Preview: Shields vs Marshall
Watch the action live on Sky Sports http://tidd.ly/3Ie3XuS
Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields are set to meet for undisputed status in a huge all-women's card at the O2 Arena on October 15th. The event will be the first-ever televised all-women's card held in the UK, in what will be an incredible Boxxer event.
The two fighters are meeting for the first time within the professional ranks since their amateur days, with the highly anticipated rematch crowning the undisputed middleweight champion and arguably the best female fighter on the planet.
The Peter Fury-trained Marshall will be looking to prove her power once again by beating the woman commonly known as the ‘GWOAT’ who is undefeated in her twelve-fight professional career. To date, Shield's only loss came at the hands of the North East gem who is confident in doubling her tally over 'T-Rex'.
Marshall has begun to grow a large following around the country after her highlight reel knockouts and her freakish power has seen her rapidly progress from amateur to elite-level professional. After 8 consecutive knockouts, Marshall is proving that she is one of the hardest-punching females in boxing and fans are eager to see if she can continue her nasty streak against arguably the best pound-for-pound female fighter on the planet.
The knockout victories Marshall has on her resumé are an anomaly within the women's ranks and she has shown her freakish power on a number of occasions in her short career. The power Marshall possesses has been one of the key talking points in the build-up to the fight and whether her American counterpart has the chin to deal with a flush shot.
Shields will be looking to cement herself as one of the greatest to ever do it and isn’t afraid of telling people that she already is, often using her flamboyant personality to articulate the point. The American champion had an incredibly decorated amateur career and has continued to find success within the pro ranks at the highest level.
The American maverick doesn’t have amazing power, but she is a naturally gifted fighter who has comfortably made her way similarly through the professional ranks. Shields will be looking to box and move to stay clear of Marshall’s vicious power and show the public why she claims to be the best to ever do it.
Undisputed status confirms the winner's place at the top of the table; however, the bragging rights of a victory will likely be the sweetest part for either victor. It is commonly known the pair have a dislike for each other, due to their history and clash of personalities, and that has only added to the intensity of the build-up.
With fight night fast approaching, both fighters will be desperate to make history and come out as undisputed middleweight champion. Whichever way the fight ends, whether it be a Marshall KO or Shields on points, it will certainly not disappoint.
Fighters' form
Savannah Marshall:
Femke Hermans – Win – KO Round 3
Lolita Muzeya- Win – TKO Round 2
Maria Lindberg – Win – KO Round 3
Hannah Rankin – Win – TKO Round 7
Claressa Shields:
Emma Kozin – Win – UD
Marie-Eve Dicaire – Win – UD
Ivana Habazin - Win – UD
Christina Hammer - Win - UD
Event information
Date: 15th October
Time: Ring walks approx. 10:30 pm
Venue: 02 Arena London
Promoter: Boxxer
Watch the action live on Sky Sports http://tidd.ly/3Ie3XuS
Elsewhere on the card, Alycia Baumgardner and Mikaela Mayer clash for three of the four world title belts at super-featherweight. GB Olympian stars Caroline Dubois, Lauren Price and Karriss Artingstall also feature on the undercard. Female prospects April Hunter, Ebonie Jones, Shannon Ryan, Georgia O'Connor, Ginny Fuchs and Sarah Leigmann complete the rest of the bill.