Super middleweight world champion Savannah Marshall is going to be out until 2024 after undergoing hand surgery.
Marshall hopes to return on a date in March - with a clear target on the winner of the ordered fight between Franchon Crews-Dezurn and Shadasia Green.
Back in July, Marshall became the undisputed champion win she decisioned Crews-Dezurn to capture the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO world titles.
The winner of the fight was due to make a mandatory defense against the WBC's top contender, which is Green.
However, since winning the belts she's been sidelined with a severe hand injury.
The World Boxing Council has since made Marshall a 'champion in recess' and ordered Crews-Dezurn and Green to collide for the vacant WBC belt.
Marshall would get first crack at the winner upon returning.
"I'm just recovering from a hand operation from my last fight. It's going well. I'm really, really happy with it. It's my third hand-op so I'm going to end up a bit of a crab. I'm looking to get out maybe March next year," Marshall said.
"I've got a mandatory in Shadasia Green, but obviously with me being injured, I think she's been forced to fight Franchon Crews-Dezurn, so it'll be interesting to see who's won out with them too."
In August, Marshall generated headlines by entering the world of mixed martial arts. She signed a multi-year deal with MMA organization Professional Fighters League [PFL].
She followed her career rival, undisputed middleweight champion Claressa Shields, who also has a contractual agreement with PFL. She hopes to secure a rematch with Shields in boxing or MMA.