An assault takes place at the Claressa Shields vs Ivana Habazin Weigh-In!
Unfortunately for Claressa “T-rex” Shields (9-0, 2 KO’s), Ivana Habazin (20-3, 7 KO’s) and the fans waiting to see their SHOWTIME boxing showdown, the October 5 prizefight is now OFF!
Apparently, while at the official weigh-in for Saturday night’s bout, Habazin’s trainer, James Ali Bashir, was sucker punched and knocked out cold. After Following the attack, a large scuffle would break out in the crowd.
The unnamed and uncaptured, assailant who punched Ali immediately fled from the Dort Federal Event Centre where the weigh-in was taking place. To further complicate the matter, Ali Bashir struck his head on the floor, which caused additional bleeding.
An ambulance would rush him to the McLaren Medical Center. Habazin has remained with her coach throughout the entire ordeal. Due to the unforeseen ruckus, neither Shields nor Habazin completed their weigh-in obligations.
“Nothing is canceled from what we know. I don’t condone stuff like that. It’s unfortunate it happened here.” ~Claressa Shields, unified middleweight champion
RAMIFICATIONS FOR THE MATCH
At the time that 3kingsboxing became aware of this incident, Bashir’s condition was still unknown. Likewise, it is also unknown whether he will be able to perform his function as chief second in the October 5 prizefight.
In the event that he is unable to attend the function, its highly doubtful that Habazin will fight as planned. She was crying and rather distraught when last seen tending her ailing coach.
If there is another weigh-in later, it will not be open to the public.
The October 5 bout would mark Shields’ first professional bout in her hometown of Flint, Michigan.
“Right now, I am on my way to the hospital to visit Ivana Habazin and her team and her trainer. I want to make sure they’re OK. We want to make sure they get the best proper treatment and it’s unfair to assess or address anything until we make sure first that her trainer is fine and that’s she’s calm and comfortable.
“After that, we will the address the situation.” ~Mark Taffet, Claressa Shields’ manager
By: Bakari Simpson
