Claressa Shields has thrown ice on the possibility of a rematch with Savannah Marshall in the near future, revealing she doesn’t plan to box again until 2024.
Shields, who has immediate MMA commitments with the PFL, says she refuses to be dictated to by Marshall, who recently revealed she had decided to activated a rematch clause after losing out to Shields in October.
Speaking to FightHype, Shields said:
“I paused my whole year for a fight with her [Savannah Marshall]. So in 2023, I’m not doing that. I won’t be back in a boxing ring until 2024.”
“I call the shots, I make the rules and nobody who lost is telling me where I’m fighting my next fight for all MY belts.”
“It sounds stupid. Anybody who’s agreeing with that c**p and agreeing with her – it’s just ridiculous.”
The pair’s clash at a sold-out 02 Arena headlined an historic all female card and was widely revered as one the best fights of 2022.
The skilful American proved to be too much for a game Marshall that night, and was awarded a unanimous decision victory to be crowned undisputed middleweight champion for a remarkable second time.
After the success of their first meeting, coupled with the fact the talent pool at 160lbs is relatively shallow, many in the sport feel a rematch is the only option that makes sense for either fighter.
Shields has also been linked to a move down to light middleweight for a fight with Marshall’s countrywoman Natasha Jonas, who holds three world titles after a hugely fruitful year.
However, the “GWOAT”s comments would seem to indicate that Marshall, Jonas, and anyone else who has their eye on Shields will have to wait.