Do We Need A Marshall Vs. Shields Rematch?

Savannah Marshall wants a rematch with Claressa Shields, but is it warranted? 

Marshall has been chasing the rematch ever since Shields beat her in a unanimous decision to become the Undisputed Middleweight Champion. That was the first time Marshall had lost a pro fight, while her win over Shields came in the amateurs. The two fighters would achieve big things after their fight. Marshall jumped up a weight class to 168, where she became the Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion. Savannah then signed with the PFL, beating Mirela Vargas on her debut. Marshall has now come back to boxing, she boxes Shadasia Green next. 

Meanwhile, Shields made history by becoming a three-weight undisputed champion, getting all the belts at heavyweight after defeating Danielle Perkins in her last bout. Shields will box Lani Daniels in her next fight at heavyweight. Claressa has also been linked with fights against Cris Cyborg and Franchon-Cruz, meaning Marshall is down the pecking order. Shields has previously suggested a Marshall rematch would have to be in the US or on neutral ground since she travelled to the UK for the first fight. 

Will It Happen?

“We’ve had general discussions over the past several months and have expressed our interest in making the rematch happen,…I believe she will stop Savannah with the power she possesses at heavyweight. Claressa’s drive for legacy is undeniable – moving across multiple weight divisions, taking on the best, and continuously pushing the sport to new heights. There is no debate – she is the GWOAT [Greatest Woman of All Time],” Dmitry Salita (Shields’ promoter) said 

However, Marshall is not convinced Shields wants it. 

“I want that rematch, I really want that rematch. I’m starting to come to terms with maybe it’s never going to happen through her not wanting it. She gets the most money fighting me, and maybe one day she’ll turn around, and she might want that rematch, but let’s just hope it’s not too late. I’ve chased that rematch for a long time…..gone over to MMA, signed with PFL. She was with PFL, and then all of a sudden, she doesn’t want to do MMA anymore. I’ve come to the conclusion she’s not interested,” Marshall said