British boxing`s reigning IBF super-middleweight champion, Savannah Marshall, is stepping back into the spotlight, but perhaps not for long. The acclaimed fighter has signaled that her current chapter in the sport might be her last, embarking on what feels like a strategic “farewell tour” designed to tick off significant career goals.
The opening act of this ambitious final run takes place on Friday night in New York, where Marshall is set to face America`s WBO champion, Shadasia Green. This unification bout is a key part of a landmark all-female fight card promoted by Jake Paul`s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), showcasing a deep lineup of talent alongside headline acts like Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.
The Path Back to the Ring
Marshall`s return marks her first fight since July 2023, a period that saw her overcome Franchon Crews-Dezurn to become the undisputed super-middleweight champion. However, the time since has been punctuated by challenges: injury, a brief and potent foray into mixed martial arts, the administrative pressure leading to the surrender of three of her world titles, and a notable split with her previous promoters. For two years, “The Silent Assassin” of Hartlepool has been relatively quiet in the boxing ring, her aggressive style dormant.
Now, with a newly signed four-fight deal with MVP, Marshall is ready to reactivate. The mission is clear and stated with typical bluntness:
“I`m here to get my belts back and avenge my defeat to Claressa Shields – that`s if she`ll ever fight me,” Marshall stated, acknowledging the urgency of her plans at 34 years old. “In an ideal world, by this time next year I`d like to be out of boxing.”
Having laced up gloves since age 11, Marshall reflects on 23 years in the sport. A two-year ring absence, she admits, carries the risk of fading into irrelevance, but her return is predicated on achieving “big wins.” Despite the layoff, training and fitness have remained constant. The immediate objective? Reclaiming lost hardware, starting with Shadasia Green`s WBO title.
A New Promotional Partnership and a Shift in Focus
Marshall`s decision to sign with MVP, following compatriots Ellie Scotney and Chantelle Cameron, signals a significant shift. The move appears to have energized the former amateur world champion, who didn`t shy away from critiquing the landscape of UK boxing promotion.
According to Marshall, Jake Paul and MVP stand out for their genuine interest in promoting female boxing, particularly in an era she sees dominated by heavyweight fixations, partly fueled by large investments in regions like Saudi Arabia.
“Jake is the only promoter showing any real interest in female boxing,” she noted. While acknowledging the prominence of heavyweights and perhaps the neglect of other male divisions, Marshall feels the impact on women`s boxing has been particularly acute. The stark contrast between the opportunities offered elsewhere and the multi-title, all-female card MVP has assembled on Netflix is, for her, a compelling statement.
“Jake has seen what can be done with female boxing and he`s really gone for it… Six world championship fights on one night. It`s something special.”
The Immediate Test: Shadasia Green
Standing in the way of Marshall`s plans is Shadasia Green, a formidable opponent with a 15-1 record (11 KOs). Green captured the vacant WBO title in November and has been significantly more active during Marshall`s hiatus, logging 38 rounds across four fights. Marshall, however, counters that her recent history of competing in world title bouts has prepared her for the pressure of the big stage.
Marshall respects Green`s power and amateur pedigree (a world silver medalist in a higher division) but isn`t taking any opponent lightly, especially given Green`s sole loss came against Franchon Crews-Dezurn, an opponent Marshall herself defeated. She dismisses the idea that Green might have underestimated Crews-Dezurn, noting the latter`s effective use of her strengths, and instead focuses on Green`s status as a “proud champion” who hits hard.
“I`m under no illusions, it is a tough fight,” Marshall stated, emphasizing her desire to jump straight into a meaningful challenge after being out for so long.
Eyes on the Ultimate Prize: Shields Revenge
While Green presents the immediate hurdle, the long-term objective for Marshall remains clear: a rematch with Claressa Shields. Marshall holds the unique distinction of being the only fighter to defeat Shields in the amateur ranks. Their highly anticipated professional clash in 2022 ended in a points loss for Marshall, a defeat she is determined to avenge.
Marshall revealed that a rematch was discussed previously but didn`t materialize. She even followed Shields into MMA, only for Shields to seemingly step away from that sport. The desire for redemption in the boxing ring is palpable. While other potential fights exist (like reclaiming the WBC belt from Franchon Crews-Dezurn), the Shields rematch is framed as “the obvious fight” and a primary driver for this comeback.
“I hope it can still happen in the boxing ring,” she added, perhaps with a touch of weary anticipation, “not that I`m holding my breath.”
Navigating Challenges: Trainer and Venue
Adding another layer to her return is the absence of her long-time trainer, Peter Fury, who is unable to enter the United States due to a past issue. Marshall`s corner will instead be manned by Jon Pegg, an associate of Fury who has been involved in her last two fights.
Marshall remains unfazed, stating the situation is “not a problem.” She is confident in Pegg`s understanding of her style and plan, having completed her training camp extensively with Fury before traveling. Feeling “really, really good” after being in the gym since January (initially preparing for a different, ultimately canceled fight), Marshall is ready.
Her split with previous promoter Ben Shalom was described matter-of-factly (“We parted ways, that`s all I really want to say”). The focus has clearly shifted to the excitement of joining MVP alongside her fellow Brits and the opportunity to compete at the iconic Madison Square Garden – an undisputed “bucket list” item.
As Savannah Marshall prepares for her return, the narrative is set: a determined champion on a focused mission. Unifying a title, proving her worth after a layoff, and, most significantly, positioning herself for the chance to settle the score with her greatest rival, all within a self-imposed timeframe. The clock is ticking, and Marshall is ready to make every second count.
