Savannah Marshall outlines her plans to return to boxing in 2025 and chase down a second professional fight with great rival Claressa Shields; Shields will next box for unified heavyweight titles and now Marshall wants to fight Shields for the undisputed heavyweight world championship

Savannah Marshall intends to return to boxing in 2025 and pursue a rematch with Claressa Shields, all the way up to the heavyweight division.

Marshall’s only defeat in professional boxing came against long-time rival Shields in a major 2022 contest.

In 2023, the Briton became the undisputed super-middleweight world champion with her victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn but didn’t box at all last year as she transitioned to MMA and competed in PFL.

But she is planning her return to boxing in 2025. She wants to chase a rematch with Shields, and is especially eager to fight the American superstar for a heavyweight world title.

Shields is fighting Danielle Perkins for the WBC, WBO and IBF heavyweight championships on February 2.

Marshall expects Shields to win that bout and would welcome a heavyweight title fight with her great rival.

“I think I’ll follow suit with Claressa, go up,” Marshall told Sky Sports. “Hopefully that sets up that fight again.”

It’s the fight Marshall wants more than any other and potentially making it for an undisputed heavyweight championship would be all the more appealing.

“I went over to MMA hoping to catch her there, that hasn’t materialised,” Marshall said. “Get a fight in March and then hopefully her in the summer.

“Size-wise, I’m probably the biggest out there anyway, height, frame-wise. The pool’s so shallow, with competition. I could carry light-heavy, heavyweight. It’s not really an issue.”

She believes boxing Shields at heavyweight could give her advantages. Marshall said: “I am [bigger than her]. And hopefully it will slow her down a bit! So that’s a plus.

“It’s the biggest fight out there for us both.”

Claressa Shields is ready to fight Cris Cyborg in 2025.

Training partners once upon a time, the relationship between Shields and Cyborg became acrimonious over the past few years. That animosity only ramped up in 2024 with Cyborg calling Shields out for a possible meeting in either the boxing ring or the PFL cage.

But Shields believes it’s all talk coming from Cyborg.

“She wants the clout,” Shields told the Pound 4 Pound podcast recently. “That’s what Cris Cyborg wants. Ain’t nobody paying attention to no Cris Cyborg no more. She’s old and I’m new. I’m popping right now. She’s a hater. And when we sparred, I kicked her ass, easy. She’s lucky I didn’t knock her ass out because the way she was looking, like a deer up in headlights. …

“She’s talking about she wants to fight me,” Shields continued. “Well, bitch come do it! Come fight me! I don’t understand what we’re waiting on. She’s like, ‘Oh, I want you to come to MMA.’ No, you idiot. I’m not going to MMA. You said you would knock me out if we wore eight-ounce gloves at 154 pounds. I don’t give a damn if we wear four-ounce gloves, I’m going to sleep Cris Cyborg, because what? She cannot fight. You’re an MMA fighter!”

A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Shields is a five-weight world champion in boxing and widely regarded as one of the best female boxers in the world. Still just 29 years old, Shields has also flirted some with MMA, taking three fights in the PFL, including a split decision win over Kelsey DeSantis back in February.

In contrast, Cyborg is one of the most accomplished female MMA fighters ever, who began dabbling in boxing over the past few years, with a 4-0 professional record.

Given their respective backgrounds, it’s clear that Shields would have a big advantage in a boxing match, while Cyborg would be an overwhelming favorite in an MMA fight. And though Shields clearly has no love for Cyborg at this point, even she acknowledges that facing her in MMA would not be to her advantage.

“Honestly, for this film, I wanted them to see everything. I wanted them to feel everything.”

Women in sports have had a much-needed and long-overdue spotlight shined on them this year, and I can’t think of a better way to end 2024 than with a film magnifying the name of one of this country’s unsung heroes: Claressa “T-Rex” Shields. At just 29, the Flint, Michigan native has built an enviable career in the boxing world, which includes not one but two Olympic gold medals, two world champion titles, 2018’s Female Fighter of the Year, the World’s Best Active Middleweight Female Fighter, Undisputed Female Middleweight title-holder between 2019 and 2024, and many more.

The Fire Inside explores Claressa’s life from when she first entered a boxing gym to her journey to becoming the first American woman to win gold in boxing at the 2012 Summer Olympics. From childhood trauma to an unbreakable bond with her coach Jason Crutchfield, fans will get a taste of the remarkable fight Claressa held in her heart, as well as the mat. Blood, sweat, and tears were just a roadway to greatness for her.

Ryan Destiny portrays Claressa in this biographical drama, while Brian Tyree Henry stars as her trainer. Barry Jenkins adapted the screenplay from her 2015 documentary T-Rex, while Rachel Morrison made her directorial debut with the project.

I sat down with Claressa to learn more about the making of the film, her heartbreaking journey to the top, and more.

BuzzFeed: When were you first approached about turning your story into a movie? Was there anything you were hesitant about bringing to the screen?

Claressa Shields: The opportunity came two months before the 2016 Olympics. I received the email, and I responded to the email. I then made the phone calls and got in contact with everybody, but we didn’t get the contract and everything situated till a year after the Olympics. Well, after I won the Olympics again. So they sent the contract. There was no hesitation. I just want to have everything right in the contract and know what the story would be like — which part of my life would I be sharing? Which Olympics would we be focusing on? Is it going to go into my professional career or just my come-up? These are the questions I had to ask.

Barry Jenkins wrote the screenplay for The Fire Inside. What was it like working with him?

I didn’t have to do much work, and that just shows how great he is at what he does. We met and talked for about four hours. I asked him, “What is your perception of my life? Because if you’re going to write a story about my life, I need to know what you think first.” He gave me a spiel, and I told him, “Close, but let me tell you what my story was really about.” I told him where he got it right, where he got it wrong, or this is what you forgot, or this is what you overlooked, etc. Barry asked me a couple of follow-up questions and made sure that I was comfortable speaking about my sexual abuse and how I was raped when I was five.

Honestly, for this film, I wanted them to see everything. I wanted them to feel everything because I was not ashamed of what had happened to me. I’m not ashamed and I’m not a victim, I’m a victor. Two weeks or three weeks later, he sent me a script. He told me the script would only go through if I read and approved it because it’s my life. I read it three times and I thought it was great. We only had to make two changes, and he immediately rewrote those scenes over, and the rest is history. Barry’s such a great writer and person.

Claressa Shields, often hailed as the “GWOAT” (Greatest Woman of All Time) in boxing, has built her career not only on her powerful punches but also on her unapologetic voice. Whether it’s standing up for equality in sports, calling out detractors, or advocating for her rightful place in boxing history, Shields is not the one to hold back.

The 29-year-old has become a symbol of empowerment, using her platform to address issues that extend beyond the ring. Now, with her biopic sparking debate, Shields is once again proving she won’t shy away from addressing matters that hit close to home. Let’s see what Shields had to say!

In a fiery post on X, Shields addressed the lack of public support for her biopic, which chronicles her meteoric rise in boxing. Her post read: “So let’s talk about it! A whole biopic about my life & my journey in boxing but only 2 female champions have said anything about it! But y’all love to call me a hater! FOh! These girls been hating on me! That’s why I shine so bright ✨ AND Still! GOD GONNA ALWAYS DO HIS BIG ONE FOR ME!”

Despite the film’s success, Shields has expressed frustration over the lack of acknowledgment from her peers in the athletic community. Only a handful of athletes have publicly responded to the film. Boxer Regis Prograis shared his support, saying, “Good movie. Congratulations, @Claressashields.”

Basketball legend Dawn Staley also promoted the movie on her social media, saying, “#TheFireInside is a must-see! So much resonated with our WBB plight. Thank you @Claressashields for injecting your fight in all of us. I know the sport of boxing is much better off bc of you…women all over the world are better bc of your will and fight in and out of the ring.❤️”, while fellow boxer Mikaela Mayer admitted she hadn’t watched it yet but mentioned that “I can’t wait and I’m proud of you, always.”

However, beyond these few responses, Shields noticed a troubling silence, particularly from other female athletes. This lack of recognition from her peers has left her feeling upset and disappointed. In contrast, fans have showered the movie with immense love and support, further solidifying Shields’ status as a beloved icon in the boxing world.

Though it may be all about Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, the upcoming MVP-Netflix card at the Cowboys Stadium promises to make it a night to remember for boxing purists as well. The crowd and millions of viewers across the world will be treated to a historic duel. Two years after leaving their marks at Madison Square Garden, Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor are poised to create yet another magic.

Serrano and Taylor will face off for the latter’s undisputed light welterweight title. Ahead of their match, the two champions had a chance to meet face-to-face and share their thoughts on their rematch. The discussion covered several topics, including a callout from undisputed champion Claressa Shields. The two-time Olympic gold medalist had issued an open challenge to settle the much debated ‘Greatest Woman of All Time’ (GWOAT) title. As their conversation unfolded, it became clear the matter could be viewed from different angles.

Did Amanda Serrano’s response spark the ‘GWOAT’ issue? When asked for the reasons behind moving up a division to chase the 140-pound undisputed title, ‘The Real Deal’ replied, “I want to be great. I’m chasing greatness, and that’s what I want to do. Fighting Katie Taylor is just that, and you know, becoming a two-division undisputed champion would be amazing.”

Addressing Taylor, the host asked, “So Clarissa Shields actually challenged both of you females to see who’s the best woman’s fighter on Earth. What do you have to say about that, Katie?” The London Olympic gold medalist laughed it off. For her, the entire focus was on what lay ahead—the fight against Amanda Serrano. But Katie Taylor seemed a bit perplexed. Given the sheer weight difference, why Claressa Shields should call them out?

Nevertheless, she stressed that both she and Serrano were fighters who were willing to go against anyone. “I don’t understand how there can’t be just more than one great. You know, we’re all great in our own ways. We all bring different things to the women’s boxing. We’re bringing more eyes to the sport of women’s boxing, and I’m just so proud to always have been in the top three pound-for-pound.” Amanda Serrano made her pitch. Katie Taylor couldn’t have agreed more.

Highlighting Claressa Shields’ achievements in women’s boxing, ‘The Bray Bomber’ suggested that perhaps picking the best pound-for-pound best among the three of them would be highly subjective. Still, Katie Taylor felt honored to be included in such a pivotal conversation.

‘The Greatest’ conundrum

On July 27, Claressa Shields stepped into the ring to face Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse. Their light heavyweight duel occurred at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. It appears she wasn’t too pleased with Amanda Serrano’s usage of the term ‘GWOAT’.

At the pre-fight press conference, Shields took the opportunity to clear the air. Who deserves the ‘GWOAT’ status—all Amanda Serrano, Katie Taylor, and Alycia Baumgardner need to do is fight her. Highlighting how she can enter any weight class and win, Shields said, “Everybody talking about ‘who’s the GWOAT.’ Who’s undefeated?! Who got the most belts?! Who made the million dollars the last couple times she fought without a promoter giving her a handout?! That’s who the GWOAT is. Who fights the best?! Who doesn’t struggle in fights no matter what style?”

Boxing matches can throw even the most seasoned fans for a loop, but what happened to 22-year-old rising star Floyd ‘Kid Austin’ Schofield outside the ring had former undisputed middleweight champion Claressa Shields doing a double take! The Jersey City, New Jersey native is coming off a unanimous decision win over Mexico’s Rene Tellez Giron.

Despite Schofield’s largely dominant display of boxing mastery on Saturday at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the 22-year-old was sent crashing onto the canvas for the first time in his career. That combined with several mishaps throughout the fight attracted criticism from his peers in the boxing world. Frustrated, the 18-0 boxer took to social media to make a startling revelation.

“We were scheduled and trained for 10 rounds,” Schofield wrote on X. “But in the locker room, they changed my contract to 12 rounds and had us initial.” Such last-minute changes in contracts are unheard of, some would even say Schofield should have backed out.

But here’s the kicker: while it’s still up in the air whether Schofield was in the loop or not, the fight was being billed as a 12-round showdown just days before they stepped into the ring. Regardless, Schofield continued, “So keep sleeping on KID if you want. All this experience he is gaining will make him the greatest ever.”

He even took the opportunity to call out Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, and Keyshawn Davis for a fight. “@Gervontaa @ShakurStevenson @KeyshawnDavis8 … you all can get it. Time is on our side, not yours,” he wrote. Soon after this tweet, Shields hopped on the platform to share her thoughts on the matter.

Jesselyn Silva was the embodiment of the never-give-up spirit that she learned as one of the many lessons during her boxing training. While she triumphed over every punch that her opponents threw in the boxing ring, the tussle with her brain cancer proved to be too steep. Her demise, because of DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), an aggressive type of brain cancer, has left Claressa Shields devastated. Silva looked up to the two-division undisputed champion and wanted to replicate her success by following in her footsteps, but cancer cut short her life at just 18 years old.

Jesselyn Silva was 7 when she first entered a boxing gym and never looked back. She impressed everyone, not only with her boxing skills but also with her joyous nature. Destined to be an Olympic boxer, she racked up two national championships and also became a junior Olympic medalist. She had a promising amateur career as she climbed to the #1 spot in the US for 95 lbs. She had also attained the #1 rank in the country at 90 lbs before she decided to move up. However, Silva’s DIPG diagnosis at 15 made it difficult for her to train with the same intensity as she did before.

Sliva was undergoing radiation therapy, and the Christian Rivera Foundation had been helping her since July 2021, when she first detected the DIPG. The New York native’s meteoric rise in amateur boxing had ensured she met and fostered bonds with professional boxers. One such special bond that Silva made was with ‘GWOAT’, who turned to her X handle and shared an emotional message.

Shields, 29, wrote in her post, “🥺💔 Pray for Jesslyn & her family. I pray God wraps his hands around them so tight. I’m torn ☹️.” Shields and Silva had trained and spent some time together, where she gave some tips and boxing knowledge to the rising boxing star. In addition, the 15-0 record holder had posted a string of Instagram stories where she also penned, “My heart is so broken. Rip Jesslyn!!!” In another story, Shields wrote, “This hurts so bad!!! Sweetest baby girl I’ve ever met.”