Savannah Marshall is “in for a shock” when she attempts to add the world professional title to her world amateur gold medal.
So says Hannah Rankin who stands in the 28-year-old’s way for WBO middleweight glory at Peterborough’s East of England Arena.
As the owner of a full set of world medals and Commonwealth Games gold, Marshall (pictured) has tons of amateur pedigree, while Rankin has greater pro experience with three world title fights under her belt.
The 30-year-old Scot believes that advantage will be key in the battle for the vacant belt while accusing the ‘Silent Assassin’ of being obsessed with a showdown with Claressa Shields, who she defeated in China in 2012 .
“All we ever hear about is that fight,” said Rankin.
“The amateur circuit is nothing like the professional ranks. Claressa has gone on to do amazing things.
“She’s one of the best female fighters we are going to see in this generation. To just talk about an amateur win over her is nothing as far as I’m concerned.
“If she’s concentrating on that fight and she’s looking past me then she’s in for a huge shock.
“She’s not getting past me on October 17th. That world title is coming home with me and I don’t know where she’s going to go from there.”
Rankin who has won nine times from 13 appearances, including two victories inside the distance, is a former IBO light-middleweight world champion.
She’s also a regular over the championship distance compared to Hartlepool star Marshall, who has ended six of her eight bouts early.
“I’m not going to try something new,” added Rankin.
“I’ve been there before and I know how my body is going to feel.
“I know how I react at championship distance as a middleweight fighter.
“It’s going to be a bit of a disadvantage for her.
“She’s never made middleweight, so she’s got to come down to make that weight first of all on the scales.
“I’m sure she will, her and Peter Fury are very professional.
“It’s how she’s going to feel when she makes that weight, we’re in the ring and we’re heading into the later rounds.
“How is her body going to hold up to that championship distance?
“She’s not had much experience fighting anyone of a high level really.
“This is going to be the first time she’s faced someone who’s had a full camp. “I’m coming to win and I’m going home with that belt. It’s going to be a brand-new experience for her.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins/ Hartlepool Life
