Arturs Ahmetovs has responded after Claressa Shields reignited allegations that the Latvian fighter used gloves with little or no padding throughout their controversial 2018 sparring session.
Shields revisited the incident whereas responding to criticism over her declare she might defeat male fighters, once more suggesting the knockdown occurred as a result of the gloves used within the session have been altered.
Talking solely to World Boxing Information, who first reported the incident comprehensively when it broke in 2023, Ahmetovs rejected the suggestion outright and insisted the sparring befell beneath regular gymnasium situations.
Ahmetovs Denies Glove Declare
Ahmetovs stated he has no concern with folks discussing the second however believes the narrative round it has drifted away from the info.
“I’ve no concern with folks discussing the previous, however I desire to concentrate on info fairly than feelings,” Ahmetovs informed WBN this weekend.
“Every little thing that occurred was professional.”
“That declare in regards to the gloves merely isn’t true. I used to be carrying common 16-ounce gloves, and there have been loads of folks within the gymnasium who noticed that.”
‘It Was a Regular Sparring Session’
Ahmetovs additionally disputed the concept something uncommon occurred through the change that led to Shields being dropped.
“It was only a regular sparring session,” he defined.
“She received caught with a clear shot — not a tough one, simply reflexes. Every little thing was inside the guidelines, and afterward we even took a pleasant image collectively.”
Why He By no means Sued
Shields has beforehand questioned why neither Ahmetovs nor coach Derik Santos pursued authorized motion if the accusation was false.
The Latvian fighter stated the reply is simple.
“The place I come from, folks don’t run to courtroom over issues like this,” he stated.
“I selected to go away the state of affairs prior to now. After all, false accusations are disagreeable, however I didn’t see any cause to escalate it.”
‘For Me the Story Is Closed’
Regardless of the renewed consideration surrounding the sparring session, Ahmetovs insists he considers the episode lengthy completed.
“Truthfully, I don’t know why the story retains arising,” he concluded.
“For me it’s closed. However she retains bringing it up, after which folks begin asking me questions once more.”
In regards to the Creator
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing Information (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of expertise. He has interviewed world champions, damaged worldwide exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Learn full bio.
