CLARESSA SHIELDS is tipping another American fighter to pick up a victory in Great Britain.
Franchon Crews Dezurn 8-1 (2) lands on UK shores this summer to face Savannah Marshall 12-1 (10) on July 1 at Manchester Arena. The contest pits Baltimore against Hartlepool at super-middleweight with all sanctioning body belts at stake. Their fight serves as chief support to the Liam Smith-Chris Eubank Jr rematch.
Shields is no stranger to fight fans this side of the Atlantic having fought twice here in 2022 with wins against Ema Kozin and Marshall. The 28-year-old Michigan middleweight, who has also beaten Crews, spoke to Boxing Scene about how her compatriot stacks up against the Brit.
“I believe Franchon will win the fight. Franchon is stronger than Savannah Marshall. And I can say that after experiencing both of them inside the ring. She’s mentally stronger than Savannah Marshall, also.
“Franchon is a hundred percent confident in her skills, her power, her grit, her heart. She just won’t lay down for Savannah, like no matter what. So, I believe that Franchon will win this fight.”
Crews has yet to taste defeat since losing to Shields on her debut over four rounds seven years ago. Marshall, meanwhile, will be moving up to 168lbs officially for the first time following her defeat to Shields at 160lbs last October.