Savannah Marshall intends to return to boxing in 2025 and pursue a rematch with Claressa Shields, all the way up to the heavyweight division.
Marshall’s only defeat in professional boxing came against long-time rival Shields in a major 2022 contest.
In 2023, the Briton became the undisputed super-middleweight world champion with her victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn but didn’t box at all last year as she transitioned to MMA and competed in PFL.
But she is planning her return to boxing in 2025. She wants to chase a rematch with Shields, and is especially eager to fight the American superstar for a heavyweight world title.
Shields is fighting 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 fight with her great rival.
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Savannah Marshall called out Claressa Shields during an MMA training session with rising star Dakota Ditcheva
“I think I’ll follow suit with Claressa, go up,” Marshall told Sky Sports. “Hopefully that sets up that fight again.”
It’s the fight Marshall wants more than any other and potentially making it for an undisputed heavyweight championship would be all the more appealing.
“I went over to MMA hoping to catch her there, that hasn’t materialised,” Marshall said. “Get a fight in March and then hopefully her in the summer.
“Size-wise, I’m probably the biggest out there anyway, height, frame-wise. The pool’s so shallow, with competition. I could carry light-heavy, heavyweight. It’s not really an issue.”
She believes boxing Shields at heavyweight could give her advantages. Marshall said: “I am [bigger than her]. And hopefully it will slow her down a bit! So 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 conference to let her know she’s ready to fight her again
Marshall also believes that her new experiences with MMA will make her a more dangerous 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 said. “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.”
But 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’ next fight.
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Highlights as Savannah Marshall beats Franchon Crews-Dezurn by majority decision to become 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 told Sky Sports.
“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 film’s exposure and storytelling are priceless, offering new fans a deeper connection to women’s boxing. This not only enhances the sport but also makes the rematch – or rather, the trilogy – even more compelling, with the potential for global crossover appeal.
“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 live on Sky Sports.
