Claressa Shields would meet the former WBC International (Female) Super Middleweight title holder Maricela Cornejo on June 3 in Detroit. The Flint, Michigan-born boxer and mixed martial artist was preparing for the first title defense since she became the undisputed Middleweight champion on October 15. However, she isn’t fighting the challenger initially scheduled. Cornejo was brought in as a last moment replacement as controversy surrounds Hanna Gabriels.

Claressa Shields and Hanna Gabriels have exchanged punches in the past. On June 22, 2018, they met at Detroit, Michigan’s Masonic Temple, for the vacant WBA and the inaugural (Female) IBF Middleweight titles. Though the Costa Rican managed to send the American Shields to the canvas, the latter eventually emerged victorious. Gabriels hasn’t returned to the ring since her last bout in April 2021.

But sadly, Hanna Gabriels’ comeback plans now lie in ruins as she failed Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) tests. Her promoter Lou DiBella later clarified how the banned substance ‘clostebol’ got into her body. Speaking to BoxingScene, he said, “Her dog had major abdominal surgery. She applied the medication to her dog, and that’s how it got in her bloodstream.”

Claressa Shields has a point, don’t blame everyone

However, the damage was done, and now Shields would be defending her titles from Maricela Cornejo’s challenge. But it seems the kickup is yet to die down, with many contending that most sports personalities are into banned substance usage. So when a user, Paul Haswell, wrote, “Everyone is on steroids. [The] only question is whether you get caught.” Claressa Shields couldn’t hold back and responded.

Condemning the person for putting such a blatant and generalized remark, Shields said, “This Is ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE! I’ve been a clean athlete my entire career! Amateurs and all! I believe boxing is the best fair sport in the world! Steroids are illegal for a reason! You should be ashamed you even wrote this bullshit! Put in the hard work is [the] answer! Not cheat!” Since her reply came early morning today, more than 22k have viewed it.

As far as the Washington-born Cornejo is concerned, her record reads sixteen wins against five losses. But she has improved her standing considerably since losing to Alma Ibarra in 2021. She is on a straight three-win streak, winning the latest bout on March 25 against Sheila Cunha. Nevertheless, Claressa Shields, who actively highlights issues concerning women in sports, remains the favorite to win. Hence, an exciting contest awaits the Detroit fans at the Little Caesars Arena.

Read More: “He Losing His Da*n Mind”: Claressa Shields Slams Former World Champion for Controversial Remarks on Devin Haney vs. Vasyl Lomachenko Results

What is your take on Claressa Shields’ statement? Is it ok to label the entire athletic community based on one incident? Do share your thoughts and views with us in the comments section below.

Watch This Story: Just like Mike Tyson and Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan is set to launch new health and wellness brand after feeling ‘better than ever