Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall square off as they tease a rematch in the CAGE as the Brit signs a multi-fight deal with the PFL after losing to her American rival in their grudge boxing match last year
Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall go head to head as they tease a rematch in the CAGE as the Brit signs a multi-fight deal with the PFL after losing to her American rival in their grudge boxing match last year
- Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields hinted at a rematch – this time in MMA
- Shields defeated Marshall last November, sparking a rivalry between the two
- Both signed multi-year deals with the PFL this month in new career moves
Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields have teased a rematch after their historic boxing fight last year after the former signed a multi-year contract with the Professional Fighters League – just a fortnight after the latter did.
The two faced each other in the cage as Marshall, the undisputed super-middleweight boxing champion, aims to compete in MMA for the first time.
In October, Shields handed the 32-year-old the only defeat of her career at the O2 Arena with two scores of 97-93 and one of 96-94 after ten grueling rounds.
The Silent Assassin told Mail Sport that she had considered quitting boxing after the defeat, but that a rematch in some form had been in the works for some time.
In a photo and video tweeted by the PFL, Marshall and Shields can be seen facing each other in the cage, teasing about the blockbuster rematch fans have been craving.
Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields teased during a rematch in MMA after last year’s boxing fight
In the video, Shields takes a wrestling stance and is focused, while Marshall grins and throws a playful jab at her nemesis.
Marshall’s MMA career parallels her boxing career, but the opportunity to fight Shields again is one she wouldn’t want to pass up.
Last month, she defeated Franchon Crews-Dezurn by majority decision in Manchester to become the undisputed middleweight champion.
Their fight of great skill and guts last year on the first all-female card in British boxing history was a testament to their skill and a second clash is eagerly awaited.
After her defeat, Marshall claimed that Shields has earned the title of “Greatest Woman of All Time,” but she will be eager to tarnish her American foe’s reputation.
The two have a long history and faced each other in the amateur ranks before turning professional.
Shields has some experience in MMA, with one win and one loss in 2021.
Shields defeated the Briton to become the undisputed middleweight champion, although Marshall claimed that title in July
Marshall became the undisputed super-middleweight title by majority decision in July after defeating Franchon Crews-Dezurn
When she signed her deal, Marshall said, “I’m thrilled to be starting my journey in MMA.
“I am proud to join the ranks of the most talented female martial arts athletes in the world and continue to raise the profile of women in the sport.”
The PFL plans to launch a women’s league with top talent.