Shadasia Green is preparing to face Savannah Marshall on Friday night, aiming to encounter the same fighter who pushed Claressa Shields to her limits in the ring. The matchup is particularly significant as it marks Marshall’s return to boxing after a two-year absence, during which she captured the super middleweight title in a unification fight against Franchon Crews Dezurn in July 2023.
Marshall, the undisputed champion at 168 pounds, shifted her focus to mixed martial arts for a period, seeking the right opportunity to make her boxing return. Signing with Jake Paul’s MVP Promotions this past May has provided her with the platform to face Green, the WBO champion. Their 10-round unification bout will headline as part of the highly anticipated Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano 3 event at Madison Square Garden and will be streamed globally on Netflix.
Green, who holds a professional record of 15 wins and 1 loss (11 KOs), acknowledges the challenge that awaits her, considering Marshall as the toughest opponent she’s faced in her six-year career. “I’m expecting the best Savannah Marshall ever,” Green remarked at a press conference, emphasizing her readiness and the extensive preparation leading up to the fight.
Notably, Green previously lost only to Crews Dezurn, who defeated her by unanimous decision in December 2023. Meanwhile, Marshall’s only defeat came in a grudge match against Shields in October 2022, solidifying her reputation as a formidable fighter.
Despite her extended hiatus, Marshall has been active in training and competing in MMA, and she believes her time away from boxing won’t hinder her performance. “I’ve been in the gym. I’ve competed in MMA. So, I’ve been active, I’ve been fit,” she noted. Marshall is currently a favorite in the matchup, listed at 6-1 against Green, who ranks second in The Ring’s contender list.
This fight represents a significant moment not just for both fighters, but for the sport of women’s boxing as a whole. With the increasing visibility of women’s matches, fans can look forward to an exciting showdown under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, spotlighting the skill and determination of these athletes as they strive for championship glory.