Hanna Gabriels has missed her chance at Claressa Shields’ undisputed middleweight title following a positive VADA doping test.
The former world champion from Costa Rica was set to face Shields – who is coming off a career-best victory over the UK’s Savannah Marshall – on June 3 at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
Gabriels knocked Shields down in the first when they met back in 2018, but went on to lose via unanimous decision over the ten round distance. She has built up three sporadic wins since.
Boxing journalist Chris Mannix reported this week that the 40-year-old tested positive for Clostebol, a testosterone derivative and WADA banned substance.
Loud DiBella, Gabriels promoter, defended his fighter in terms of how the drug entered her system, but stood by the process of strict liability and therefore her removal from the card and any subsequent action.
“Hanna is out because she tested positive for a banned substance. That is how it should work. Period. It should always be strict liability (IT IS NOT). Below pictured is her dog’s site of incision and the veterinary meds she was given to apply to the area. One is a [steroid.]
Hence the positive tests. B samples would be positive and no need to test them. We get it. No protests. What f***ing more do you want. The girl is out because of an honest MISTAKE… as she should be. Culpability and suspension are a separate issue.”
Hanna is out because she tested positive for a banned substance. That is how it should work. Period. It should always be strict liability (IT IS NOT). Below pictured is her dog’s site of incision and the veterinary meds she was given to apply to the area. One is a roid. Hence … https://t.co/h1GRBa9Bwopic.twitter.com/R8zmkmUgUw
— Lou DiBella🥊 (@loudibella) May 25, 2023
Upon hearing the news, Shields (13-0) announced her opponent ‘dropped dirty’ before saying all champions should use VADA testing and hoping her former opponent still showed up to the event for a ‘street fight.’