Claressa Shields made history earlier this month, becoming the first woman to claim the undisputed heavyweight championship and the only female boxer to achieve undisputed status in three different weight classes. Yet, her triumph was quickly overshadowed by controversy.
Boxing insider Rick Glaser alleged that Shields failed a performance-enhancing drug (PED) test following her victory over Danielle Perkins.
“Claressa Shields has reputedly failed a drug test for her most recent fight, rumored to be a PED test,” Glaser stated.
However, BALCO founder Victor Conte countered the claim, suggesting Shields merely tested positive for marijuana through a saliva swab—a test prone to contamination from secondhand exposure.
Shields wasted no time responding, threatening legal action against Glaser on social media. “Yeah @RealRickGlaser1 you getting sued buddy,” she posted.
Conte, meanwhile, doubled down on his assessment, pointing out that Shields had spent about 30 minutes hugging and kissing family and friends before the test was administered.
“It now seems this activity may have been a source of exposure that caused her positive test for marijuana,” he explained. The detected level in her system was 3.4 ng/ml, a trace amount.
Conte questioned the protocol of using a saliva swab, noting that most anti-doping agencies, including the Nevada State Athletic Commission and the UFC, do not even test for marijuana due to its lack of performance-enhancing effects.
“Why would a doping control officer watch an athlete interact with dozens of people before collecting a mouth swab?” he asked. “Is this part of a standard specimen collection protocol?” The standard for Olympic testing, he emphasized, is urine—not saliva—due to its lower risk of contamination.
Despite the scrutiny, Shields remains focused on her future. Talks of a rematch with Savannah Marshall, whom she previously defeated for the undisputed middleweight title, are gaining momentum.
Shields’ promoter, Dmitry Salita, confirmed ongoing discussions. “We’ve had general discussions and expressed interest in making the rematch happen,” he said.
Salita believes Shields’ power at heavyweight would be a decisive factor. “I believe she will stop Savannah with the power she possesses at this weight.”
The location of the fight remains a sticking point. “The fight would need to take place in the U.S. or a neutral location,” Salita added, signaling hesitation about a UK venue. Shields, determined to solidify her legacy, remains undeterred by the recent controversy.
“Claressa’s drive for legacy is undeniable,” Salita remarked, comparing her impact to that of Muhammad Ali.
While the marijuana test has sparked debate, Shields’ supporters argue the case highlights flaws in testing procedures rather than misconduct. With a rematch on the horizon and a reputation to defend, the champion remains steadfast in her pursuit of greatness.
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