Claressa Shields Vs. Savannah Marshall: Odds, Records, Prediction

The last person to beat Claressa Shields in a boxing ring will now be the most important opponent of her pro career. That’s because Savannah Marshall, who decisioned Shields when they were amateurs in 2012, is more talented than anybody on Shields’ resume, and according to the sports books, Marshall has a real chance to beat the woman who calls herself the GWOAT for the undisputed middleweight championship. Here’s everything you need to know about Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall, including the odds, their records and a prediction on who will win.

Shields is happy to point out that she was only 17 when she lost to Marshall and that she’s much better now a decade later than she was as a teenager. Which, you know, is pretty hard to argue against.

“Having one loss in the amateurs and being able to turn pro and do everything that I’ve done since, I don’t really care about (that loss),” Shields said. “But I think it’s a great story and storyline, and I guess we’ve got history. She doesn’t like me. I don’t like her, and I’m looking forward to fighting.”

Since that defeat, Shields has had a fantastic career, winning multiple undisputed championships and beating some big names (though she also hasn’t really had a signature victory against an opponent who had a real chance of beating her). Meanwhile, Marshall, in the past two years, has built her record against opponents who are decent but not A-level fighters (and a few of them had already lost to Shields).

Shields has won 10 legitimate world titles. Marshall only has one.

And the relationship between the two … well, it’s been a little icy.

“I’m a fan of Claressa Shields,” Marshall said. “What she’s done for the sport is amazing. She’s a pioneer for the sport, but the reality is, she doesn’t beat me. The first time we fought she didn’t perform and she won’t again. That’s what it is, and it kills her. It burns her inside. I’ve knocked out people you went 10 rounds with. I’m not just going to beat you. I’m going to hurt you and outbox you. That’s all you need to know. I’m a better fighter. I’ll have all her world titles.”

This fight was originally supposed to take place last month, but it was postponed after Queen Elizabeth’s death. On Saturday, the two are even more ready to match up to see who’s better in 2022.

“I think she will come up short,” Marshall said. “I believe I’m a better boxer than Claressa. I believe I have always been. I cannot wait. Saturday couldn’t come quick enough. We had a 12-week camp and a five-week pushback. I’m just itching to get in there now.”

Here’s more info on the Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall showdown that U.S. viewers can watch on ESPN+ beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall odds

This is mostly seen as a pick ‘em fight, but as of this writing, Shields is the slight betting favorite at -120 (bet $120 to win $100), while Marshall is the +115 underdog (earn a $115 profit on a $100 wager). Several months ago, Marshall was the -125 favorite while Shields was +100, more money has come in on Shields. For me, the safest bet for this fight is probably Shields to win by decision at +120.

If you were looking for a fun parlay for this weekend’s action of boxing (and this is only for entertainment purposes), I might take Shields to beat Marshall by decision at +120, Devin Haney to beat George Kambosos by decision at -200 and Deontay Wilder to knock out Robert Helenius at -450. Hitting that parlay would pay off at about 3/1.

Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall records

So much has been made in the leadup to this bout about how Marshall was the last person to beat Shields. Which is impressive considering Shields (12-0, 2 KOs) has been so good as a pro, winning the undisputed championship at junior middleweight and middleweight. Her greatest wins so far have come against Christina Hammer, Hanna Gabriels and Marie Eve Dicaire.

Even though Marshall and Shields have the same record, there’s no doubt that Marshall’s punching power is much greater. She’s 12-0 with 10 KOs. Marshall and Shields share three opponents: Femke Hermans, Hannah Rankin and Sydney LeBlanc. Shields beat them all by wide decision. Marshall, on the other hand, knocked out Hermans and Rankin.

Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall prediction

Ten years ago, Marshall stunned Shields. I don’t think that will happen again. Marshall does have knockout power, and since she doesn’t have to worry about Shields’ strength, that will allow her to be more aggressive. But ultimately, Shields is one of the top boxers in the sport. She’s going to be too good for Marshall. Say Shields by decision, somewhere in the 97-93 range.