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Boxing

Claressa Shields' 'ferociousness' will be too much for Savannah Marshall, predicts Mikaela Mayer

Alexander Netherton
Claressa Shields' 'ferociousness' will be too much for Savannah Marshall, predicts Mikaela Mayer(Getty Images)
The American is supporting her teammate and compatriot.

Mikaela Mayer has predicted victory for Claressa Shields when the American fights Savannah Marshall.

Marshall and Shields have been outspoken rivals for much of the last decade and the self-described ‘GWOAT’ watched Marshall defeat Femke Hermans at the weekend in Newcastle.

Mayer and Shields are teammates and she acknowledged that her support for Shields against the Briton is to be expected.

Speaking to Sky Sports, she said: "I'm going to sound biased, because Claressa is my team-mate and friend, but although Savannah is proven to have power, I think that Claressa's punch count and speed is a lot for anyone at that weight to handle.

"I do see her coming out on top, but either way I'll be there to support. I can't wait for it.

"Just her ferociousness, when she gets in the ring. She doesn't like to lose and so she has a chip on her shoulder because Savannah is the only one to ever beat her.

"I think we're going to see a different Claressa Shields that night, a scarier one!"

Nevertheless, she acknowledged Marshall’s ability, saying: "Savannah is a great boxer. I know her from the amateurs. She has obviously crossed over into the pros very well, she has a good name over there - people love her - and she seems to have a good pro style, some good pop.

"I think that her fight with Claressa Shields is going to be a great fight.

"This is what women's boxing needs, we need these rivalries, these big fights to happen.

"We've had so many in the past couple of years and this is just another of those really great ones. I can't wait to see it."