Boxing
Shields vs. Baumgardner went too far
Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner no longer exchange insults like rival champions trying to sell a fight. The dispute has now escalated into a physical confrontation, possible police involvement and an indefinite ban so solemn that the situation goes far beyond boxing.
What began as another social media war between two of women’s boxing’s biggest names exploded publicly at the inaugural MVP event over the weekend after Shields admitted to punching Baumgardner during a backstage confrontation.
The feud quickly escalated, and Baumgardner appeared to allude to police involvement on social media, issuing a public statement against Shields and Most Valuable Promotions that banned the undisputed heavyweight champion from all future events until further notice.
Klaressa Shields slaps
Footage circulating online shows a heated argument between the pair, after which Shields punched Baumgardner during the exchange.
Shields later openly admitted to punching her rival and stated that Baumgardner had threatened her earlier.
“I will continue to give bitches hell with respect. This little ass said ‘I’m going to kick your ass now’ after she has already disrespected me,” Shields wrote.
“Now you’re playing the victim with class. You can’t threaten people, accept it [slap] and try to get your licking back!”
As online criticism mounted, Shields doubled down again.
“I didn’t smuggle anyone in. I was right next to her,” Shields wrote in another post.
In reports surrounding the incident, Baumgardner compared Shields to James Brown shortly before the confrontation became physical, although neither player has publicly confirmed this version of events.
The rivalry had already become one of the ugliest public feuds in women’s boxing long before things finally spilled out behind the scenes in Los Angeles.
Statement of Alycia Baumgardner
Baumgardner later issued a lengthy statement accusing Shields of a repeated pattern of “hostility, chaos and attention-seeking behavior.”
“When your goal is to rise above, there will always be people who will try to bring you down to the level from which they operate,” Baumgardner said.
“When I participated as a guest at the inaugural MMA Most Valuable Promotions gala, I experienced physical violence without provocation.
“This behavior reflects a repeated pattern of hostility, chaos and attention-seeking that continues to shame women in sports.”
Baumgardner added that the case will continue to be handled “legally and professionally.”
The unified champion also released footage of her speaking to police after the incident, fueling speculation that the altercation may now have legal ramifications.
in MVP
MVP later released his own statement confirming that Shields had been banned indefinitely from all future corporate events.
“Effective immediately, Claressa Shields is banned from all MVP events until further notice,” the promotion announced.
“There is a time and place for tension and banter, but physically attacking another athlete while they are a guest in a private VIP area is unacceptable.”
The organization also thanked the facility’s security for quickly deescalating the situation and praised Baumgardner for refraining from further retaliation during the incident.
Shields vs. Baumgardner
The strange thing about boxing is that the bad blood now seems bigger than the fight itself.
Baumgardner recently fought at 129 pounds while defending her super featherweight titles, while Shields now fights at heavyweight after weighing in at around 174 pounds in her most recent fights.
This puts the pair more than £40 apart before negotiations even begin.
The competition outside the ring is getting fiercer, and the fight itself is looking less and less realistic.
What once looked like one of the biggest possible superfights in women’s boxing now feels like something else entirely.
Hit. Possible police involvement. Indefinite ban.
And still no fight.
About the author
Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.
During the same broadcast, Broner repeatedly alluded to his upcoming return and training plans.
“We’re going to the gym tomorrow morning,” Broner said.
At another point during the live broadcast, Broner reminded viewers that despite the party atmosphere surrounding the trip, he still had a fight ahead of him.
“Hey SSB. I had a full fight on Saturday,” Broner said. “Bro, focus, man.”
Broner also claimed to have maintained discipline throughout the day.
“Sober all day, I talk,” he said.
However, later in the broadcast, Broner admitted that it might not last long.
“I don’t think I’ll stay sober, gang. I won’t lie.”
The comments summarized the same tensions that have dogged Broner throughout the second half of his career. There is still confidence and faith in another comeback, but also the distractions and unpredictability that have repeatedly hampered its dynamics over the past few years.
Broner has made it clear that he is not thinking about retirement yet. The former champion says his goal remains to win one more world title before he leaves boxing for good.
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Shields vs. Baumgardner went too far
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