Marshall met Ali Baba for the NWA World Heavyweight Title in June 1936 at Red Bird Stadium in Columbus, OH. Marshall defeated Ali Baba to claim the title. The title was vacated at the 1936 National Boxing Association (NBA) and NWA annual meeting when it was recommended that a tournament be held to determine the champion. The title was awarded to John Pesek when Pesek was the only contender to post a $1000 bond. Pesek's recognition as champion was then withdrawn and the title was awarded back to Marshall at the 1938 NBA/NWA annual meeting. In February 1939, Lou Thesz defeated Marshall for the title in St. Louis, MO.