Savannah Marshall is relishing her biggest test yet as a professional and boxing on a big stage just weeks after entertaining a national TV audience.
The Hartlepool boxer will take her next ringsteps towards a world title showdown with unbeaten IBF and WBC champion Claressa Shields by fighting the much-vaunted Alejandra Ayala in London on Friday night.
The Mexican number one will be a difficult assignment for the 27-year-old – and that’s just how the ex-Headland ABC star wants it at the famous York Hall in the capital’s Eastend.
Ayala has lost only twice in 10 contests and has never been stopped, while five of her successes have come inside the distance.
“It’s the perfect fight,” said Marshall, who has completed her training camp with coach, Peter Fury, in Nottingham.
“Ayala looks tough and has a good record.
“She’s been the distance away in Canada with a girl who has won the North American title so it will be a hard contest.”
With the Hayemaker Ringstar show a sell-out , Marshall will not have her regular band of fans in the arena.
But her supporters can still get to see her with satellite broadcaster, Dave, showing the action free this evening.
Marshall was a big hit on Channel 5 last month when she beat the Czech Republic’s Ester Konecna in Bolton inside two rounds.
“Ester came in at late notice and I’m grateful for her stepping up to the plate,” said the ex-world gold medalist.
“She did not have the best of records but she’d been in with some good girls and had gone the distance with a couple of GB girls.
“I think it was important to make a statement by getting the stoppage and I was pleased with how I got her out of there.
“It’s great to be fighting in London again and to be at the York Hall, which is one of the best venues in boxing. It’s being shown live on Dave as well so people will be able to watch it.”
Marshall is thrilled to be part of a big event headlined by Joe Joyce’s bout with Croatia’s former world title challenger Ivica Bacurin and including two other female bouts.
Hayemaker boxer Ruqsana Begum takes on Ivanka Ivanova in a re-match after the rivals drew at the same venue in March while Sam SJ Smith faces on in-form African Anisha Basheel for the vacant Commonwealth lightweight title.
“I was in the same team as Joe for the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics,” the ex-Headland ABC middleweight told punch-lines. “It’s brilliant to be fighting on the same show.
“Michael Page is an MMA fighter who doubles up as a boxer and he’s on too.
“There are two good female fights on so it’s good to be in the mix too.
“It’s a fantastic card and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins/ Hartlepool Life
