Date: 15/10/2022
Venue: O2 Arena
TV: London
Savannah Marshall versus Claressa Shields has been tagged the biggest rivalry ever to come from women’s boxing and a cracking contest is on the cards.
However, we reckon Hartlepool’s Marshall will prove just too strong for her American foe in this undisputed middleweight championship fight.
Punters can get 10/11 for the Brit to prevail and that gets a confident vote as our initial Savannah Marshall vs Claressa Shields prediction.
Savannah Marshall Odds
Shields heads into this bout holding the WBC, IBF, WBA and Ring magazine titles, with Marshall possessing the WBO belt.
Both fighters are unbeaten in 12 professional outings but Marshall defeated Shields in amateur action at the 2012 World Championships.
Having suffered disappointment at the London Olympics later that year and again in Rio in 2016, the Silent Assassin switched to the paid ranks and has flourished in that sphere.
She stopped Hannah Rankin in the seventh round to secure the vacant WBO middleweight crown in her ninth pro bout.
Three successful defences have all come inside the distance and Marshall has exuded a calm confidence in verbal sparring matches with Shields.
Shields’ nickname is the GWOAT – the greatest woman of all time – but Marshall offered relative disdain for that moniker.
“This has been a long, long time coming but we’re here now,” said the 31-year-old.
“I’m a fan of Claressa Shields, what she’s done for the sport is amazing, she’s a pioneer. But the reality is, she doesn’t beat me.
“She didn’t before and she won’t again. That defeat to me, it kills her, it absolutely burns inside.
“I’m not just going to beat you, I’m going to outbox you. I’m going to put an end to all this GWOAT rubbish.”
This will be the biggest test of Marshall’s career, though, so it is unlikely she will enjoy another early night.
Looking at the Savannah Marshall vs Claressa Shields odds, we’re going with the Durham destroyer to prevail on points at 12/5.
Claressa Shields Odds
Shields took full advantage of Marshall’s Olympic failings to strike gold both in London and Brazil and finished her amateur career with a 64-1 record.
As a pro, she initially won WBC and IBF titles at super-middleweight before dropping back down to clean up at 160lbs and light-middle.
However, while there is no doubting her silky skills, the American’s punching power has come under scrutiny, with Marshall taunting her for having “pillow hands”.
Shields was taken the distance by Scottish fighter Rankin and Femke Hermans of Belgium, who were both stopped by Marshall, the latter in just three rounds.
“She got lucky in 2012 but she won’t get lucky in 2022,” insisted Shields. “I don’t hate anyone but I really do have a huge dislike for her.
“I was 17, she couldn’t shake me, she didn’t drop me. But all of a sudden she’s a knockout puncher.
“She’s the only blemish on my record and says that she has the recipe to beat me. My job is to show the world that she doesn’t.
“I don’t reign supreme in three different weight classes for no reason.”
However, Marshall is naturally bigger and is fancied to impose her strength on Shields during 10 hard-fought rounds.
For those who fear some controversial scoring from the judges, 5/6 for the Silent Assassin to oblige in the ‘draw no bet’ market is worth considering in any Savannah Marshall vs Claressa Shields betting tips.
Join bwin today and receive a 100% Deposit Bonus up to $200. Terms and conditions apply.
