SAVANNAH MARSHALL and Claressa Shields are on the verge of an unprecedented two-fight boxing and MMA series.
Their history dates back to the amateurs when Marshall became the first and last to ever give Shields defeat in the ring.
A decade later, Shields gained revenge by winning their undisputed mega-fight at the O2 Arena.
Talks to rematch in the ring collapsed but now they could be set to take their rivalry to MMA.
Both have signed for the Professional Fighters League and building towards a blockbuster bout in the cage.
PFL CEO Peter Murray told SunSport: “Both of these athletes are champions and highly committed to staying at the top of the game in boxing while developing as MMA pro athletes and fighters.
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“It’s a matter of just coordination and that’s part of the PFL, we provide flexibility to all of our fighters. It’s not just about our goals, it’s also about fighters’ goals.
“So it really is just about planning and coordination but ultimately, what are we working towards? Both Savannah as well as Claressa is to have that rematch in the cage.
“That fight will happen, we will stage that fight and I’m looking forward to sharing details on when and where that fight will be.
“But Savannah will absolutely compete against Claressa Shields in the PFL cage.”
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Shields is 2-1 in the cage and most recently beat Kelsey DeSantis in Saudi Arabia in February.
Meanwhile, Marshall makes her PFL and MMA debut on Saturday in a Newcastle homecoming against Mirela Vargas.
Seven-weight boxing champ Amanda Serrano – who has two wins and one MMA draw – is another signed to the PFL.
And Murray believes the trio of women’s boxing stars can help convince others to make the switch.
He said: “We have Amanda Serrano, champion and she’s an incredible boxer obviously, highest level and she has history in MMA.
“We signed her and we’re looking forward to Amanda getting back in the cage.
“But again, with Claressa, Savannah, Amanda, the greatest women in boxing today turning to MMA to the PFL to take on this sport, I think it’s incredibly bold and very exciting to watch.
“I think these women are going to pave the way for men in combat sports, in particular boxers, to come into MMA.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
