Boxing Champion Savannah Marshall Signs Multi-Year PFL Deal, Teases Claressa Shields Rematch In MMA

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has added another boxing champion to its growing roster.

Joining Claressa Shields and Amanda Serrano in the promotion is Savannah Marshall, whose desire to test the waters of mixed martial arts has seen her sign an exclusive multi-year deal with the PFL.

“I am thrilled to begin my journey in MMA with the Professional Fighters League,” Marshall was quoted as saying in a PFL press release. “I am proud to join the most talented female combat sports athletes in the world and continue to raise the profile of women in sports through PFLW.”

🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨

Welcome to the Professional Fighters League! @Savmarshall1

The British’s boxing champion signs a exclusive MMA multi year deal pic.twitter.com/gtvpastCHE

— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 22, 2023

Marshall has decided on an MMA transition following significant success in the ring, where she’s amassed a 13-1 record and sits as the undisputed super-middleweight champion.

In what has been a bumper year for the rising PFL organization in terms of signings, CEO Peter Murray spoke of the latest big name to commit to appearances in the SmartCage, as well as the creation of the newly announced PFLW.

“I want to welcome two-time boxing world champion Savannah Marshall to the Professional Fighters League,” Murray said in the press release. “It’s an exciting time for PFL as we officially launch PFLW, and the addition of Savannah Marshall strengthens the best global roster of women in combat sports. PFLW is committed to the empowerment and equality of all female athletes and provides a dedicated platform for women to become PFL MMA champions.”

By joining the PFL, Marshall also appears to have set up a unique cross-sport rematch with a recent rival.

Marshall Joins Former Boxing Opponent Shields Under PFL Banner

Also forging a blossoming MMA career in the PFL SmartCage is Shields, the only boxer in history to hold all four major world titles in boxing simultaneously in two weight classes.

While the American’s last three combat sports appearances have come in the squared circle, the 28-year-old began her MMA journey with two fights in 2021. After knocking out Brittney Elkin on debut, she suffered the first defeat of her short career in the cage to date via split decision against Abigail Montes four months later.

Since then, Shields’ exploits in the ring have included a highly anticipated showdown with Marshall. The pair collided last October in London, throwing down in an entertaining headliner inside The O2.

Shields ultimately emerged victorious from the contest — which received record viewership — via unanimous decision. Having seen her calls for a boxing rematch fall on deaf ears, Marshall is looking forward to running it back in MMA now that they occupy spots on the same roster.

“I can’t wait to boot her in the face,” Marshall said while speaking to Sean O’Connell and Dan Hardy on The DAZN MMA Show. “I think so (more excitement for the rematch in MMA). And I think not just only for me, I think, you know, for the fans as well. Obviously, she beat me in the ring and I’ve been chasing that rematch. I don’t think I’m gonna get it. But in the SmartCage, it kinda lights that fire again doesn’t it?

“She’s won in the ring. Could I draw one back in the SmartCage? It’s exciting, really exciting,” Marshall continued. “She’s been doing MMA for two years and you’d never know, ’cause she’s terrible!”

Savannah Marshall vs. Claressa Shields in the @PFLMMA? 🗡🛡 pic.twitter.com/LNWFLN0FRd

— DAZN MMA (@daznmma) August 22, 2023

Read Also: Claressa Shields Reveals MMA Tips That Conor McGregor Shared With Her Over DMs

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