As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, the Claressa Shields vs. Ivana Habazin WBO and WBC 154-pound world title fight has been called off following an altercation prior to Friday’s official weigh-in.
After words were exchanged between Shields' sister and Habazin’s trainer, James Ali Bashir, and then someone sucker-punched the veteran coach. Bashir was knocked out cold, and quickly taken to a local hospital for surgery.
Without her trainer, and emotionally distressed, Habazin withdrew from the fight.
The World Boxing Council will be keeping a close eye on the aftermath of the Shields-Habazin situation.
"With regards to the situation that occurred during the weigh-in ceremony previous to the fight, that has been cancelled, between Claressa Shields and Ivana Habazin for the WBC super welter vacant title - the WBC strongly condemns any act of violence in any event related to our sport, and specially the horrible attack which took place in an official activity surrounding this event," stated José Antonio Arreola Sulaimán of the World Boxing Council.
"The WBC is certain that the corresponding authorities will apply the full extent of the law to this regrettable incident. The WBC will monitor the investigation and resolution of the case, and will then determine if an actionable WBC violation of any WBC rule, regulation or code of ethics took place."
The remainder of the event, featuring as many as seven bouts promoted by Salita Promotions will proceed as scheduled from the Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Flint. Showtimewill televise a two-fight card featuring undefeated welterweight prospect Jaron Ennis of Philadelphia taking on Argentina’s Demian Daniel Fernandez in a 10-round 147-pound bout. In the telecast opener, unbeaten heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin of Saginaw, Mich., will face once-beaten Pavel Šour in a 10-round heavyweight bout.
