The biggest rivalry in women's boxing is finally set to come to a head.
BOXXER has announced the highly anticipated title clash between Claressa 'GWOAT' Shields and Savannah 'Silent Assassin' Marshall will take place on Saturday, 10th September 2022.
The two bitter rivals will lock horns at the O2 Arena in London for a blockbuster showdown, with the undisputed World Middleweight Championship on the line.
After a feud sparked between these two boxing icons during their amateur days, tensions have continued to boil over the years. Now, the winner of a decade-long rivalry will be decided.
September 10th will mark the first time a female undisputed world title fight has ever been staged in the UK. Shields will enter the ring carrying the WBA, WBC and IBF World Middleweight Championship belts, with Marshall wearing the WBO strap.
The Silent Assassin has held her title since 2020, while the self-proclaimed GWOAT held all four middleweight belts from 2019 to 2020. She then achieved the same feat but at light-middleweight class, becoming the first and only boxer to hold the four major titles in two different weight classes simultaneously.
Marshall will also make history at the O2 Arena. She will become the first woman to challenge for the undisputed world champion status as well as being the first English boxer to do so on home soil.
"It’s finally here. All sports need major rivalries to transcend their boundaries and this is the biggest rivalry ever to come from women's boxing," said BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom.
"This is a major moment for the whole sport of boxing, a transatlantic fight which will bring new light to the sport. Two major stars, two elite athletes, two personalities and a story that you could not make up. Thank you to all the promoters and managers involved to make a fight that many thought could not happen. A historic night awaits at the O2."
Shields will be fighting for revenge against The Silent Assassin, who was responsible for her first and only career defeat during their amateur days. As professionals, both women boast a 12-0 record and will be entering their 13th bout in this exciting grudge match.
Boxing - Claressa Shields v Ema Kozin - Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Cardiff, Wales, Britain - February 5, 2022 Claressa Shields clashes with Savannah Marshall outside the ring after winning against Ema Kozin Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Mick Hennessy, manager of Marshall echoed Shalom's sentiment.
"In my opinion this is clearly the biggest and most exciting fight in the history of women's boxing," he said. "It's going to make history and it's going to live up to every expectation. It's been ten years in the making and I can't wait for September 10 at The O2.
"This has the potential to be the fight of the year worldwide."
Shields' manager Dmitriy Salita described the title fight as "one of the most significant sporting events of our generation inside and outside the ring."
Be first in line to get exclusive access to discounted tickets by joining the waiting list at Boxxer.com
The fight will air LIVE and exclusively in the UK and Ireland on Sky Sports, and in the US on ESPN+
This historic event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.