New opponent for Hartlepool boxer Savannah Marshall confirmed in first world title bid

Savannah will step into the ring to compete for the vacant World Boxing Organisation World Female Middleweight Title at the Newcastle Arena on Saturday, October 17.

The ‘Silent Assassin’ had originally been due to fight Brazilian-born New Zealander Geovana Peres back in April.

But following the Covid outbreak and restrictions, Savannah will now go up against 30-year-old Hannah Rankin from Glasgow, Scotland.

It will be Savannah’s first world title fight since the former Headland Amateur Boxing Club fighter turned professional in 2017.

She is currently training around the clock in readiness for the bout.

Her media representatives at CM Sport said: “Savannah’s focus now is on the next three weeks of training camp.

“She's really happy October 17th is set in stone with her fight with Hannah being announced and is expecting a really tough fight.”

Announcing the bout, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn said: “The big news for North East boxing and Savannah Marshall gets her shot at a world title.

"It’s an all British fight against Hannah Rankin for the WBO Middleweight championship.

"It’s going to be a great fight. Both girls really believe they can win.”

The headline match on the night will be Lewis Ritson versus Miguel Vasquez for the WBA Inter-Continental Super-Leightweight title.

Speaking to the Mail last month, Savannah told how she was devastated when the match with Peres was cancelled due to Covid just two weeks before it was due to take place.

She said: “All the hard work, training and sparring had been done. I could have been a two-time world champion by now.

"It is the biggest fight of my career as a pro 100%. It would mean everything to me to win.

"Since I turned pro in 2017 this is what you aim for to be world champion.

"To be amateur and professional world champion there’s very few people if any can say they have achieved that.

"I’m really confident because I know what I can do.

"I think I’m up there with the best of them.”

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