BoxRec

Savannah Marshall's world title defence against Femke Hermans moved to April 2 as Claressa Shields undisputed clash looms

Savannah Marshall will defend her WBO middleweight world title against Femke Hermans in Newcastle on April 2, as she looks to stay on course for an undisputed clash with Claressa Shields.

The show, which was previously scheduled for March, will see Marshall take on the Belgian former world champion at Newcastle Arena, live on Sky Sports.

Also fighting on the card will be Florian Marku, who looks to continue to his ascent to welterweight world championship contention, and heavyweight Nathan Gorman, who is returning to action after more than a year out of the ring.

The unbeaten Marshall's third defence of the world title she won against Hannah Rankin in October 2020 comes against a dangerous opponent in Hermans, with the pair having previously been set to meet in April 2021 before a positive Covid case in the Belgian's camp forced her to withdraw.

Marshall is seeking to extend the 11-0 start to her professional career, as she looks to secure a hugely anticipated undisputed middleweight world title clash with Shields, who holds the division's three other titles and sits on a 12-0 record.

Marshall was ringside to watch Shields dominate Ema Kozin in Cardiff earlier this month, with the pair becoming embroiled in a war of words following the American's victory.

The fight sees Marshall return to the scene of her most recent victory, a second-round stoppage of Lolita Muzeya in October that extended the Brit's run of stoppage wins to seven.

Hermans is a tough and experienced operator who previously took Shields the distance when she challenged her for the unified WBA, WBC, and IBF world middleweight titles in 2018 and will be hoping to secure a rematch if she can beat Marshall in Newcastle.

"I'm really happy to be going back to Newcastle Utilita Arena after the amazing reception I received there last time," Marshall said.

"Femke is a very tough girl and it's going to be a hard night's work but I'm really looking forward to putting on a show.

"I'm sorry to anyone who has been inconvenienced by the date change but I hope everyone who wants to be there can still be there. I really can't wait," said Marshall.

Boxxer chief Ben Shalom said: "We can't wait to return to the Utilita Arena on April 2 and feel the incredible atmosphere and buzz of the Newcastle fans. This is a crucial fight for Marshall - she has to beat the dangerous Femke to secure the ultimate showdown with Claressa Shields."

Sky Sports head of boxing development Adam Smith added: "We are thrilled to be returning to the North East where there is such a passionate and growing fan base for Savannah Marshall."

Marku, competing in his first fight since signing with Boxxer, takes on former British and Commonwealth champion Chris 'Rock n Rolla' Jenkins.

'The Albanian King' maintained his undefeated record in November by outpointing Jorick Luisetto, while Jenkins is coming off an emphatic decision win over former unified super-lightweight world champion Julius Indongo in Cardiff earlier this month.

The winner takes a big step closer to competing for major title honours later this year.

"I'm excited for my first fight of the year, it's going to be the start of very big things," Marku said. "I love fighting in new places so I'm looking forward to entertaining the amazing Newcastle fans and showing them my brand of fighting."

"Chris Jenkins is a good opponent. He's won championship belts in Britain and he's just beaten a former unified world champion. This will be a tough fight between two warriors. This is an important year for me - I'm looking to make a big statement and put the rest of the 147-pound division on alert."

Gorman, the former WBC International Silver champion, will return to the ring for the first time in over a year as he takes on American Scott Alexander.

The 25-year-old, who holds an 18-1 record, is looking forward to a period of activity as he targets domestic titles and world rankings.

Tyneside legend Aaron Chalmers, announced last week as a new signing to the Boxxer stable, will also make his promotional debut on the card.

Coached by renowned trainer Adam Booth, Chalmers' millions of fans will be watching keenly as he transitions from his successful career in professional MMA.

Crap main event.

I like the Marku/Jenkins fight. Should be competitive and I appreciate Jenkins getting opportunities after he was messed around by FWarren over the Benn fight.

Not fussed by the Gorman fight and hopefully there’s more to add.

Just one U.K. show for Sky in March by the looks of things.

That’s good we’ve got Nathan Gormans annual warm up fight for next years warm up fight.

maverick23 wrote: ↑22 Feb 2022, 11:51 Crap main event.

I like the Marku/Jenkins fight. Should be competitive and I appreciate Jenkins getting opportunities after he was messed around by FWarren over the Benn fight.

Not fussed by the Gorman fight and hopefully there’s more to add.

Just one U.K. show for Sky in March by the looks of things.

The main event will be the Marshall fight you reckon?

jameswilson wrote: ↑22 Feb 2022, 12:13 That’s good we’ve got Nathan Gormans annual warm up fight for next years warm up fight.

Give the lad a break. He only signed with Wasserman 5 months ago and it takes a while to negotiate big fights like this.

Josh Kelly also signed with Wasserman last September- I’m surprised he’s not going back on the show.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑22 Feb 2022, 12:16

maverick23 wrote: ↑22 Feb 2022, 11:51 Crap main event.

I like the Marku/Jenkins fight. Should be competitive and I appreciate Jenkins getting opportunities after he was messed around by FWarren over the Benn fight.

Not fussed by the Gorman fight and hopefully there’s more to add.

Just one U.K. show for Sky in March by the looks of things.

The main event will be the Marshall fight you reckon?

The way they’re talking I think it’s the only option. They’ll probs try and get Claressa there too for another bit of verbal.

jameswilson wrote: ↑22 Feb 2022, 12:13 That’s good we’ve got Nathan Gormans annual warm up fight for next years warm up fight.

Didn't realise Gorman left FW.. unless I forgot.

Press Release

Savannah “The Silent Assassin” Marshall’s defense of her WBO middleweight title against former WBO champion Femke Hermans has moved to Saturday 2nd April and will headline an all-action event airing live and exclusively in the UK on Sky Sports.

The show, previously scheduled for March, will be a co-promotion with Wasserman Boxing and take place at Newcastle Utilita Arena, which in October hosted Marshall’s stunning second-round stoppage of Lolita Muzeya. That win maintained Marshall’s undefeated record, extended her run of stoppage wins to seven and kept the WBO championship belt around her waist.

Earlier this month, Marshall was in Cardiff to watch bitter rival Claressa Shields defend her world championship titles against Ema Kozin by unanimous decision. When the American star exited the ring, she and Marshall became embroiled in a war of words, raising tensions between the two to fever pitch.

Marshall must now ensure she defeats the dangerous Hermans (12-3, 5 KO’s), the current EBU European Female Champion, to set up one of the most long-awaited showdowns in recent memory and the biggest fight in the history of women’s professional boxing.

Belgium’s Hermans is a tough and experienced operator who previously took Shields the distance when she challenged her for the unified WBA, WBC, and IBF middleweight titles in 2018 and will be hoping to secure a rematch if she can beat Marshall in Newcastle.

“I'm really happy to be going back to Newcastle Utilita Arena after the amazing reception I received there last time. Femke is a very tough girl and it's going to be a hard night's work but I'm really looking forward to putting on a show. I'm sorry to anyone who has been inconvenienced by the date change but I hope everyone who wants to be there can still be there. I really can't wait,” said Marshall.

Also confirmed for Newcastle is “The Albanian King” Florian Marku (10-0, 6 KO’s), competing in what will be the first bout of his new exclusive contract with BOXXER, in a key domestic encounter with former British and Commonwealth Champion Chris ‘Rock n Rolla’ Jenkins (23-4, 8 KO’s).

Marku maintained his undefeated record in November and showcased his cerebral boxing skills as he steadily outpointed Jorick Luisetto, while Jenkins is coming off an emphatic decision win over former unified super-lightweight world champion Julius Indongo in Cardiff earlier this month. The winner takes a big step closer to competing for major title honors later this year.

“I’m excited for my first fight of the year, it’s going to be the start of very big things. I love fighting in new places so I’m looking forward to entertaining the amazing Newcastle fans and showing them my brand of fighting,” said Marku.

“Chris Jenkins is a good opponent. He’s won championship belts in Britain and he’s just beaten a former unified world champion. This will be a tough fight between two warriors. This is an important year for me - I’m looking to make a big statement at the Utilita Arena and put the rest of the 147 pound division on alert.”

Jenkins added, ‘At this stage of my career, I want the biggest fights available to me. Marku is a good fighter who also has a big following. I can’t wait.”

Having signed promotional terms with Wasserman Boxing, Nantwich Heavyweight Nathan Gorman (18-1, 12 KO’s) is back in action as he looks to kick-start his promising career with a statement win against Scott Alexander (16-4-2, 8 KO’s).

Gorman, the former WBC International Silver Champion, will return to the ring for the first time in over a year following his second round TKO win over Pavel Sour at London’s Copper Box Arena on 27th March 2021.

The 25-year-old is looking forward to a period of activity as he targets domestic titles and world rankings, starting with a tough test in the North East against 32-year-old LA-native Alexander, who has previously gone the distance with Heavyweight contenders Carlos Negron and Travis Kaufmann.

“I’ve been out of the ring for a year so I can’t wait to get back out under the lights,” said Gorman. “It’s an exciting time for me. I’ve got a big brand backing me in Wasserman and I’m fighting on a huge platform with Sky Sports. This is a new adventure for me and I can’t wait to get started.

“Scott Alexander is a decent opponent. He’s been in there with some good names, and he’s never been stopped. If I give a good performance and get the stoppage that will send a statement to the Heavyweight division.”

"I'm focused, ready, and excited to fight in the UK, they have great fans and an amazing atmosphere,” said Alexander. "I'm grateful for the opportunity and I'm looking forward to showcasing my skills to the boxing world and demonstrating that I belong in there with the best in the heavyweight division."

Tyneside legend and national celebrity Aaron Chalmers, announced last week as a new signing to the BOXXER stable, will also make his promotional debut on this card. Coached by renowned trainer Adam Booth, Chalmers’ millions of fans will be watching keenly as he makes transitions from his successful career in professional MMA.

Alexander's fight record is telling. Hasn't beaten any live opponents* but seems to be a tough enough lump that he might give Gorman some rounds.


*I take that back, he's won twice at the Big Punch Arena** in Tijuana. I think that's where Chris Lovejoy built his incredible record so not to be sniffed at.

** Why not the Big Punch Bowl? An open goal missed there I feel.

Can the commision, ref, and both sides agree to keep this fight running even if jenkins head is leaking gallons of blood.

IF they can agree on that this is a good fight and i think id back jenkins. But with Markus heavyweight head swinging around i could see this being jenkins 90th tech Draw.

Fight week!!

Wow. No one cares for this fight eh?

This is my favourite fight on the card. The rest of it is poor.

Just seen a poster for the show and no mention of Nathan Gorman.

So we’ve got the poor Marshall fight, this, Bradley Rea is what should be a comfortable fight and then mismatches.

I think this may be my least favourite Sky show since they’ve been with Boxxer.

maverick23 wrote: ↑29 Mar 2022, 07:45 Just seen a poster for the show and no mention of Nathan Gorman.

So we’ve got the poor Marshall fight, this, Bradley Rea is what should be a comfortable fight and then mismatches.

I think this may be my least favourite Sky show since they’ve been with Boxxer.

Sav will main event won't she?

Good thing Shields won't be there.. Don't wanna hear cats scream again.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑29 Mar 2022, 06:17 Wow. No one cares for this fight eh?

It's all right, but don't expect a ton of posts about it on a Tuesday afternoon !

A woman's showcase fight @ top of the bill is meh. Even if it is to set up one of the few women's fight's I'd actually look forward to.
Still we get The Albanian King vs Jenkins and a Heavyweight - not like it's terrible.

Hosea 'The Blob' Stewart is back for his second fight on this card as well. He's fighting the same guy he fought on debut tho so don't think you're suffering from deja vu.

Jenkins is always in a good fight, always gets cut too....

It's some boxing to watch , that's about it .

rd350lc wrote: ↑29 Mar 2022, 17:37 It's some boxing to watch , that's about it .

Only fight on the weekend..

Well we have the Spanish DAZN card.

Coco wrote: ↑29 Mar 2022, 17:15 Jenkins is always in a good fight, always gets cut too....

He better pray Josh Warrington doesn't announce a move to 140.

jameswilson wrote: ↑29 Mar 2022, 17:43

Coco wrote: ↑29 Mar 2022, 17:15 Jenkins is always in a good fight, always gets cut too....

He better pray Josh Warrington doesn't announce a move to 140.

lol....that fight would be like

Jenkins vs The Bear is a good fight.

Couldn't give a flying eff about the women's fight is there really demand to make that a main event?

I'm totally out of touch with modern boxing it seems

Zak Chelli is fighting Diego Costa