Talk about not wasting any time.
The Savannah Marshall v Hannah Rankin battle for the vacant WBO world middleweight title is ON and what a stage for it to be on!
Marshall v Rankin will be part of the Oleksandr Usyk v Derek Chisora undercard on Saturday, October 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
The bitter rivals were set to meet on the Lewis Ritson v Miguel Vazquez show in Peterborough at the weekend, only for the Hartlepool star’s trainer Peter Fury to be positive for corona virus.
Matchroom supremo, Eddie Hearn, vowed he would find a suitable home for what promises to be a classic England v Scotland battle and he has not let us down.
“Honestly it has been a dream to have this fight rescheduled so quickly,” said Marshall.
“After the past week I’ve just been overjoyed with the news.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better or bigger platform than on the Usyk v Chisora bill.
“It was frustrating that the fight fell through, but it’s one of those things.
“There was nothing I could have done about it. Peter is OK which is the main thing.
“My training won’t change and will just be like any other training routine 10 days out from a fight. Nothing will change. It hasn’t got more personal for me, as me and Rankin are just two girls that can’t wait for a dust up with each other.”
There is genuine needle between the pair, which always makes for a better occasion.
And neither is short on confidence, with Rankin vowing to take the belt to Scotland.
“It is great that the fight has been rescheduled so soon, thank you to Eddie Hearn and Matchroom for sorting it all out,” said Rankin.
“Nothing changes for me. I will be crowned WBO middleweight world champion on October 31.”
Adam Smith, head of boxing development at Sky Sports, said: “It’s fantastic news that Savannah Marshall’s world title fight with Hannah Rankin has been swiftly rescheduled for the Usyk-Chisora bill, which is fast becoming an unmissable night of action.
“Women’s boxing has never been stronger and now we can look forward to an all-British battle between Marshall and Rankin, with the WBO Middleweight belt at stake.
“Savannah, a former Sky Scholar, has those polished amateur skills but Rankin has greater professional experience – it’s an enthralling encounter.”
Smith added: “Lee Selby is also targeting another world title shot on a stacked undercard, which also features Tommy McCarthy’s European title fight, before Usyk and Chisora take centre stage, in what promises to be a heavyweight classic!”
Words: Roy Kelly
