As if there aren’t enough belts on the line at the 02 where Savannah Marshall meets Claressa Shields, the World Boxing Council have added another.
The winner of the world middleweight unification clash in London will be presented with the new WBC ‘Elizabethan Belt’ in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
It becomes the SIXTH title the two unbeaten greats will contest on the huge BOXXER event with Marshall the WBO champ and Shields bringing the IBF, WBA and WBC crowns, while she also has the famous Ring magazine belt.
A bit tacky? An incredible tribute? That is for you to judge, but may be given that our Queen of the last 70 years died just two days before this event was due to take place and she was one of life’s great female figures of the 20th and 21st centuries perhaps it’s a good call.
The WBC say ‘the Elizabethan Belt is tastefully yet lavishly designed, befitting both the majesty of the woman in whose name and image it is created as well as the significance of this historic all-female boxing event featuring the epic battle between Shields and Marshall’.
Certainly the Hartlepool fighter recognises its significance is up for keeping the new work of art on our islands.
“I think the belt is brilliant,” said the 31-year-old ;’Silent Assassin’.
“The WBC always pulls out the stops.
“It’s one of a kind and it’s staying in the UK.
“How can she walk away with that? That can’t leave this country, it wouldn’t be right.”
The Queen was not a noted boxing fan, though her dad King George VI was, her favourite being horse racing.
But it is her devotion and service which is being recognised here and at such a high-profile night for the sport.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán said: “Queen Elizabeth II will live forever in our hearts and minds, the boxing world unites to render homage to one of the greatest human beings that ever lived, here where boxing was born.”
Ben Shalom, BOXXER’s CEO, added: “This is a wonderful tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II in what will be an iconic event for boxing.
“We are hugely grateful and proud to partner with Mauricio Sulaimán and the WBC.
“The Elizabethan Belt will provide an extra special incentive for both fighters – and this incredible, commemorative championship will provide the perfect legacy for the winner.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Lawrence Lustig/ BOXXER
