Boxing
Shields banned from MVP events after Baumgardner altercation
Usyk vs. Verhoeven: Only on DAZN PPV - Saturday
Claressa Shields has been banned from future Most Valuable Promotions events after an altercation with Alycia Baumgardner.
The undisputed heavyweight champion, a five-weight kingpin, was in attendance for Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano on Saturday.
There, footage circulated on social media appeared to show an incident with super-featherweight champion Baumgardner.
Now, MVP has confirmed that they will not be dealing with the star until further notice, in a significant blow to her next move.
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"Most Valuable Promotions is aware of the incident during MVP’s Rousey vs. Carano event on Saturday night involving physical contact by Claressa Shields toward Alycia Baumgardner," read an official statement.
"MVP maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for hostile, threatening, or aggressive behavior toward fighters, staff, media, or guests at any of our events.
"Physical altercations outside the ring or cage are unacceptable in any MVP environment.
"MVP does not condone, tolerate, or accept Claressa Shields’ behavior in that setting, and it reflects poorly on MVP and women’s sports, which we have worked tirelessly to uplift.
"Effective immediately, Claressa Shields is banned from all MVP events until further notice.
"There is a time and a place for fighter tension and banter, but to physically attack a fellow athlete while there as a guest inside a private VIP area is unacceptable.
"MVP would like to thank venue security for their swift response in addressing and de-escalating the situation, and appreciate Alycia Baumgardner not retaliating and further amplifying the situation.
"We remain committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all participants and attendees at our events and will continue to enforce these standards without exception."
MVP is currently are one of the major players in women's boxing, with several of the sport's leading fighters signed to the Jake Paul-led promotion.
Watch Usyk vs Verhoeven only on DAZN
Oleksandr Usyk puts his unbeaten record on the line against Rico Verhoeven on Saturday, May 23, in front of the Egyptian pyramids, live and exclusive on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27) PPV, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
