Claressa Shields is not going to return to Britain for an MMA struggle in opposition to Savannah Marshall, says the American star’s promoter Dmitriy Salita.
Marshall and Shields verbally agreed to renew their rivalry within the cage after the English fighter had marked her MMA debut with a first-round stoppage of Mirela Vargas at PFL Europe in Newcastle on Saturday evening.
However Salita, who promotes Shields, has warned that she is not going to head again to the UK once more after beforehand travelling to The O2 in London for a unanimous choice win over Marshall of their boxing bout in October 2022.
Salita instructed Sky Sports activities: “Claressa and Savannah’s rivalry is alive and well in every sport they compete in. Great fighters need rivalries to drive the sport forward.
“As ladies’s boxing grows, it is empowering to see the large recognition of this rivalry.
“To be truthful, Claressa already travelled hundreds of miles to the U.Ok. to beat Savannah in her dwelling nation and avenge her solely [amateur] loss.
Savannah Marshall stopped Mirela Vargas within the first spherical at PFL Europe
“It relates to boxing, now the shoe is on the other foot, so Savannah has to come to the U.S. or possibly a neutral location.”
The duo are actually set to commerce strikes in MMA as an alternative of boxing, however Salita stays assured {that a} rematch will occur within the ring.
However the fast purpose for Shields is changing into a four-weight world champion as she’s going to problem WBC heavyweight champion Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse in Detroit on July 27.
“It is one of the biggest and truest rivalries in boxing, a women’s version of Leonard vs Hearns,” stated Salita. “Both are at their peak, and I believe a rematch is in order.
“However first issues first – Claressa vs Vanessa, a fourth division title struggle on July 27 in Detroit at Little Caesars Area.
Shields is not going to be heading again to Britain, says promoter Dmitriy Salita
“We would like to invite Savannah to sit ringside, as Claressa has done for many of Savannah’s fights.”
After Queensberry’s 10-0 victory over Matchroom within the latest 5 vs 5 event in Saudi Arabia, Salita is eager to stage a event between his promotional steady and BOXXER.
“We have one of the best talent rosters in the sport of boxing, which I would be delighted to showcase in 5 vs 5 against BOXXER or anyone else.
“Women first – Claressa vs Savannah can prime the cardboard.”
