'Real animosity!' Will Shields or Marshall accept rematch option?

Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall's bitter rivalry could evolve into a multi-fight series as the announcement of their long-awaited autumn clash draws closer, says BOXXER CEO Ben Shalom.

Shalom confirmed last month that the unbeaten fighters have signed terms to meet in an undisputed middleweight world title showdown in September after arm surgery for WBO champion Marshall saw the fight pushed back from its initial July date.

The delay had seen WBA, WBC and IBF middleweight champion Shields threaten to walk away from the contest as she suggested her opponent was trying to buy "extra time", but the two remain on course to settle a dispute dating back to Marshall inflicting the American's sole defeat at amateur level.

"It will be announced very soon, for early September," Shalom told Sky Sports. "It's a fight we've been waiting on for a long time, a lot to get through.

"Two amazing talents, an amazing fight for boxing let alone women's boxing. It's that interesting, that much a clash of styles.

"It's an intriguing fight, there are very few fights as a fan you really cannot miss. Shields vs Marshall will be one of them."

Shalom has hailed the pair's rivalry as one of the greatest and most unique in women's boxing, such is their history and the long-term career implications at stake.

The fan in him would welcome more than one showcase of an enthralling blend of styles, though he admits both are aiming to make a statement at the first time of asking.

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"I think so [this could be a multi-fight deal]," said Shalom. "I think first and foremost both fighters will want to deal with each other at the first fight, they won't want to have messing around, they'll want to