Savannah Marshall reveals how long she has been training MMA ahead of PFL Europe debut in Newcastle

The women’s boxing superstar will take on Brazil’s Mirela Vargas in her mixed martial arts debut.

The bout will headline PFL Europe’s latest show in Newcastle as Marshall looks to mark her debut with a bang.

“Training has been hard, real hard,” said Marshall. “It’s been a massive change but one I’ve really enjoyed. I’m enjoying learning new skills and enjoying the adjustments I’ve made from being a boxer.

“I’ve been doing it for about nine months now and I’m really excited. This is a chapter I never thought I would have so this is all a bit of a bonus for me.”

Marshall, who has a 13-1 professional boxing record, suffered her only defeat to Claressa Shields back in October 2022.

After that loss, the Hartlepool-born boxer moved up in weight and became undisputed super-middleweight champion by defeating Franchon Crews-Dezurn.

Marshall is now following in Shields’ footsteps as she joins the PFL, looking to make a name for herself in the MMA world.

Fighting in Newcastle, a stone’s throw away from her birthplace of Hartlepool, is likely to attract plenty of home support.

“It’s been amazing for me,” Marshall added. “I am extremely grateful for the PFL for giving me this opportunity. 

“I remember a couple of months ago when they were talking about my debut and I remember saying I don’t mind fighting abroad or in someone else’s backyard. But they offered Newcastle, and I thought, wow, what an honor.

“I’ve headlined the Utilita Arena three or four times now as a boxer, and to headline it in my mixed martial arts debut is a dream come true.”

PFL Europe takes place on June 8 in Newcastle. Fans will be able to watch the action unfold live on DAZN.