The undisputed middleweight bout between Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall is officially on!
Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom confirmed Sky Sports News today.
Shalom said: “Early September – both fighters are ready, both fighters have been signed.
“I can’t wait. It takes a while. Claressa finally got her match. This is the first time we’ve seen a real rival in women’s boxing, and it’s a sign of the times.
“It’s an incredible time for the sport and an incredible time for any woman involved in the sport of boxing.”
Women’s boxing has hit a purple patch in recent times. Madison Square Garden hosted an epic contest between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano in April. This week it was announced the featherweight super-union between Mikaela Mayer and Alycia Baumgardner, and now the middleweight rivalry between Shields (12-0, 2 KOs) and Marshall (12-0, 10 KOs). ) is a teammate.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that their proposed summer schedule for the fight had been canceled because Marshall required arm surgery. Shields believes it’s a mind game and the WBC, WBA and IBF champions have threatened to abandon the fight if it is not done by September.
WBO title holder Marshall was hoping to secure the match for her local fans in Newcastle but Shalom says it could take place elsewhere in the UK.
“We are very close to finalizing the site,” Shalom said.
“The war has now become so big that it needs an international venue. It’s going to happen in the UK – all locations want it.
“It’s going to be between Newcastle and London, we’ll see.”
