Savannah Marshall warned of Lolita Muzeya’s KO threat as Claressa Shields super-fight looms | Boxing News

Savannah Marshall insists she would be « a fool to overlook anyone » as Lolita Muzeya aims to ruin the dream fight with Claressa Shields.

Undefeated Marshall will put her WBO middleweight title on the line against Muzeya on Saturday in Newcastle, live on Sky Sports, alongside Hughie Fury’s heavyweight fight and Chris Eubank Jr’s return.

Victory for Marshall keeps her on a collision course with long-term rival Shields, the two-division undisputed champion, in what would be the biggest women’s fight of all time.

Marshall insisted that she isn’t thinking of Shields yet: « It doesn’t come into play. It’s Lolita that’s in front of me, Lolita that’s there on Saturday night.

« I know I will beat Claressa. And I know I will beat Lolita. But saying it and doing it are different things.

« Lolita is in my way. I’ll get shot of her and crack back on with Claressa. »

BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom said: « As she said, Savannah needs to focus on Lolita who is a top fighter.

« We are looking to unify in December. We signed Claressa to a two-fight deal.

« We know it’s going to happen. We know both fighters want it.

« We believe Savannah is the best fighter in the world.

« With [her trainer] Peter Fury behind her as well? There is nothing that can stop her. »

Marshall said about Saturday’s opponent: « I’m expecting a tough fight from Lolita.

« I’d be a fool to overlook anyone.

« She’s unbeaten, she doesn’t know what it’s like to lose.

« I expect the best version of her.

« I am well-prepared for anything Lolita brings.

« I’m confident in my skills. I can punch, I can box on the back foot or come forwards. »

Her trainer Peter Fury added: « It’s about boxing and skills, not all about power. »

Marshall’s challenger Muzeya, the Zambian who has won all 16 of her fights so far, said: « She is a champion and a good boxer but has never faced someone like me.

« There is only one Lolita!

« You will see what is going to happen.

« It is going to change my life – that’s why I’m here to win. »

Sky Sports Boxing schedule

October 16 – Top Rank in San Diego
Emanuel Navarette vs Joet Gonzalez – WBO featherweight title

October 16 – BOXXER in Newcastle
Savannah Marshall vs Lolita Muzeya – WBO middleweight title
Hughie Fury vs Christian Hammer
Chris Eubank Jr vs Wanik Awdijan

October 24 – Top Rank in Atlanta
Jamel Herring vs Shakur Stevenson – WBO super-featherweight title

October 31 – Top Rank in New York
Jose Zepeda vs Josue Vargas

November 6 – Top Rank in Las Vegas
Mikaela Mayer vs Maiva Hamadouche – IBF and WBO super-featherweight titles

November 6 – BOXXER in Liverpool

November 20 – BOXXER in London
Richard Riakporhe vs Olanrewaju Durodola
Caroline Dubois professional debut

November 20 – Top Rank in Las Vegas
Terence Crawford vs Shawn Porter – WBO welterweight title

December 11 – Top Rank in Las Vegas
Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Richard Commey

December 17 – Top Rank in Montreal
Artur Beterbiev vs Marcus Browne – IBF and WBC light-heavyweight titles

December 18 – Top Rank in Glasgow
Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall – undisputed super-lightweight title