Savannah Marshall says she had no hesitation in agreeing to move up in weight to challenge for the world tile.
Only the second Great Britain boxer ever to win world amateur gold in 2012, the unbeaten Hartlepool fighter aims for global glory as a professional on Saturday, April 4, when she challenges for the WBO light-heavyweight title.
New Zealand’s Geovana Peres puts her belt on the line against the two-time Olympian at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, where Lewis Ritson headlines with a match up with ex-world champion Miguel Vazquez.
Marshall is a champion already but at super-middle, winning the WBA Inter-continental crown, and now moves up a pound or seven to fight the veteran Kiwi after promoter Eddie Hearn proposed the contest to her trainer, Peter Fury.
“This fight was put to me,” said the 28-year-old.
“I’d been hoping for a fight with Hannah Rankin, but I think she was umming and arring about taking it.
“Then Eddie asked Peter about this.
“I don’t want to be waiting around [for a world title shot] so decided to go for this.
“Peter thinks this will be good for my career and lift my profile.
“It’s not at my weight but it’s my dream to be world champion and my chance is here.
“I won’t be piling on any weight for this fight – I intend to come back down to super middle quite soon.”
It would be folly for Marshall to bulk up – why slow yourself down when speed and agility is so important?
Those skills could prove key against her Brazilian-born opponent, who turned 43 last week.
After losing on her pro debut three years ago, Peres has reeled off eight straight wins, the same tally as her challenger, every one of her bouts having been in her home city of Auckland.
Marshall discounts the age difference as being a factor.
“I don’t think the female boxers mature until their late 30s,” she said.
“Terri Harper beat Eva Wahlstrom last week to become the WBC super-featherweight champ and Eva’s 39 and had been world champion for five years.
“I really don’t think age is a factor in women’s boxing.
“Geovana looks tough and she’s the reigning champion, she’s not coming all this way just to give up her title.
“But this is my dream and I intend to take it.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
