The current undisputed super-middleweight world champion, Franchon Crews-Dezurn, challenges Savannah Marshall. American Crews-Dezurn says she is willing to travel to the United Kingdom for the fight on the appropriate terms.
Embed from Getty Images“I have no problem, especially seeing the success of that all-female card and the reception of the fans and how the UK supports women’s boxing,” Crews-Dezurn told Sky Sports. “So of course I would be open to it.
Embed from Getty Images“As long as the terms are correct, as long as the money is correct, of course.
“I’m a worldwide woman, I’m a world champion and I feel comfortable anywhere I go.”
In October, Crews-Dezurn watched Claressa Shields’ uncontested match over Marshall from the stands at the O2 Arena.
“I was front row and after I went to the ring and called [Marshall] out,” Crews-Dezurn said.
“She’s a very worthy opponent as well. She’s strong, she has experience. But I went straight to her front door to let her know I’m willing and able to fight you.
“But don’t try to short-change me when I’m bringing all the marbles to the table. Give me the due diligence and the respect as an undisputed champion, who’s giving you an opportunity to become a champion again after you lost your belt,” she added.
“She’s a very worthy opponent as well. She’s strong, she has experience. But I went straight to her front door to let her know I’m willing and able to fight you.
“But don’t try to short-change me when I’m bringing all the marbles to the table. Give me the due diligence and the respect as an undisputed champion, who’s giving you an opportunity to become a champion again after you lost your belt,” she added.
“We have tried to pursue that fight.”
Shields and Marshall engaged in a fight over ten years ago as amateurs, which started a historic rivalry between the two of them. Marshall and Crews-Dezurn boxed each other as amateurs. Crews-Dezurn contends that Marshall defeated her 14–12 in the Olympic Test Event in London in 2011.
“There’s a reason she doesn’t say my name. There’s a reason she beats around the bush on that [fight],” the American insisted.
“I fought her in the UK as an amateur. They had the Olympic Test Event at the ExCel Centre and I was beating her by two points going into the last round and next thing I know I’m losing by two points in the end.”
In March, Crews-Dezurn will probably face former unified super-welterweight champion Hanna Gabriels to defend her uncontested title. Gabriels would drop to 168 pounds to contend for the undisputed title while holding titles at light-heavy and heavyweight.
“I feel like this is just the beginning, I climbed to the top of one mountain. Now I’m ready to go to another,” Crews-Dezurn said.
But it means the window to make the fight with Marshall is narrowing. Her final message to the Briton: “At the end of the day, it’s my show, it’s my car. I’m driving it right now. I’m here. Just make it worth my while. We can do it.”