Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) issued an indefinite ban against two-time Olympic gold medalist and heavyweight champion Claressa Shields following a physical altercation with boxer Alycia Baumgardner on Saturday.
The incident occurred during MVP’s inaugural mixed martial arts event at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Both athletes attended the card as VIP guests, but tensions escalated inside an exclusive lounge, where a verbal argument quickly turned physical. Video captured online shows Shields striking Baumgardner across the face before security guards separated the pair.
MVP issued a strict statement on Monday evening, emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy regarding hostile or aggressive behavior. Company officials stated that physical violence outside of sanctioned competition is unacceptable.
As a result, Shields cannot attend any future MVP events.
"Effective immediately, Claressa Shields is banned from all MVP events until further notice," the statement reads. "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."
The promotion thanked venue security for its swift intervention. They also commended Baumgardner for remaining calm and avoiding escalation during the dispute.
Alycia Baumgardner Speaks Out on Claressa Shields Altercation
Meanwhile, the fallout continues online.
Baumgardner released a statement on social media confirming she intends to handle the matter through legal channels. She characterized the physical contact as an unprovoked assault.
"The situation that occurred on Saturday was unprovoked and entirely consistent with the individual involved," Baumgardner wrote on X. "That conduct is unacceptable and should not be tolerated in any professional sport."
This latest confrontation stems from a long-running social media feud between the two stars over their respective boxing status. Shields has not yet issued a formal response to the ban or the potential lawsuit.
