Savannah Marshall is trying not to weigh herself down with thoughts of the enormity of Saturday night’s world title challenge.
Of course, it does not help when journalists like your punch-lines writer remind the Hartlepool fighter just what’s at stake.
Marshall can make history in London this weekend if she can beat fellow Brit Hannah Rankin for the vacant WBO middleweight title.
The 29-year-old, with eight wins from eight professional appearances, will start as the slight favourite at the SSE Wembley Arena.
Not only is it the only world championship contest on the Sky Box Office event, the ‘Silent Assassin’ can record a notable achievement.
Victory would make her the first Briton to follow World Championship gold in the amateur game by winning a world professional title … in the ring at least.
Marshall’s friend and former Team GB colleague, Nicola Adams, did get her hands on the WBO flyweight belt, but the Strictly star was awarded it as opposed to winning it inside the ropes.
While the Peter Fury-trained star admits victory over the 30-year-old would be a “dream come true” her focus is on beating her arch-rival rather than thinking about what is on the line.
“Me and Peter have been talking about this,” Savannah told punch-lines.
“Peter doesn’t think having the world on my shoulders is a good thing.
“We want Saturday to be more about showing who I am and how I can perform.
“Yes, it’s a huge show and who wouldn’t want to fight on the Usyk-Chisora bill? But i’m just excited about getting the opportunity to box.
“After lockdown ended and the shows returned I’ve had to sit and watch every female boxer there is get to fight, every one except me!
“It’s a very good fight too against Hannah and one I can’t wait for.”
It is a fascinating affair which will be shown live on Sky Box Office.
While Marshall has a cupboard full of medals from her time on the amateur scene, her opponent has a professional record of greater depth.
The London-based Scot has won nine of her 13 bouts, with three of her four defeats coming in title contests, each against top opposition and all overseas.
Unlike Savannah, who has not boxed for 12 months, Hannah got in a fight pre-lockdown, stopping Hungary’s Eva Bajic in three rounds in Paisley at the end pf February.
Click here for more information how to order Sky Sports Box Office.
It’s a packed card, topped by the heavyweight clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Derek Chisora, and including ex-world champion Lee Selby’s IBF final eliminator with George Kambosos Jnr.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins/ Hartlepool Life
