Claressa Shields has been left to find a new opponent after Hanna Gabriels failed a VADA test after an adverse finding for Clostebol.
The pair were set to face each other on June 3rd, 2023, at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, as Shields was defending her undisputed middleweight titles.
Reports indicated that Gabriels made the authorities aware of her findings on May 2nd, 2023. However, due to a delay, Shields only found out much more recently.
As a result, Shields will take on the division’s top-ranked fighter Maricela Cornejo on the same night. The bout promises to be intriguing one given the form of both fighters.
Shields arrives into the fight following her best career win over Savannah Marshall, as she took revenge for her only amateur defeat.
In contrast, Cornejo’s last fight was a first-round-stoppage win over Sheila Cunha.
Reaction
“I told my team to get me the best. Cornejo is a tall, tough Mexican full of pride who’s in great shape and wants to beat me. “She’s ranked number one.
“That’s exactly what I want for my Detroit homecoming and my fans worldwide. I’m looking forward to a great performance on June 3,” Shields
“When Shields faced a Mexican in the cage, she lost. Now she will lose to a Mexican in the boxing ring. I just finished a fantastic fight camp. I am in the best, strongest physical and mental shape.
“My team in Vegas has sharpened me like a knife for this moment. On June 3, I will become the undisputed champion,” Cornejo