Claressa Shields Banned by MVP After Viral Backstage Altercation

Claressa Shields may be undefeated in the ring, but she just took an “L” outside of it. The undisputed heavyweight champion has been banned from its future events by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, one of boxing’s fastest growing promotions,” ESPN reports.

​Shields’ banishment comes after a now-viral physical altercation between her and Alycia Baumgardner, a super featherweight champion promoted by MVP,  during the Ronda Rousey vs. Carano MMA match last Saturday night.

​While attending the fight card as VIP guests, the two champions crossed paths inside an exclusive lounge, which led to a tense verbal argument. Cell phone footage captured Shields warning Baumgardner to stop speaking about her personal life. Baumgardner then replied that she would “beat [her] a** right now.” Moments later, Shields reached past a crowd of security guards and slapped Baumgardner across the face.

​Following the incident, MVP issued a statement confirming Shields’ banishment from the brand’s future events and noting the organization’s “strict zero tolerance policy for hostile, threatening, or aggressive behavior toward fighters, staff, media, or guests” at events.

“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’s statement reads. “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.”

Alycia ​Baumgardner also released a statement noting that “the situation has been and will continue to be handled legally and professionally.”

“The situation that occurred on Saturday was unprovoked and entirely consistent with the individual involved,” Baumgardner said. She added that she was “physically assaulted without provocation.”

In response, Shields took to social media, claiming she was threatened by Baumgardner before she struck her.

“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 [having my character assassinated],” Shields wrote. “Nor will I allow the reality of disrespect to turn into a narrative or talking point about colorism or envy.”

The animosity between the two fighters has been gaining steam over the past several years. On social media,  Baumgardner was dismissive of Shields’ pay-per-view drawing power and her fighting style. In return, Shields made light of Baumgardner’s lower weight class, claiming she was in another league above the 130-pound division.

When Baumgardner tested positive for mesterolone before her fight against Christina Linardatou (Although she was eventually cleared by the WBC after a lengthy investigation), Shields called Baumgardner a “cheater” on social media.

The feud escalated to another level while the two were at ringside during the Richardson Hitchins vs. Gustavo Lemos fight.  After coming face-to-face in front of cameras, Baumgardner extended her hand, and Shields immediately slapped Baumgardner’s hand away, leading to security separating the fighters.