Claressa Shields has suggested that a rematch with Savannah Marshall could take place in the United States in 2023.
Five weeks after initially scheduled, Shields and Marshall put their respective middleweight titles on the line at the O2 Arena on Saturday night.
The bout lived up to its billing as the two former amateur rivals relentlessly traded blows, Marshall being forced to work at a high pace from the opening round as Shields looked to stamp her authority on proceedings.
Marshall could claim to have plenty of success in an absorbing contest, but the classier work was coming from Shields, even when she was struggling to see out of her right eye during the second half of the fight.
When the final bell rang, it was felt that the American had done enough to get the decision, that perception being backed up by scorecards of 96-94, 96-94 and 97-93 respectively.
Although Shields will be a clearer favourite with the bookmakers if there is a second instalment, the 27-year-old is willing to entertain another showdown with the English fighter.
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Speaking to Sky Sports, Shields said: "There was a rematch clause if there was a controversial decision but it was unanimous. If that's what the fans want [a rematch in the USA], then absolutely that's what we are going to do."
On the fight itself, Shields felt that she executed her game plan perfectly and hopes that she will receive more respect for the achievements having become undisputed world champion in a second weight category.
Shields added: "[Savannah] is a tough competitor, hard fighter and has endurance - I couldn't see out of my right eye rounds 6-10 as she hit so hard.
"I am the better fighter. I feel like I am 2-0 against her as I don't think I lost in the amateurs but I guess you can say we are 1-1.
"I know I did the most work today and was winning with those combinations. I did what I do in training and I got the job done. I have been working hard for a very long time and no one has given me credit."
Shields advances her professional record to 13-0, while Marshall drops to 12-1 in the paid ranks.
Darren Plant
