Peter Fury says Savannah Marshall is ready for a “war” if that’s what it takes to stay on top of the world.
The Hartlepool fighter makes the second defence of her WBO world middleweight belt on Saturday night when she faces Lolita Muzeya in Newcastle.
It is an intriguing battle of two undefeated 30-year-olds.
Marshall, who became the first British fighter in history (male or female) to win a world amateur and professional title inside the ring, has 10 straight victories, eight inside the distance, while Muzeya has eight early successes too in 16 bouts.
Having given Hannah Rankin a torrid night before stopping the brave Scot at Wembley last Halloween and then taking apart late sub Maria Lindberg in her maiden defence in April, the stoppage odds are low here.
But Muzeya is an unknown quantity and, given her record, and her quiet confidence it could be her toughest examination.
“We take every fight seriously,” he said.
“We don’t go looking for knock-outs, if they come, they come.
“We prepare for 10 rounds of war really, that’s my philosophy, I don’t prepare for anything less.
“If anything else comes along that’s a bonus, the important thing is getting the win.”
The Fury-Marshall alliance has certainly been a productive one and the man who hopes to train son, Hughie, to world title glory, marvels at the middleweight great he has in the Cheshire gym.
Peter has successfully guided a talent made in Hartlepool by Tim Coulter at the Headland gym and won pretty much every medal going in the amateur game with GB Boxing in Sheffield.
“She’s ready for Saturday,” Peter told punch-lines. “All the work’s been done, it’s just about getting the mindset right and away we go.
“I’m more than happy with Savannah, she’s a fabulous talent, it’s really just been about polishing the diamond.
“She has all the skill sets in the world.
“Savannah now knows she’s a world champion, she’s a phenomenal talent who believes in herself and she knows what she’s capable of doing.
“She also knows when she hits that she can hurt people as well.”
While Savannah defends her belt at the Utilita Arena, stablemate Hughie tackles Christian Hammer over 12 rounds at heavyweight on their first assignment for Boxxer and Sky Sports.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
