It does not appear that Claressa Shields will have the opportunity to beat Hanna Gabriels for a second time. According to a report from ESPN, Hanna Gabriels failed a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test earlier this month. As a result, she will be ineligible to fight Shields on June 3, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan at Little Caesars Arena. Instead, Shields will fight Maricela Cornejo, a 36-year-old contender from Washington.
“I am still fighting [on] June 3rd,” Shields tweeted last week.
“Even though my previous opponent tested positive for a banned substance, we have replaced her with a more durable and clean fighter.”
Shields last fought in October. Traveling overseas, she beat her longtime rival, Savannah Marshall, by unanimous decision. Now, she will have the opportunity to return home for a homecoming title defense.
“The ‘GWOAT’ is bringing championship boxing back to Detroit,” she said.
“After my historic victory over Savannah Marshall in the U.K., I wanted a true homecoming fight in the U.S. I’m really excited to headline the first fight ever at Little Caesars Arena. Hanna Gabriels knocked me down in round one in our first fight and I’ve wanted the rematch ever since to settle that score.”