A world amateur champion in 2012 and a professional global winner in 2020 – that’s the plan for Savannah Marshall.
The unbeaten Hartlepool star will take on WBO world light-heavyweight champion Geovana Peres in Newcastle on Saturday, April 4.
It is a step up in class and weight for the 28-year-old, who has been operating in the division below since turning pro, winning the WBA Inter-continental super-middleweight crown in 2018.
But the former Commonwealth Games gold medallist, who became only the second British boxer to become a world amateur champion when she struck gold in China on her 21st birthday in 2012, will be confident of glory at the Utilita Arena.
Marshall v Peres is on the same bill as fellow Hartlepool boxer, Lewis Ritson, who headlines the Matchroom event with a welterweight match against former world champ, Miguel Vazquez, while another Neil Fannan ace, Tommy Ward, is also on the cast list.
For Marshall, it’s a huge chance to join Britain’s growing list of world champions.
The Peter Fury-trained sensation has won all eight of her professional contest, six via stoppage.
Her confrontation with Peres will present a difficult challenge.
Not only is the veteran New Zealander from the weight category above Marshall’s current division, she is currently on an eight-bout winning streak, including an eighth-round stoppage in her maiden defence last October in her native Auckland, where she defeated Canada’s Claire Hafner.
But optimism is high in Team Marshall.
Coach Peter Fury said: “If she’s fortunate enough to lift this world title, which I think she will, then we’ll look to unify the belts in all divisions.
“Light-heavy, super-middle, then drop down to middle.
“She’s been in the gym constantly, so she’s learned, she’s matured well.”
Marshall is in terrific nick with confidence to match.
She was one of the stars of the last major show at the Utilita Arena, with a ruthless stoppage of America’s Ashleigh Curry last October for her eighth successive victory.
Marshall v Peres is part of a huge show on Tyneside as promoter Eddie Hearn explained.
“I can’t wait to be back in Newcastle, it’s become an absolute must on the boxing calendar,” said Hearn.
“After his fight of the year contender with Robbie Davies Jr, Lewis Ritson is straight back in the deep end against former world lightweight king Miguel Vazquez as he continues his quest to challenge for a world title in 2020.
“Savannah Marshall looks to continue the run for women’s boxing as she moves up in weight to challenge for the WBO light-heavyweight World title against champion Geovana Peres and world number three Thomas Patrick Ward looks to continue his impressive rise.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins/ Hartlepool Life
