Claressa Shields’ Future Fights: Marshall Rematch, Laila Ali Exhibition.

Claressa Shields’ Future Fights: Rematch with Savannah Marshall or Exhibition with Laila Ali?

Dmitriy Salita, the longtime promoter of Claressa Shields, has proposed two exciting potential future events for the undefeated boxing champion. These include a rematch with Savannah Marshall and a highly anticipated exhibition bout with Laila Ali, the Hall of Fame boxer and daughter of the legendary Muhammad Ali.

Shields Defends Undisputed Title and Faces Controversy

Claressa Shields, who is 16-0 with 3 KOs, most recently triumphed over Danielle Perkins in a unanimous decision during her homecoming in Flint, Michigan. This victory secured her position as the undisputed heavyweight titleholder in women’s boxing.

However, after the fight, Shields tested positive for marijuana in a post-fight drug test conducted by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission. She and her team are contesting the result, though the issue hasn’t caused any major setbacks to her career so far.

Rematch with Savannah Marshall: A Natural Next Step?

Salita views a potential rematch with Savannah Marshall as a logical and exciting option. The two previously faced off in 2022, with Shields winning by unanimous decision in Marshall’s home country of the United Kingdom. Despite the interest in a rematch, there are some complications:

• Marshall has not fought since July 2023, when she defeated Franchon Crews-Dezurn via majority decision.
• Marshall appears to be focusing more on MMA, having recently participated in a mixed martial arts event where she stopped Mirela Vargas in the first round.

Salita suggests that if the rematch were to happen, it would need to take place in the United States, as Shields had to travel across the Atlantic for the original fight in England.

“The fight with Savannah Marshall is a natural one that we’d love to make,” Salita told BoxingScene. “Claressa did go to England, thousands of miles away from home, in the peak of her career. Savannah would have to accept the fact that, for the fight to happen, it would have to be in the United States in order for us to seriously consider it.”

Laila Ali Exhibition: A Major Event for Women’s Boxing

In addition to the Marshall rematch, Salita has also proposed an exhibition match with Laila Ali. Although an exhibition would not be a title bout, it would be a groundbreaking event for women’s sports, bringing attention to women’s boxing on a larger scale.

“An exhibition with Laila Ali would be fantastic for women’s sports and women’s boxing,” said Salita. “Laila might also be the best available contender.”

This match would draw immense attention due to Ali’s legendary status in the boxing world, and it could also further boost Shields’ profile as she continues to gain popularity.

Claressa Shields was compelled to relinquish one of her titles. She had to choose which of her WBO crowns to hold on to. The American boxer has opted to vacate her light heavyweight title while holding on to her heavyweight crown.

“Regarding the WBO Female Light Heavyweight Division, de advised Claressa Shields has relinquished her WBO Light heavyweight title,” Olivieri posted on social media. “Per our rules, No WBO Champion may hold titles in two different weight divisions simultaneously. Therefore, Shields remains the champion in the heavyweight division,” read the post.

Shields who now faces allegations of marijuana use, vacated her lightweight title

Claressa Shields was compelled to relinquish one of her titles. She had to choose which of her WBO crowns to hold on to. The American boxer has opted to vacate her light heavyweight title while holding on to her heavyweight crown.

“Regarding the WBO Female Light Heavyweight Division, de advised Claressa Shields has relinquished her WBO Light heavyweight title,” Olivieri posted on social media. “Per our rules, No WBO Champion may hold titles in two different weight divisions simultaneously. Therefore, Shields remains the champion in the heavyweight division,” read the post.

The 29-year-old won by unanimous decision, dominating fellow American Perkins and knocking her down with a powerful right hand with seconds left in the 10th and final round. Claressa out-pointed Danielle Perkins early last month to claim all the belts in the highest category.

Shields has also been undisputed world champion at middleweight and light-middleweight.

“It feels unbelievable,” said Shields, who improved her record to 16-0.

“I had a really hard training camp. And just last Friday I tore my labrum in my left shoulder, so I wasn’t able to use my good jab today.

Besides, she became the first female boxer to attain undisputed status in three weight divisions. It was truly a notable accomplishment as the ‘GWOAT’ dominated her opponent in front of a packed home fan-base at the Dort Financial Centre in Flint, Michigan. However, these accolades may not hold if the claims of failed drug test are substantiated

Shields won the vacant WBO heavyweight title – and a couple of other vacant belts to become the undisputed heavyweight champion – on February 2 with her unanimous decision over Danielle Perkins.

“But I didn’t want to call the fight off because I had asked God to give me a big fight in my hometown. He did that. So, I decided to keep going through with it.

“I feel so happy. And shout out to my opponent, Danielle Perkins. Man, that girl was strong as hell,” said Shields after the fight.

The 29-year-old native of Flint, Michigan, moved to 16-0 (3 KOs), and added to a career that has also included becoming undisputed twice at middleweight and once at junior middleweight, plus winning titles at 168lbs and 175lbs.

Elsewhere, Shields tested positive for marijuana from a mouth swab test. However, Shields and her team are adamant she was the victim of second-hand smoke in the arena.

Michigan’s athletic commission says Shields tested positive for marijuana after the Perkins fight. Though, Shields says she has never used marijuana – which is not a performance-enhancing drug – and suggested her positive test may have come from second-hand smoke in the arena or contact with other people on fight night. She has appealed her suspension, and the head of the Association of Boxing Commissions has criticized the Michigan commission.

“On February 13, 2025, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, on behalf of the Unarmed Combat Commission, notified the WBC that an oral fluid sample collected from WBC World Champion Claressa Shields tested positive for the presence of marijuana [THC]. The Michigan Commission had collected a sample from Champion Shield after her February 2, 2025, title defence against Daniella Perkins,” noted a statement.