Savannah Marshall has announced that she has activated her rematch clause with Claressa Shields.
The pair fought the full ten rounds in October in London, with Shields coming out on top via unanimous decision despite many fans believing beforehand that she would be stopped by the hard-hitting home fighter.
A win gave more evidence of the American’s claim to being the Greatest Woman of All Time – or GWOAT – as well as crowning her the undisputed middleweight champion. Now, Marshall wants another crack.
She confirmed the rematch clause has been activated on Soccer AM.
“I’ve activated the rematch clause … Sky are really keen, and BOXXER. Rematch at St James’ Park in the summer.”
Marshall then talked tactics, claiming that she would beat Shields at her own game in the rematch rather than searching for a knockout.
The former champion said her game plan was to make the American ‘work’ in the first fight, but that she ended up having more about her than Marshall assumed.
“Going from the last fight, I think I can outbox her. I believe by just changing the tactics.”
Savannah Marshall confirms she has activated a 'rematch clause' to fight Claressa Shields and hopes the venue could be St James' Park! 🥊 pic.twitter.com/tFCQpwi3FR
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) December 17, 2022
Before fans start booking their tickets for the Toon, they may want to wait to hear what Shields has to say about it all.
Not too long ago, Marshall mentioned the rematch in a similar way and cited Newcastle’s ground as host, but Shields was quick to respond to say it was a lie and that, should a second fight happen, it would be on her home turf in the States. This, given the way the first one played out, seems more than fair.
Since then, she has expressed an interest in instead facing another British fighter in Natasha Jonas.
Of course, all depends on what the contract says and what the fighters agreed to prior to their first bout. If it happens, and wherever it lands, it bodes well for women’s boxing in 2023.