'St. James' Park interest in Marshall vs Shields'

Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall's super-fight could be staged at Newcastle United's stadium St. James' Park, promoter Ben Shalom has revealed.

Shields makes her UK debut tonight, live on Sky Sports, against Ema Kozin before Marshall returns against Femke Hermans on March 12.

Marshall, from Hartlepool in the north-east, won her most recent fight with an emphatic knockout headlining a card in Newcastle and could now return to the city's football stadium.

"There is interest from St. James Park," BOXXER promoter Shalom said.

"They see it as a women's super-fight. That is a massive statement.

"That's where we want Marshall vs Shields to happen. This is what we are building towards.

"This is the dream for Savannah, and this is where the interest is coming from.

"Marshall has a big following now - there was a great turnout for her headline show in Newcastle."

Marshall is undefeated in 11 fights, with nine knockouts, and holds the WBO title.

Marshall is the only person to get the better of the feted Shields inside the boxing ring - they met in an amateur bout in 2012 that is the source of their rivalry.

American Shields has since won back-to-back Olympic gold medals, world titles in three divisions, and undisputed titles in two divisions.

She currently holds the IBF, WBA and WBC middleweight belts.

"Shields has struggled to get the big money and big opportunities because she wiped out her competition," Shalom said.

"It will be a culture shock for her to come and fight in front of a Newcastle crowd!

"But her experience in Cardiff will prepare her well because there will be a similarly fiery atmosphere."

Saturday February 5 in CardiffChris Eubank Jr vs Liam WilliamsClaressa Shields vs Ema Kozin - IBF, WBA and WBC