Savannah Marshall will make the first defence of her WBO middleweight crown against former world champion Femke Hermans at a venue to be confirmed on April 10.
Hartlepool’s Marshall (9-0, 7 KOs) halted Scot Hannah Rankin in seven rounds to win the vacant WBO 160lbs belt in October. Belgian Hermans (11-3, 4 KOs) previously held the WBO super-middleweight title and picked up the vacant European middleweight crown against Russian Luiza Davydoza in December. She also went 10 rounds with Marshall’s great amateur rival and three-weight pro champion Claressa Shields in December 2018.
“I’m really happy and I can’t wait for fight night in three weeks’ time,” said Marshall. “I’m very aware of Femke Hermans, a very good fighter. She’s been in with the best, she’s a former WBO world champion, so I’m sure she’s going to try and get her belt back.
“I know she’s no pushover and I’m looking forward to getting in there. For me, this is probably my toughest test to date. The reigning European champion. I never go into a fight thinking I’m going to stop someone but I know if I land, whoever I land on, I will hurt them. I’m just looking forward to putting on a good display and showcasing my skills.”