This weekend, the O2 Arena plays host to a historic all-female boxing card, with Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall at the top of the bill as they fight for all the marbles in the middleweight division.
Now, the WBC have unveiled an additional belt, named the ‘Elizabethan Belt’ which will be up for grabs alongside the WBC, WBA, WBO & IBF world titles. WBC President, Mauricio Sulaiman, explained.
“Queen Elizabeth II will live forever in our hearts and minds, the boxing world unites to render homage to one of the greatest human beings that ever lived, here where boxing was born.”
The card was originally scheduled for September 10th but was postponed following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Given the circumstances, the tribute belt will be on the line in honour of the Queen, as the two champions collide on October 15. Speaking to Sky Sports, Newcastle-born Marshall was clearly impressed and proud to fight for such a special prize that represents the legacy of one of the most iconic women of all time.
“I just seen the WBC tribute belt and it’s brilliant, really good, and the WBC have really pushed the boat out with that one – it’s one of a kind.”
However, in a nod to her potential victory, Marshall pointed out that the belt should not be leaving the country with Shields.
“It’s not right, it’s not right. It can’t leave this country.”
Whilst the belt will add an additional incentive for both fighters, focus will be on winning the world titles and becoming the “biggest name in women’s boxing”, in the words of promoter Ben Shalom.
Elsewhere on the momentous BOXXER show, Mikaela Mayer fights Alycia Baumgardner for the unified lightweight titles, as well as appearances from Caroline Dubois, Ebonie Jones and Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist Lauren Price.