Alycia Baumgardner and Claressa Shields apparently have no plans to end their rivalry quietly.
The two boxing stars are back trading words after backstage altercation in May, 2026. Apparently, boxing rivalries are no longer satisfied with 12 rounds in a ring. Now, the drama starts before the gloves even come on.
Baumgardner has made it clear that she is not forgetting what happened.
According to Alycia, consequences will be paid. She also said she plans to knock Shields out.
Well, that escalated quickly.
Shields, of course, was not going to sit quietly and let that comment slide. She responded with a message of her own. Her advice to Baumgardner was simple. Shut up before those consequences somehow turn back in her direction.
And just like that, the boxing world got another episode of a rivalry that refuses to take a vacation.
Five-weight world champion Shields, who has been undisputed in three weight classes, later claimed on social media that Baumgardner had physically threatened her.
MVP said it is aware of the incident and that it holds a “strict zero-tolerance policy for hostile, threatening, or aggressive behavior”.
“Physical altercations outside the ring or cage are unacceptable in any MVP environment,” MVP said.
“MVP does not condone, tolerate, or accept Claressa Shields’ behavior in that setting and it reflects poorly on MVP and women’s sports, which we have worked tirelessly to uplift.
“Effective immediately, Claressa Shields is banned from all MVP events until further notice.”
The tension between the two fighters has been building for some time. Both are accomplished champions, both are confident, and both clearly believe they have something to prove. That is usually a dangerous combination.
“I was physically assaulted without provocation,” Baumgardner said.
“This behaviour reflects a repeated pattern of hostility, chaos, and attention-seeking conduct that continues to embarrass women’s sports.
“This situation has been and will continue to be handled legally and professionally.”
For now, there is no shortage of words between Baumgardner and Shields. The bigger question is whether those words will eventually lead to a fight.
If they do, fans will certainly be watching.
Until then, the rivalry continues online and in interviews. Baumgardner says consequences are coming. Shields says those consequences could come right back.
