Error code: %{errorCode}

Boxing

Natasha Jonas compares Marshall vs. Shields to Eubank Jr. vs. Benn

Alexander Netherton
Natasha Jonas compares Marshall vs. Shields to Eubank Jr. vs. BennDAZN

Natasha Jonas compared Savannah Marshall vs. Claressa Shields to the rivalry between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank.

Eubank and Benn put on two memorable fights to tee up a fight between their sons - Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr. - shown live on DAZN on October 8.

Writing on the BBC, Jonas said: “It has the feel of a Nigel Benn v Chris Eubank rivalry, and women's boxing needs that. We need different characters. The men have the pretty boy character, the flash boxer, the trash talker, whereas we haven't quite developed that in women's boxing yet, but we're getting there.

“Claressa has the opportunity to right the only wrong that has blemished her boxing record, while Savannah has the opportunity to set her straight.

“This is a genuine 50/50 fight, which boxing fans are always screaming out for, and it's a rivalry which isn't forced or manufactured. They really don't like each other.

“The general feeling is that Claressa will win on points or Savannah will be victorious by knockout, and I do buy into that.”

Jonas believes the American has the slight edge, explaining: “Savannah can box, make no mistake. She is a great technical fighter. But if pushed for a prediction, I think Claressa will be winning on the cards when Savannah lands and wins by stoppage. She has that one-punch power which is just devastating.

“In 20 minutes, with ten two-minute rounds, a shot will definitely land. Claressa can be elusive for a while, but not for the whole fight.”