Claressa Shields says she plans to take legal action after Most Valuable Promotions banned her from future events following her altercation with Alycia Baumgardner.
The incident happened earlier this month during an MVP Netflix event headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, where Shields and Baumgardner exchanged words in the VIP area. Video footage appeared to show Shields slapping Baumgardner after the argument, and MVP later described the incident as a physical “attack.” Baumgardner also claimed Shields’ actions were “unprovoked.”
Shields strongly rejected that version and accused both MVP and Baumgardner of lying. “MVP does not run boxing, so let’s wrap that s&% up,”* Shields said in a social media clip. “I’m not banned from boxing. Actually, I have a huge fight announcement coming soon.”
The five-weight world champion then said she believes the statements made about the incident were defamatory. “Both of MVP and Baumgardner’s statements were lies - that is defamation,” Shields said. She also pointed to Baumgardner allegedly threatening her before the confrontation, saying: “For those who saw the video of Baumgardner threatening me, telling me ‘I’ll beat your ass right now’, that is a threat.”
Shields closed by making it clear she wants to handle the dispute legally. “Ya’ll gonna get sued for defamation,” she said.
Image Credit: Sky Sports