World champion boxer Claressa Shields has been indefinitely banned from Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) events following a physical altercation with fellow boxer Alycia Baumgardner.
The incident, which saw Shields slap Baumgardner, occurred last weekend at MVP’s Rousey vs. Carano event.
Shields, 31, who holds an undefeated 18-0 professional record and is the current world heavyweight champion, was captured on video making physical contact with Baumgardner before security intervened to separate the two.
The altercation took place in a private VIP area during an event where Ronda Rousey secured a swift 15-second victory over Gina Carano.
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This is not the first time the two boxers have had a physical confrontation outside the ring. In 2024, Shields was seen slapping Baumgardner’s hand away at a different boxing match, the Richardson Hitchins vs. Gustavo Lemos event, according to Ring Magazine.
MVP’s zero-tolerance policy
Most Valuable Promotions swiftly issued a statement condemning Shields’ actions and announcing the ban. The organization emphasized its strict stance against any form of aggression outside of competition.
“Most Valuable Promotions maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for hostile, threatening, or aggressive behavior toward fighters, staff, media, or guests at any of our events,” MVP stated. “Physical altercations outside the ring or cage are unacceptable in any MVP environment.
MVP does not condone, tolerate, or accept Claressa Shields’ behaviour 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.”
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MVP also thanked venue security for their quick response and commended Alycia Baumgardner for not retaliating, which could have further escalated the situation.
A long-standing rivalry and weight class divide
The incident is the latest chapter in a long-standing “beef” between Shields and Baumgardner, a rivalry that has captivated boxing fans who have hoped for a potential fight. However, differing weight classes have historically been a significant barrier to such a matchup.
Shields typically competes at 154, 160, or 168 pounds, making her a lightweight, while Baumgardner is the undisputed junior lightweight champion, predominantly fighting at 130 pounds. Despite the weight disparity, Baumgardner has previously claimed that Shields agreed to fight her at 147 pounds, only to back out.
“I agreed to fight Claressa at 147 pounds. She agreed to it. There is proof that she said this,” Baumgardner told Ring Magazine prior to her fight against Delfine Persoon. “If she don’t want it, she don’t want it.”
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Shields, for her part, has previously dismissed Baumgardner as a potential opponent, telling The Ring, “She’s a non-factor in my life. She’s not even someone who I would consider to fight. I fight 154, 160, or 168. She’s never fought at 140 or 147.”
Following the MVP ban, Shields took to social media, writing, “I’mma continue giving b****** hell respectfully that lil a** girl said ‘I’ll beat your a** right now’ after already disrespecting me. Now you classy and playing victim. Can’t go around threatening people, take that & try and GET YOUR LICK BACK! #GWOAT.” Baumgardner responded with a succinct “Checkmate” on her own social media.
The ban from Most Valuable Promotions events remains “until further notice,” leaving the future of this heated rivalry and any potential in-ring clash uncertain.
Sources: www.ringmagazine.com
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