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Claressa Shields Banned by MVP After Baumgardner Altercation

BBC Sport •
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Most Valuable Promotions has banned Claressa Shields from all future events following a physical altercation with Alycia Baumgardner at the organization's first mixed martial arts event in California. The incident occurred after Ronda Rousey defeated Gina Carano in just 15 seconds, with social media video showing Shields striking Baumgardner during an argument.

Shields, a five-weight world champion who has been undisputed in three weight classes, later claimed Baumgardner physically threatened her. MVP cited their zero-tolerance policy for hostile behavior, stating physical altercations outside the ring are unacceptable. The ban takes effect immediately and remains in place until further notice.

Baumgardner, the unified super-featherweight champion, called the incident "unprovoked" and accused Shields of a "repeated pattern of hostility, chaos, and attention-seeking conduct." Both fighters have worked to elevate women's boxing, making this controversy particularly damaging to their respective reputations and the sport's image.