A short clip of Claressa Shields with English boxer Savannah Marshall sent many fans into a flurry. But instead of the standard squared circle where both champions are usually found, they saw them all smiling and pranking inside an octagon. Incidentally, the two faced each other on October 15 last year, with Shields winning the fight to become the undisputed champion. So, is that where the two boxers will settle their arguments for good if there’s a rematch? As far as Shields is concerned, given her experience as a mixed martial artist, her presence in a different setting shouldn’t be a shock. Unsurprisingly, fans chimed in with an array of emotions amidst news of the ‘Silent Assassin’ joining PFL.

So what about Savannah Marshall? Where do her grappling skills stand? Or, for that matter, does she have any? Since the time it came, over 23 thousand people have expressed their liking for the spectacle. But as much as they would love seeing their idols slugging it out in an octagon, many expressed their desire to become friends, given their congenial exchanges.

Grappling in place of punches? Fans gossip as Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall gang up

Marlon Norman pleaded with Shields to avoid a match with Marshall. He probably fears the meetup pulling off a verdict similar to their October 15 bout. Instead, the undisputed champion should focus on fighting the New Jersey-born Shadasia Green. Norman said, “I don’t want to see you beat her again. I want to see you fight @shadasia_green.” Philip B took the opportunity to make sport of the Englishwoman, calling her reaction a bit clumsy in the octagon: “…her reaction [is] just as slow in the octagon.”

Lou Lou appreciated the apparent rapport between the two fighters. The user wished for the two to become close friends, saying, “Y’all will defo become best friends soon enough. You have good chemistry.” Echoing similar sentiments, Olayiwola Olubando welcomed Shields and Marshall getting together and prayed for them to take their camaraderie to the next level, perhaps striking a partnership for a TV show. “You guys get along so well; hopefully, you’re friends after all [of] this. I see great sisterhood [between] you both and also hope you start a TV show soonish. @claressashields thoughts ?”

Watching the two great boxers together, an excited Diva Richards prophesied she would be in attendance, as it was about to get quite intense now. “It’s about to get really real! I’m here for it.” On the other hand, though he found her incredible, Donnell Pendleton commented that Claressa Shields had bulked up a little: “Claressa [is] getting a [little] thicker. Me likey.”

As it stands now

Claressa Shields’ mixed martial arts record remains at a single win against a decision-based loss. In boxing, she defended her undisputed Middleweight title on June 3. She defeated Maricela Cornejo, a last-minute replacement for Hanna Gabriels, by a unanimous decision. Marshall, who gave up her WBO Middleweight title to Shields last year, became an undisputed Super Middleweight champion as she secured a win over Franchon Crews-Dezum on July 1. She will likely face Shadasia Green, the mandatory challenger for her WBC belt.

Read More: “For That Much, My Brain Can Stay Locked”: Claressa Shields Stunned at the Cost of Mental Health Programs for “Celebrities”

What’s your take on the reactions? Do you think the two boxers should also meet for a mixed martial arts fight? Please share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Everything you need to know about Claressa Shields vs. Shadasia Green