Boxing champion Claressa Shields is under investigation after testing positive for marijuana following her historic victory over Danielle Perkins on 3 February.
The positive test threatens her recent achievement of becoming the first boxer to win undisputed titles in three weight divisions.
The 29-year-old American has been suspended from fighting in Michigan by the state's Unarmed Combat Commission, whilst the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) has launched its own investigation.
Shields tested positive after providing an oral fluid sample following the fight at the Dort Financial Centre in Flint, Michigan.
Claressa Shields is under investigation after testing positive for marijuana
Reuters
The bout, which took place in front of her hometown fans, saw Shields defeat heavyweight Perkins to make boxing history.
Under the WBC's clean boxing programme, both fighters were subject to drug testing by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (Vada).
The WBO has requested a "show notice" from Shields, requiring her to explain the positive test result.
The Michigan Commission has launched a separate investigation to determine if disciplinary action is warranted.
"Ms Shields' conduct as a licensed professional boxer constitutes an imminent threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest, and the welfare and safety of professional athletes," the Michigan Commission said in a statement.
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Shields, who won Olympic gold at age 17, remains undefeated in 16 professional fights.
Last week, she addressed speculation about a failed drugs test on social media, stating she was a "clean athlete".
Her victory over Perkins earlier this month made her the first boxer, male or female, to achieve undisputed champion status in three different weight divisions during the four-belt era.
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Claressa Shields is undefeated in her 16 professional fights
PA
Marijuana is currently listed as a banned substance in-competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).
A similar case occurred in 2021 when American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson received a one-month ban after testing positive for marijuana.
The suspension resulted in Richardson missing the Tokyo Olympics that year.
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