Claressa Shields has been banned from MVP's boxing events following a physical altercation with boxer Alycia Baumgardner

Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner/Instagram screenshot

Most Valuable Promotions banned undisputed women's heavyweight champion Claressa Shields from all future events after a physical altercation with boxing champion Alycia Baumgardner during the weekend, according to ESPN. Claressa reportedly hit Alycia Baumgardner, slapping her hand away at an MVP’s event after a heated exchange.

MVP released a statement via X, stating, "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 is a guest inside a private VIP area is unacceptable."

Claressa and Alycia both released statements regarding the incident. Claressa released the following statement on Instagram: “I have dedicated my life to the sport of boxing. Through the grace of God, I have been blessed…What circulated online does not tell the full story…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….Any further false allegations, or defamation of character will be handled accordingly by my legal team.”

Meanwhile, Alycia released a statement on Instagram as well, stating, “When your purpose is to elevate, there will always be people who attempt to pull you down to the level from which they operate. The situation that occurred on Saturday was unprovoked and entirely consistent with the individual involved. While attending Most Valuable Promotions' inaugural MMA event as a guest, I was physically assaulted without provocation. This behavior follows a continued pattern from someone who has publicly celebrated other fighters' brain injuries, initiated one-sided altercations at press conferences, and consistently displayed hostility toward other women. That conduct is unacceptable and should not be tolerated in any professional sport.”

The two boxers have never fought in the ring, yet they have become rivals and had several public run-ins.

Claressa issued another statement, directly addressing MVP. She stated, “Now To MVP, y'all tried to sign me, I declined! You can not ban me from a place I didn't want to be! I can go fight anywhere in the world Tomorrow! So any one who think this weak ass ban matters it don't 😂! Those false statements will be addressed too. Y'all fighter threatening me and then playing victim is insane. MVP y'all lying on me is NOTHING NEW!”

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