The PFL are at it again, signing another huge star to their roster from the world of female boxing. Savannah Marshall, the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring female super-middleweight champion has inked an exclusive deal with the PFL and will compete in MMA for the first time. Speaking to Sky Sports, Marshall said:
“I couldn’t have missed the opportunity and the PFL is one of the most innovative sports organisations in the world and to be fighting alongside Kayla Harrison, Amanda Serrano, you’ve also got Jake Paul. It’s an incredible opportunity and I’m thrilled that the PFL wanted me to be a part of it”
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨
Welcome to the Professional Fighters League! @Savmarshall1
The British’s boxing champion signs a exclusive MMA multi year deal pic.twitter.com/gtvpastCHE
— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 22, 2023
On the transition to MMA, Marshall spoke to ESPN and revealed that she’s considered a move over from boxing for a while. She stated:
“I’ve pondered on the idea for years because at one point, female boxing just seemed like it wasn’t going anywhere. This is pre-COVID. I’m quite good friends with Molly McCann, who is in the UFC, and I just seen the opportunities she was getting and the UFC were treating the men just as well as they were treating the women so I had contemplated on the fact of moving to MMA. I did a bit of [Brazilian jiu-jitsu] and MMA in the past, not a lot, only a little bit, and the opportunity had come up and I’m in a position now where I believe the PFL, it’s one of the biggest MMA sports organizations in the world, can take my profile to the next level.”
What is exciting about Marshall’s move over to MMA and in particular, the PFL is that she’s had a long-term rivalry with Claressa Shields. Shields is, of course, a member of the PFL roster having recently re-signed and competed in MMA for the PFL twice. The ‘GWOAT’ went 1-1 with the PFL in 2021, but is looking to pick up the 4oz gloves soon.
Marshall remains the only person to defeat Sheilds in boxing, albeit in the amateur ranks. Shields avenged that loss, however, last year with a one-sided 10-round victory. Fans will hope to see a trilogy, this time in the PFL and the world of MMA.
Marshall is, without a doubt a huge signing for the PFL and continues the trend of highly-rated boxers being signed to the PFL.
