Savannah Marshall's undisputed world title fight with Claressa Shields is OFF.
The middleweight rivals were due to clash in London tomorrow night to settle their bitter rivalry but the show - due to be an all-female affair - has been cancelled following The Queen's death yesterday. The headline fight will now take place on October 15.
A statement from the British Boxing Board of Control read: "The British Boxing Board of Control have decided that all tournaments this weekend will be postponed as a mark of respect to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We join a nation in mourning and pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her dedication to our country during her long reign and the legacy she leaves behind. "
Promoter BOXXER released a statement from CEO Ben Shalom which read: “This is an unprecedented moment in our history and our sincere thoughts are primarily with the Royal Family and the nation at this time. Out of respect, the British Boxing Board of Control has decided to postpone Saturday’s show. A provisional date for Saturday, October 15 at The O2 is being worked on by all parties to stage this unique and iconic night of celebration for women’s sport at a more appropriate time.”
Shields, who was putting her belts on the line, tweeted: "With respect to the country I understand that the Queen of the country passing has an entire country mourning. The government is speaking and those in higher power. Whatever the decision I’m respectful of it."
Earlier this week, Marshall vowed to hurt her unbeaten opponent and to ensure her belts remain in Britain. "I’ve always respected Claressa, but she doesn’t like that I have an opinion," she said. "I saw her box and I thought it was a diabolical performance. She ran down people’s throats that she was going to get a spectacular knockout, and I watched it for 10 rounds, drifted off, and told her how I felt.
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"I’ve never said I’m going to knock her out, I’ve said I’m going to hurt her. She’s a bully and she’s going to wake up on the canvas. I can’t wait to take all those belts off her and become the undisputed middleweight champion."
Marshall inflicted the only defeat of Shields' career when they met in the amateur ranks, and the American believes her rival has been dining off her win ever since. "When I win on Saturday night, it will be a great victory," she said. "This isn't my first time in a fight for the undisputed championship, this isn’t my first time having a hard training camp, and it isn’t my first time being the underdog. I can’t wait to have the opportunity to silence the doubters about Savannah’s alleged knockout power.
"I’ve never seen someone live off an amateur win for 10 years of their career. I've dominated this sport for 10 years. I won the Olympics, then I won it again. Then I turned professional and won world titles from my fourth fight. Champions are not made, they’re born. And I was born to do this."
