Boxing News: Savannah Marshall Gets MMA Debut Date and Venue, Opponent TBD

While most male combatants are transitioning into boxing, Savannah Marshall like her former rival, Claressa Shields, is about to debut in MMA. The ‘Silent Assassin’ last appeared in the ring back in July last year against Franchon Crews Dezurn, securing all four belts in the 168-pound division through a majority decision victory. 

The spectacular win came after her first career loss to Claressa Shields in October 2022 via unanimous decision! However, she might be on the lookout for a rematch with Shields, as the unified champion from the UK signed the deal with PFL in August last year. Since then, people have been wondering when and where her first MMA bout will be. Well, Michael Benson revealed the answer on social media today. 

Savannah Marshall vs. Claressa Shields?

Turning to X (formerly Twitter), talkSport editor Benson revealed, “Savannah Marshall will make her MMA debut with the PFL (Professional Fighters League) on June 8th in Newcastle, opponent TBC.” While who Marshall will face in her debut is unclear at this point, Peter Murray, CEO of PFL, recently suggested an MMA bout against Shields isn’t far away!

According to Mike Coppinger from ESPN, Murray said, “Savannah and Claressa Shields competed in one of the most-watched women’s boxing matchups in history when they first fought, and now with Savannah’s MMA debut, the two are on a collision course for a rematch wearing four-ounce gloves and settling the score in the PFL SmartCage.” Moreover, the rivalry between Marshall and Shields has intensified since the former signed with PFL. 

Shield sends a stern message to Marshell 

After signing with the promotion in August last year, Marshall made her intentions clear about fighting Shields a second time, claiming she has a good chance of defeating Shields in an MMA setting. It didn’t seem to sit well with Shields. Speaking to Sky Sports in February this year, Claressa Shields claimed, “If she wants to get torched she can come fight me in MMA.”

Also Read: Claressa Shields Teases Next Boxing Match Announcement

Taking more verbal jabs at Marshall, Shield suggested her former opponent isn’t a “harder worker” like her. So, Shields claimed, “That’s why she couldn’t beat me in boxing.” Moreover, Shields went on to detail a harsh message for Marshall, claiming, “Savannah needs to understand – and the sooner she understands the better – you can’t beat me in nothing. The sooner she understands that the better we’ll all be. Just give it up. You can’t beat me in nothing.”

With that said, even though Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields seem to share a fierce rivalry, the former’s debut is unlikely to be against Shields. However, if the unified super middleweight champion manages to perform well, a fight against Shields might not be far away! Would you like to see a fight between Shields and Marshall?

Read More: “I Have a Lot of Potential”: Claressa Shields Details Her Long-Term MMA Plans