Savannah Marshall intends to return to boxing in 2025 and pursue a rematch with Claressa Shields, all the best way as much as the heavyweight division.
Marshall’s solely defeat in skilled boxing got here in opposition to long-time rival Shields in a significant 2022 contest.
In 2023, the Briton grew to become the undisputed super-middleweight world champion together with her victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn however did not field in any respect final 12 months as she transitioned to MMA and competed in PFL.
However she is planning her return to boxing in 2025. She needs to chase a rematch with Shields, and is particularly wanting to struggle the American famous person for a heavyweight world title.
Shields is combating Danielle Perkins for the WBC, WBO and IBF heavyweight championships on February 2.
Marshall expects Shields to win that bout and would welcome a heavyweight title struggle together with her nice rival.
“I think I’ll follow suit with Claressa, go up,” Marshall instructed Sky Sports activities. “Hopefully that sets up that fight again.”
It is the struggle Marshall needs greater than some other and probably making it for an undisputed heavyweight championship can be all of the extra interesting.
“I went over to MMA hoping to catch her there, that hasn’t materialised,” Marshall mentioned. “Get a fight in March and then hopefully her in the summer.
“Dimension-wise, I am in all probability the largest on the market anyway, peak, frame-wise. The pool’s so shallow, with competitors. I may carry light-heavy, heavyweight. It is probably not a difficulty.”
She believes boxing Shields at heavyweight could give her advantages. Marshall said: “I’m [bigger than her]. And hopefully it’s going to gradual her down a bit! In order that’s a plus.
“It’s the biggest fight out there for us both.”
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Claressa Shields appeared at Savannah Marshall’s post-fight press convention to let her know she’s able to struggle her once more
Marshall additionally believes that her new experiences with MMA will make her a extra harmful boxer.
“I was in a time in my career where I needed a bit of a change. I’ve boxed for a long, long time, I’ve boxed for about 23 years,” she mentioned. “I think wrestling and grappling is the best form of S&C you can get, I’ve never been so strong. I’ve never been so fit.”
However she added: “I know where I went wrong [in the first Shields fight]. I know the mistakes I made. And look, I think it was an exciting fight the first one, so let’s make the second one even more entertaining.”
Shields’ promoter, Dmitry Salita has invited Marshall to be ringside for Shields’ subsequent struggle.
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Highlights as Savannah Marshall beats Franchon Crews-Dezurn by majority choice to turn out to be undisputed super-middleweight world champion
“The rivalry between Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall has a rich history. It pushed Claressa to travel thousands of miles to avenge her only defeat, delivering an incredible performance in one of the best fights I’ve ever witnessed,” Salita instructed Sky Sports activities.
“Their story transcends the ring, with Savannah even featured in Claressa’s movie, ‘The Fire Inside,’ which has been making waves in the US and will soon be shown in the UK.
“The movie’s publicity and storytelling are priceless, providing new followers a deeper connection to girls’s boxing. This not solely enhances the game but additionally makes the rematch – or fairly, the trilogy – much more compelling, with the potential for world crossover enchantment.
“We are inviting Savannah to be ringside for Claressa’s fight on February 2 in Flint, and we’re eager to discuss making the professional rematch a reality in the second quarter of 2025.”
Watch Caroline Dubois vs Jessica Camara this Saturday dwell on Sky Sports activities.
