuana is banned from competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is willing to give Tyson Fury an ultimatum regarding an all-British showdown with Anthony Joshua.

Last month, the ‘Gypsy King’ shocked the boxing world after announcing his retirement from the sport. In a video uploaded to social media, he said, “Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet. I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing. It’s been a blast, I’ve loved every single minute of it. I’m going to end with this. Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side. Get up!”

His announcement came just weeks after suffering his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. The news served as a huge blow to Joshua – who had hoped to one day settle his rivalry with Fury. The pair have been tipped to fight for years, and it certainly looked on the cards after the ‘Gypsy King’ lost to the Ukrainian back in December.

Whilst about has never materialised, the Matchroom Boxing supremo is itching to get Fury out of retirement in an attempt to make the blockbuster clash. In an interview with IFL TV, he said, “Maybe there’s a conversation in a week or two weeks or three weeks’ time where we say to Fury, ‘just to let you know, you don’t wanna fight AJ, in the summer, or August, September, because if you want to come out of retirement, now is the time to do it’.”

He added, “The only things I know are AJ wants to fight Fury and he wants to fight for the world heavyweight title, that’s it.”

 Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

Joshua’s career is at a crossroads after losing to British rival Daniel Dubois at Wembley back in September. On the topic of his star client, Hearn revealed ‘AJ’ has ‘two fights, three fights max’ left before retirement.

Hearn was speaking passionately about Joshua during an interview with talkSPORT on Thursday. “The plan and the goal for Anthony Joshua, always, from now to the moment he retires, is to try and win the World Heavyweight Championship,” he said.

“To try and become a three-time World Heavyweight Champion.

“So, of course, the other fight, which we know at the moment is not available, is Tyson Fury, he wanted that fight. But, if you said to AJ, ‘what do you want to do most next?’ He would say, ‘I want to fight the winner of Dubois/Parker. I want another shot at a World Heavyweight title.’

“That’s a natural thing. You know, you’ve got [Martin] Bakole, you’ve got [Deontay] Wilder, you’ve got the winner of [Agit] Kabayel against [Zhilei] Zhang. They’re all possible fights, but, you know, you keep hearing about, ‘oh, AJ won’t fight this guy, won’t fight that guy.’ Come on, look at his resume.”