Savannah Marshall’s WBC championship is now vacant, and the unbeaten Shadasia Green has earned a shot at the title.
Marshall, the former undisputed super middleweight world champion, has been forced to vacate her WBC belt as the governing body names her “Champion in Recess” as the boxer is expected to be out of action till spring of next year due to an undisclosed injury.
In turn, Green will contest for the vacated green and gold belt, with the WBC set to name an opponent for the unbeaten 33-year-old.
“The WBC Board of Governors has decided to place Savannah Marshall as Champion in Recess and will order a fight for the vacant Super Middleweight world title between Green and an opponent to be designate by The WBC Women Championship Committee,” read an official statement from the WBC on Thursday. [H/T Boxing Scene]
During her majority decision win over Franchón Crews-Dezurn on 1st July which made her undisputed at 168, “Silent Assassin” sustained an injury to her right hand, and underwent surgery. Marshall is expected to return only after April 2024. Even though she’s now WBC’s champion in recess, Marshall is still the WBA, WBO and IBF champion.
“Savannah Marshall defeated Crews-Dezurn and unfortunately sustained an injury which will keep her outside of the ring at least until April 2024. We wish a prompt and successful recovery to Savanah Marshall,” the statement added.
Green, who is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision win over Olivia Curry on 5th August at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, has remained the WBC’s mandatory challenger at 168 since February after defeating Elin Cederroo. Back then, the WBC belt belonged to Crews-Dezurn. Now, the 33-year-old is one step away from achieving her dream.
“Anyone who knows me understands that this has been a lifelong dream of mine. We came close to making it a reality a few months back, but this time, I won’t allow anything to block my path to that title fight,” Green told ESPN.
“I want to express my gratitude to the WBC for giving me this opportunity, MVP for all of their support and my personal team for all they have done and been through with me. I’ve fought hard and earned my place, and I can’t wait to remind the world of my strength as I aim to become a world champion,” she added.
