Hartlepool boxer Savannah Marshall 'gutted' as world title fight delayed again by Covid

Hartlepool female boxer Savannah Marshall says she is gutted her world title fight this weekend has been called off after her trainer tested positive for Covid-19.
Savannah Marshall (left) in action.Savannah Marshall (left) in action.
Savannah Marshall (left) in action.

Savannah, 29, had been due to take on Scotland’s Hannah Rankin for the WBO World Middleweight title on Saturday, October 17, in Peterborough.

But on Wednesday it was announced that Marshall’s trainer Peter Fury had tested positive for the virus meaning those around him must now isolate for 14 days.

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Savannah took to Twitter to give her reaction to the bad news saying: “Gutted to say the least. Two world title fights cancelled due to Covid.

“Good news @peterfury is fit and well and @Team_Rankin doesn’t have to wait too long for her good hiding as we have asked for it to be rescheduled ASAP”.

Event promoters Matchroom Boxing said in a statement: “Unfortunately Savannah Marshall’s trainer Peter Fury has tested positive for Covid-19.

"Saturday’s WBO World Middleweight Title fight is off the card.

"All other fighters and teams tested negative.

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"The fight will be rescheduled in due course and our best wishes are with Peter.”

Peter Fury said on Twitter: “It’s very regrettable that’s it (sic) tested positive for Covid-19. Good news

“@Savmarshall1 tested negative.

"However due to the restrictions around a positive test, everyone must quarantine for 14 days. But [hope] to reschedule ASAP”.

Savannah, who used to box for Headland Amateur Boxing Club, has been waiting since February for her shot at a world title.

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She was originally due to fight Brazilian-born New Zealander Geovana Peres for the WBO Light Heavyweight Championship on April 4 until the nationwide lockdown happened.

It was postponed until June 27, then rescheduled again to this Saturday with new opponent Hannah Rankin for the vacant WBO Middleweight championship belt.

The bout, which was originally due to take place at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, was also moved to the East of England Arena in Peterborough to be fully compliant with Covid guidelines.

Savannah, who is now based in Manchester, recently told the Mail she was confident of beating Rankin.

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She is currently undefeated in eight professional fights. An amateur she became first British female world champion in 2012 and represented Great Britain in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

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