Olympic hopeful Savannah Marshall can win a medal at Rio, says Kelly Morgan
Tuesday 1 March 2016 10:33, UK
Team GB Olympic hopeful Savannah Marshall is a genuine contender to bring home a women’s boxing medal from Rio 2016, according to professional fighter Kelly Morgan.
Sky Academy Sports Scholar Marshall made history in 2012 when she became Britain's first-ever world female amateur champion, before striking gold again two years later at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014.
Morgan, who next week fights Ghana's Gifty Amanua Ankrah for the WBC Silver title in a final eliminator for the outright title, sparred with the Hartlepool boxer earlier this year.
And the javelin thrower-turned boxer is convinced Marshall - who goes by the nickname of the Silent Assassin - is one to watch in Rio later this year.
"Savannah is absolutely a medal contender at Rio, 100 per cent," Morgan told Sky Sports.
"Sparring with her was immense and she is obviously a pedigree boxer being Commonwealth and European champion as well as ex-world amateur champion.
"She is a really lovely girl who comes across as very quiet but there is no messing about when she is in the ring. She knows what she's doing and she is a demon in the ring.
"People should get their eyes on Savannah because she will be really good to watch in Rio and she will certainly be flying the flag for Britain out there."
Morgan's WBC Silver title clash is the headline bout at Swindon's Oasis Leisure Centre on March 12 and the 35-year-old is confident sparring with Marshall will help her deal with the threat posed by Ghana's No 1.
"Certainly, locally I only spar with men because there are no other options and that's great because it sets you in good stead for when you compete against a woman," she added.
"But to box against a strong, skilful and focused female boxer who far dwarfs me in terms of experience was absolutely fantastic.
"I can only learn from Savannah and I hope to do some more sparring with her leading into my next couple of fights for sure."
