Updated:
Jan 4, 2023
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.
“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.
“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.”
