For nearly a month, many fans and media members have wondered how a month-long postponement would impact Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall as they fight for the undisputed middleweight title. From the perspective of Claressa Shields, the lengthy delay has only motivated her.
“The postponement was like a blessing in disguise,” she said, per Sky Sports.
“The goal is even bigger now, from September to now. I knew I was going to beat Savannah Marshall on September 10, but now I really feel in my spirit that I am going to knock Savannah Marshall out.”
Claressa Shields is no stranger to the bright lights. The Michigan native has won two Olympic gold medals and made boxing history as the only fighter to ever hold undisputed titles in two weight classes simultaneously. Still, one thing motivates her — Savannah Marshall. Years ago, Marshall handed Shields her only amateur loss in a controversial decision. Now, she’s looking to set the record straight.
“This is going to be my statement fight,” she explained.
Shields has by far the better professional resumé and she has displayed superior skills in the ring throughout her career. Still, a few sportsbooks have listed Marshall as a favorite because of her punching power. The U.K. fighter has knocked out 10 of her 12 opponents, but Shields does not appear deterred.
“She talked all that stuff about pillow fists, but she’s not going to stand there and fight me. She’s not going to be able to handle my shots. She can’t outbox me. She’s not very skilled,” she said, per MMA Junkie.
“You all said she’s a knockout puncher, you all said she is going to knock me out, you all said that I can’t keep her off me, she is too strong, too big. You all said that, not me, so when I beat her easily and I [am] in there dropping her and have her face purple and blue after I don’t wanna hear nothing. Just tell me congrats and leave me alone.”
