The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission has stated no arrests have been made regarding the James Ali Bashir assault, and no sanctions will be placed on Claressa Shields moving forward.
Shields was about to weigh in for a world title clash with Ivana Habazin on Thursday when all hell broke loose.
‘T-Rex’ and Habazin’s trainer were involved in a heated debate as Shields practiced her scaling. Moments later, Bashir was horrifically assaulted.
Knocked unconscious momentarily, Bashir was rushed to hospital with significant facial injuries.
James Ali Bashir assault
It’s since been revealed that Bashir suffered bleeding on the brain.
Initial fingers were pointed at Shields’ brother by Flint media, although this information is yet to be corroborated.
Shields’ sibling was present, but it’s unclear whether he was involved or even classed as a ‘team member.’
No one involved in Shields’ preparation for the weigh-in is under scrutiny.
“At this point, there will be no sanctions or other punitive recourse as the assailant was a member of the ‘public at large’ and not a member of a fighter’s team,” Jeff Styers, the MUCC chairman, told MLive-The Flint Journal.
“This case is handled by law enforcement, and the commission does not have jurisdiction.
“Like any incident, if we are presented with further information that would warrant a complaint, the commission will act accordingly.”
Previously, Styers had released a statement on the matter.
“It is unfortunate that an incident such as this occurred at the weigh-in of a championship fight. There is no room in our sport for acts such as this.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Bashir for a quick and full recovery, our chief concern right now.”
SHIELDS
Speaking out via social media, Shields has been left devastated by the situation. Recently, she reached out to Bashir before reports of his recall to hospital over the bleeding.
“I had a chance to talk to coach Bashir Ali today,” she said on October 8th. “He knew I had nothing to do with what happened.
“I let him know I’m sorry about everything. He said the same and let it be known he wasn’t upset with me.
“I’m glad we had a chance to talk, and I pray he has a speedy recovery.”
Here he is on the stretcher, leaving the arena. #Boxing #ShieldsHabazin pic.twitter.com/8GnWBu0Wtx
— Jonathan Deutsch (@JonathanD_TV) October 4, 2019
Opponent Habazin asked for prayers.
“Yesterday, my coach, James Ali Bashir, was called by Detroit Hospital’s personnel and told that he needed to go to the nearest hospital ASAP because he had bleeding in his brain!
“I feel very bad because of all this thing that happened. My prayers are with him!”
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