Claressa Shields has released a statement following the altercation with Alycia Baumgardner at last weekend’s Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano event.
Shields and Baumgardner have been involved in a war of words on social media in recent times, and after the pair crossed paths during the MMA card on Saturday, Shields appeared to slap Baumgardner’s hand away.
The show was held by Most Valuable Promotions, who have since announced that Shields is banned from any future events, while Baumgardner has threatened legal action over the incident.
Shields has now explained her side of the story in a post on social media.
“I have dedicated my life to the sport of boxing. Through the grace of God I have been blessed. My talent has allowed me to undeniably take woman’s boxing to a new level. That doesn’t stop at the ring.
“What circulated online does not tell the full story. Until now. I do not condone violence. I never have. But I am also not someone who will stand in silence while continuously being verbally attacked, threatened, discriminated against or assassinate my character. Nor will I allow the reality of disrespect turn into a narrative or talking point about colorism or envy.
“There is documented history of attacks and threats by this person over 4 years that led to this moment, and that history will speak for itself. There is a difference between aggression and protection.
“I stand on integrity. I stand on what I’ve built. I’m a champion. I carry that everywhere I go not just in title, but in how I move, what I protect, and what I refuse to accept. I’ve fought too hard and come too far to let anyone rewrite my story or define my character.
“Any further false allegations, or defamation of character will be handled accordingly by my legal team.”
For now it seems the situation is not close to getting resolved, with more fallout likely to unfold in the coming days.
