Boxing star Claressa Shields has been banned from events prompted by Most Valuable Promotions after Shields got into a physical altercation with MVP-backed boxer Alycia Baumgardner, a boxing champion promoted by MVP, the promotion announced in a statement.
The incident took place at MVP MMA1, which featured the comeback fight of Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano on Saturday May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
“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. “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.’’
Video shows Shields and Baumgardner in a heated verbal exchange before Shields apparently reaches out and appears to slap Baumgardner.
Shields, 31, is a two-time Olympic gold medal winner, 18-0 as a pro and the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Baumgardner, 31, is 18-1 and the unified female featherweight champion. She is promoted by MVP.
“MVP maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for hostile, threatening, or aggressive behavior toward fighters, staff, media, or guests at any of our events,” the company’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.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Claressa Shields altercation with Alycia Baumgardner leads to MVP ban