Middleweight world champions Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall have engaged in a war of words on social media.
Shields will make his UK debut next Saturday, February 5, as part of the undercard to the middleweight clash between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Williams.
Shields will defend her WBA, IBF, WBC middleweight titles to make a mandatory defense against Ema Kozin.
Shields is a huge favorite to win, and a victory will set up a unification grudge match with Marshall – likely around the summer.
After Marshall took a swipe at Shields on social media, the drama erupted.
“You’re a bum, you only fight last minute replacements, and I can’t wait to whup her ass and smoke you next,” Shields stated.
Marshall would then hit back with: “Your next opponent has declined a fight with me three times yet accepted a fight with you. Wonder why? Pillow fists.”
Shields is refusing to bite her tongue when it comes to Marshall.
“I don’t care about being nice! Especially when a chick thinks she is going to keep coming for me,” Shields said.
“So if it’s no respect for me, I have none for you. That goes for everybody. After I put on a show and display my phenomenal skills on February 5 a lot of folks better apologize.”
Back in 2012, Marshall handed Shields a loss in the amateur ranks. It’s only time Shields has tasted defeat in a boxing ring. As an amateur, Shields captured two Olympic gold medals – and as a pro, she became a three division champion with undisputed mantles at junior middleweight and middleweight.