SAVANNAH MARSHALL and Claressa Shields are on the brink of an unprecedented series of two boxing and MMA fights.
Its history goes back to the amateurs, when Marshall became the first and last to defeat Shields in the ring.
A decade later, Shields got revenge by winning his undisputed megafight at the O2 Arena.
Negotiations for a rematch in the ring failed, but now they can take their rivalry to MMA.
Both have signed a contract with the Professional Fighters League and are heading towards a highly successful fight in the octagon.
PFL CEO Peter Murray told SunSport: “Both athletes are champions and highly committed to remaining at the top of boxing whilst developing as professional MMA athletes and fighters.
“It’s just a matter of coordination and that’s part of the PFL, we give flexibility to all our fighters. It’s not just about our goals, it’s also about the fighters’ goals.
“So it’s really just about planning and coordination, but ultimately what are we working on? Both Savannah and Claressa will have this rematch in the octagon.
“This fight is going to happen, we are going to make this fight and I look forward to sharing details of when and where this fight will take place.
“But Savannah will definitely compete against Claressa Shields in the PFL cage.”
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Shields is 2-1 in the cage and most recently defeated Kelsey DeSantis in Saudi Arabia in February.
Meanwhile, Marshall makes his PFL and MMA debut on Saturday in his return to Newcastle against Mirela Vargas.
Seven-weight boxing champion Amanda Serrano – who has two wins and a draw in MMA – is another signed by the PFL.
And Murray believes the trio of women’s boxing stars can help convince others to make the change.
He said: “We have Amanda Serrano, champion and she is an incredible boxer obviously, of a very high level and has a history in MMA.
“We signed her and we’re excited for Amanda to return to the Octagon.
“But then again, with Claressa, Savannah, Amanda, the biggest women in boxing today turning to MMA and PFL to take on this sport, I think it’s incredibly bold and very exciting to watch.
“I think these women will pave the way for men in combat sports, especially boxers, to enter MMA.”
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