Claressa Shields: Ban for marijuana lifted but sanctions still possible

Three-weight undisputed world champion Claressa Shields has had her doping suspension lifted.

The 29-year-old American tested positive for marijuana following her win over heavyweight Danielle Perkins on 3 February in Michigan.

The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission which provisionally suspended Shields’ licence said she “provided evidence” on 6 March and that “her conduct no longer poses an imminent threat to the integrity of the sport, the public interest, or the welfare and safety of a contestant”.

Shields wrote on X:, external “Officially unsuspended!

“But y’all a little quiet! Ya’ll was real loud about me ‘supposedly’ smoking marijuana and being suspended!

“No worries! And still an undisputed heavyweight champ.”

Although Shields’ suspension was dissolved, the commission said that “does not close the enforcement action”, meaning she may face further sanctions.