Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall Eye an MMA Contest
Three-time undisputed champion Claressa “T-Rex” Shields (14-0, 2KO) believes a third fight with undisputed super middleweight champion Savannah “Silent Assassin” Marshall 13-1, 10KO) would be worth more money in the mixed martial arts world.
The boxing world was set abuzz as news surfaced that Silent Assassin would be venturing into the realm of MMA following her signing with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Interestingly, this development aligns her with her arch-rival Shields, who made her PFL debut in 2021.
A TRILOGY UNFOLDS IN THE CAGE
During a live broadcast aimed at promoting PFL’s upcoming playoff clashes, both undisputed champions discussed the potential for a third encounter, this time within the confines of the cage.
“I was telling her [Marshall] I love and I hate her at the same time. It’s possible we can fight here on the PFL and that would be a big fight . . . to be fighting in the PFL together would be huge not just for me but for also her.”
Claressa Shields, undisputed middleweight champion
When posed with the question of whether an MMA bout could generate the same level of interest as a boxing match, Shields responded affirmatively.
“Bigger draw, more money and just making women’s boxing bigger as a whole and women’s combat sports.”
Claressa Shields, undisputed middleweight champion
Marshall is game to making the fight a reality.
“We’ve done it in the ring, now I want to do it in the smart cage.”
Savannah Marshall, undisputed super middleweight champion
The journeys of these two champions have remained intertwined since their amateur days, extending into their professional careers and now branching into the realm of MMA. Their most recent encounter concluded with T-Rex securing the undisputed middleweight crown in an October 2022 showdown.
While Marshall will undoubtedly need to accrue experience through several MMA fights before a potential clash with Shields, fans can anticipate that the anticipation leading up to this prospective showdown will reach unparalleled heights.
