Editor’s note: This article was originally published at MMAJunkie.com.
***
The PFL, a leading MMA organization, continues to make an impact in the women’s boxing world by adding another champion to its roster as the promotion on Tuesday announced the signing of British boxer Savannah Marshall.
The addition of Marshall, who became undisputed super middleweight champ by beating Franchon Crews-Dezurn on July 1, is accompanied by the official launch of PFLW, which the promotion said “will put the focus on women in combat sports while continuing the PFL’s fighter first merit-based approach to MMA.”
“It’s an exciting time for PFL as we officially launch PFLW, and the addition of Savannah Marshall strengthens the best global roster of women in combat sports,” PFL CEO Peter Murray said in a statement. “PFLW is committed to the empowerment and equality of all female athletes and provides a dedicated platform for women to become PFL MMA champions.”
Said Marshall: “I am thrilled to begin my journey in MMA with The Professional Fighters League. I am proud to join the most talented female combat sports athletes in the world and continue to raise the profile of women in sports through PFLW.”
Marshall’s signing comes on the heels of the PFL signing Amanda Serrano and re-signing Claressa Shields to deals earlier this month.
Marshall, 32, and 28-year-old Shields (1-1 in the PFL) are rivals in boxing. Last October, Shields claimed the undisputed middleweight title from Marshall by handing her the first loss of her career by a unanimous decision in London.
Shields last month said that Marshall is “still delusional, still disrespectful” as she challenged her to a rematch on American soil. Perhaps Marshall’s signing with the PFL sets that up to happen – in MMA.
