Savannah Marshall is setting her sights on a rematch with Claressa Shields, with a potential move to heavyweight — or more accurately, light heavyweight — to reignite their rivalry this year.
The two fighters first clashed in October 2022 at middleweight, with Shields securing a win over Marshall in a highly anticipated bout that followed years of competitive history. However, Marshall is eager for a second bout, and she believes that stepping up in weight could entice Shields to face her again.
Marshall shared her thoughts, stating:
“I think I’ll follow suit with Claressa, go up. Hopefully that sets up that fight again. I went over to MMA hoping to catch her there, that hasn’t materialized. Get a fight in March and then hopefully her in the summer.”
Although Marshall believes she’ll have no issues carrying the extra weight, citing the “shallow pool” of competition in the division, she recognizes the significance of a rematch with Shields.
“It’s the biggest fight out there for both of us,” Marshall added.
In their first meeting, Shields defeated Marshall, marking the culmination of their rivalry that started from their amateur days when Marshall had defeated Shields. Since their encounter, Shields (15-0, 3 KOs) has had two bouts, including a middleweight defense against Maricela Cornejo in the summer of 2023, and a dominant performance at light heavyweight against Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse, where she secured her first stoppage win since 2017.
Shields will return to the ring on February 2 in her hometown of Flint, Michigan, where she will face Danielle Perkins.
Meanwhile, Marshall (13-1, 10 KOs), who has not fought since her victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn in the summer of 2023 — a win that briefly made her the undisputed super middleweight champion — is eager to make her comeback in March and potentially set up a summer showdown with Shields.
