Claressa Shields is More Than Willing to Step into the Ring Against Savannah Marshall
Claressa Shields (11-0, 2 KOs) is a historic figure in women’s boxing. The self-proclaimed GWOAT holds the distinction of becoming an undisputed world champion at both 154 and 160 pounds. In her mind, she is the baddest boxer on the planet, man, or woman. But a bugaboo is hovering over the 26-year-old from Flint, Michigan. It would be one Savannah Marshall (9-0, 7 KOs). The history between the two goes back many years.
Shields’ only defeat as an amateur or pro was to Marshall at the 2012 AIBA Women’s World Championship Preliminaries. Followers of ladies boxing have wondered who would win if they fought in the pro ranks. The rumblings have grown louder as time has gone on. Shields is currently the undisputed women’s world champion at 154. Marshall is the current WBO women’s world champion at 160. A showdown between the two ladies would be one of the biggest and best women’s fights in the sport.
A LEVEL ABOVE
Marshall is scheduled to make the first defense of the WBO 160 world title on April 10 at the Copper Box Arena in London live on DAZN. During an interview with Sky Sports, Shields was asked about a potential fight against Marshall. According to the 154-pound champ, it is a no-contest.
“They are building Savannah up to make people think it. This fight is only considered because of how great I am.
I bounced back from that loss [to Marshall in the amateurs] to win two Olympics then turn pro and be outstanding. That’s why this fight would be huge.
Is it going to be a back-and-forth brawl? No. I would be as dominant as I am against every other fighter; probably more dominant because she speaks so much, and I want to beat her up.
I’m great, she’s good. I would love to get a fight with Savannah. Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are fighting twice, and I would love for me and Savannah to be co-main event.”
SHOW HER THE MONEY
The question then begs, will we ever see the fight? Following her win over Marie Eve Dicaire on March 5, Shields said she has no problems facing Marshall. She is even willing to go to her home country of England.
But if the fight were to happen, Marshall’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, would have to show her the money. In her estimation, the fight is worth $500k to $750K for her to go to the UK. Since defeating Hannah Rankin on October 31, 2021 to become the WBO champ at 160, Marshall has said that Shields is her number one target.
If Marshall is successful in her upcoming fight, there is nothing stopping the showdown from happening. This is a natural rivalry. On paper, it would be an excellent fight. If there is one woman from 154-168 pounds that could defeat Shields, it would be Savannah Marshall. Followers of the sport have their fingers crossed that it can eventually take place.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
