Britain`s IBF super-middleweight champion, Savannah Marshall, is back in the spotlight, but she suggests her time under it may be nearing its end. The upcoming clash against America`s WBO titleholder, Shadasia Green, in New York is positioned as the initial phase of what Marshall hints could be a limited engagement before she hangs up the gloves.
This unification bout serves as a significant fixture on an unprecedented all-female boxing card orchestrated by Jake Paul`s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). The event, featuring a collection of top female fighters including Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, and fellow Brits like Ellie Scotney and Chantelle Cameron, underscores a notable investment in women`s professional boxing.
Marshall`s return marks her first competitive appearance since July 2023, when she defeated Franchon Crews-Dezurn to claim undisputed status at super-middleweight. A subsequent period of inactivity, influenced by injury, a brief foray into mixed martial arts, and shifts in promotional allegiances which led to the relinquishing of three titles, has kept the `Silent Assassin` uncharacteristically quiet inside the ring.
Now, under a new four-fight agreement with MVP, Marshall is clear about her objectives. “I`m here to reclaim my belts and settle the score with Claressa Shields – assuming she`s willing to step up again,” stated the 34-year-old, signaling a focused, perhaps hurried, approach to her remaining time in the sport. Her ambition extends beyond mere participation; she aims for significant victories to solidify her legacy before potentially retiring within the next year.
“Having boxed since the age of 11, 23 years is a substantial commitment,” Marshall reflected. “A two-year hiatus risks becoming irrelevant. I`ve stayed fit and trained consistently, despite not fighting. My immediate focus is retrieving the titles I lost, beginning with the WBO belt.”
Marshall`s partnership with Jake Paul, announced concurrently with Cameron and following Scotney`s signing, appears to have injected a new dynamic into her career. She didn`t shy away from contrasting Paul`s approach with that of prominent UK promoters, suggesting a perceived shift in focus away from women`s boxing in certain traditional quarters, particularly since significant investment has concentrated on major heavyweight events.
“Jake Paul is demonstrating genuine interest in female boxing,” Marshall asserted. “While the sport has seen a fixation on heavyweight spectacles, other divisions, especially women`s, have arguably been neglected. This MVP card, with multiple world title fights streamed on Netflix, represents a scale unprecedented since my historic O2 event against Claressa, but this is even bigger. Six world championships in one night is truly special.”
The path to reclaiming titles and potential revenge starts with Shadasia Green. Green, 35, secured the vacant WBO title in November via a close split decision. Her professional record stands at 15-1 with 11 knockouts, her sole defeat coming against Franchon Crews-Dezurn. While Green boasts more recent activity during Marshall`s layoff, Marshall counters with extensive experience in championship-level contests.
“Shadasia is tough and possesses significant power,” Marshall acknowledged, although she plans to avoid experiencing it firsthand. She notes Green`s amateur pedigree, having earned a world silver medal. “She was a mandatory challenger after I beat Franchon but an operation prevented the fight then. Her loss to Franchon might suggest underestimation, as Franchon effectively utilizes her strengths. I`m not underestimating Shadasia; she`s a proud champion who hits hard. This isn`t a warm-up; I wanted a tough fight straight back.”
Looking beyond Friday night, should Marshall be victorious, the target remains clear. While a rematch with Franchon Crews-Dezurn for the WBC belt is a possibility, the primary goal is the highly anticipated second encounter with Claressa Shields. “We were supposed to fight last May, but it didn`t happen,” Marshall recalled, with a hint of frustration. “I even pursued her into MMA, and it promised to be huge, but then she retired from that too. I hope the boxing rematch can still materialize, but I`m not holding my breath.”
Addressing potential concerns about her corner team, with long-time trainer Peter Fury unable to be in the United States, Marshall expressed confidence. Jon Pegg, an associate of Fury and experienced coach, will handle corner duties. “It`s not an issue,” Marshall stated. “Jon has been in my corner recently and is fully familiar with our strategy. Training camp with Peter was excellent right up until I traveled. I feel prepared, having been in the gym consistently since January.”
Marshall`s move to MVP followed a split with her previous promoter, Boxxer, headed by Ben Shalom, who had previously featured her prominently. Marshall remained concise regarding the separation, stating simply, “We parted ways, that`s all I wish to say.” The prospect of competing at Madison Square Garden, a legendary venue, alongside Scotney and Cameron under the new promotional banner, is clearly a source of excitement.
Ultimately, the immediate focus is on the challenge presented by Shadasia Green. The outcome of this unification bout will not only determine the trajectory of the super-middleweight division but also set the stage for Marshall`s ambitious push to conclude her career on her terms – potentially with more belts and a long-awaited resolution to her rivalry with Shields.
