Savannah Marshall vs Crews-Dezurn LIVE: Result as Briton claims undisputed titles with decision win
Re-live updates from the undisputed-title fight and its undercard in Manchester
Savannah Marshall became undisputed super-middleweight champion with a narrow decision win over Franchon Crews-Dezurn on Saturday.
Two of the judges in Manchester scored the bout for Marshall, while the other had the main event as a draw – enough for the Briton to take all the major belts from Crews-Dezurn.
Marshall entered the fight on the back of a points defeat by Claressa Shields in October – the first professional loss of the 32-year-old’s career, and a result with which Marshall lost the WBO middleweight title as her rival became undisputed in the division. But Marshall got back on track on Saturday, moving up in weight and reaping the rewards as she overcame a tough start to beat a tricky, physical opponent at the AO Arena.
Re-live updates from the main-event fight, and its undercard, below.
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Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Ben Whittaker in action
Backstage, Marshall and Crews-Dezurn are warming up.
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Ben Whittaker in action
Round 6
Three rounds to go, including this one.
Whittaker backs up Belujsky at once. He feints slow shots, trying to tease some offence out of Belujsky, who refuses to oblige.
Whittaker therefore opens up somewhat, with prying uppercuts as Belujsky shells up.
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Ben Whittaker in action
Round 5
A slower round ensues. Belujsky hops into a decent left hook, but Whittaker is unfazed.
Whittaker with a good flurry late in the round, and Belujsky comes back with a laboured series of shots.
Whittaker seems to mock the Slovak’s efforts, before the bell rings.
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Ben Whittaker in action
Round 4
A stubborn Belujsky is still in this, as the light-heavyweights approach the midway point of this fight.
He’s staggered by a left hook but comes right back at Whittaker!
Whittaker doesn’t take that lying down, reversing the momentum and unloading shots on Belujsky as the Slovak covers up.
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Ben Whittaker in action
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Ben Whittaker in action
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Ben Whittaker in action
Round 3
Whittaker batters Belujsky with four spiteful right hooks in a row! Belujsky blocks them but feels the effects anyway, collapsing to the mat.
The Slovak beats the referee’s count, but he’s soon under attack again! Once more, Whittaker is going to work with his right hand. Bad intentions from the Briton.
He just misses with a wide right hand, then burrows a left hook into the midriff of Belujsky.
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Ben Whittaker in action
Round 2
Whittaker flicks out a few jabs, piercing Belujsky’s guard with one of them.
A right hook is on point for the Olympic medalist now. More dancing from him.
Whittaker evades a right overhand and digs a left hook into the body of Belujsky.
Belujsky with a solid jab now, jolting back Whittaker’s head somewhat. Whittaker is caught with another one, then retaliates with a swift flurry of straight shots.
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Ben Whittaker in action
Round 1
Whittaker wobbles Belujsky early!
The Slovak stumbles into the corner, then he’s rocked again by a short left hook!
Whittaker patiently presses forward, throwing a couple of straight shots, evading Belujsky’s, then dancing in front of him!
Whittaker does the same again, then motions to the crowd to make some noise, with Belujsky right in front of him!
More dancing from Whittaker, who is slipping his opponent’s shots with ease. A jab to the body by Whittaker now.
Supreme confidence from the Briton.
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