Sometimes you just can’t predict what will happen on fight night and that very much looks the case in Saturday’s world middleweight showdown in Newcastle.
It is where Savannah Marshall will make the second defence of her WBO belt against fellow undefeated fighter Lolita Muzeya.
To say the 30-year-old Zambian is an unknown quantity would be something of an understatement.
Her record is a perfect one – 16 successes with eight inside the distance – but she has yet to step foot outside of Africa, until now.
When punch-lines caught up with her at Thursday’s media day at St James’s Park, she looked relaxed, wore a warm smile and exuded a quiet confidence.
“I’m happy to be here,” she said.
“It’s a great chance I’ve been given and I’m ready for the fight.
“I feel good and while I’ve not fought outside of Africa this is not a problem, I’ll fight anywhere
I’ve been watching her fights and she’s a good boxer and I respect her, but all I can say is that she’s never faced someone like me. There’s only one Lolita.”
Muzeya was quite coy when asked what sort of style and approach the capacity Utilita Arena audience can expect to see on the night against the WBO champion, who has won all 10 of her bots, eight inside the distance.
“All I want to say is that the fans can expect a good fight from me, you will see how I box on the night,” she said.
“I’m excited, I’m prepared, I’m ready and I’m confident in my skills.”
The Marshall v Muzeya confrontation is one of three female bouts being staged by promoters BOXXER and Sky Sports.
To have 33 per cent of the bill as women’s boxing provides a great platform for the sport and those starring tonight.
North Shields’s April Hunter faces her first all-English affair when she meets Kirstie Bavington, from Dudley, while former ABA finalist, Georgia O’Connor, from Durham, makes her professional debut against the experienced Czech fighter, Ester Konečná.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins
