Former WBO world female middleweight world champion Savannah Marshall (12-1, 10KOs) will challenge once again for undisputed title glory against reigning undisputed super-middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn (8-1, 2KOs). The pair will face off on June 17th in Manchester, England, as the co-main event to the middleweight rematch between Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr.
Marshall returns to world-level fights immediately following the first loss of her career last time out to Claressa Shields in October of 2022 at the 02 Arena in London. Marshall gave Shields the most testing task of the American’s professional career to date but ultimately fell to a unanimous points decision loss.
Crews-Dezurn fought Shields on debut (Shields debut also) in 2016 and was defeated by her former US amateur team-mate over four rounds via unanimous decision. However, Crews-Dezurn has remained undefeated and has claimed the WBC, WBO, WBA & IBF world super-middleweight titles, respectively. Firstly defeating Maricela Cornejo in 2018 to claim the then-vacant WBC title. The pair would face each other in a rematch in 2019 as Crews-Dezurn defended her WBC title alongside claiming the vacant WBO title, which was added to the contest.
In April of 2022, Crews-Dezurn would add the WBA & IBF world titles last time out against Elin Cederroos at the theatre at Maddison Square Garden with a unanimous points decision points win.
Speaking when the fight was announced, Marshall was quoted as saying, I’m grateful to BOXXER and Hennessy Sports for getting this fight over the line. This is a big fight for me and a chance to become a two-weight world champion.”
Meanwhile, Crews-Dezurn was grateful for the opportunity and is excited to box in the UK, where she feels that the UK market has embraced the rise of female boxing in the professional setting.
“I’m so excited that my team and BOXXER were finally able to get this fight done. I’m looking forward to fighting in Manchester, England, especially against a competitor like Savannah Marshall, who has represented the UK for many years, just as I have represented the United States for many years, including as amateurs.
“This fight has been over ten years in the making, and it’s going to be one for the history books. I love to elevate women’s boxing and put on a great display for the people here in the UK. The fans have embraced women’s boxing so much here, and I’m coming for the win, regardless of being in Savannah’s backyard or any other adversity stacked against me. I’m fully confident in myself and my team, and I look forward to putting on a great show for the people.”
