Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Result and reaction from undisputed middleweight world title fight
Shields outpointed Marshall to become the undisputed queen at middleweight on a thrilling night of women’s boxing at The O2
On a historic night for women’s boxing it was Claressa Shields whose stardom elevated further after outpointing a gutsy Savannah Marshall to emerge as the undisputed middleweight world champion.
The fight ignited immediately, cashing in the hype to satisfy an expectant crowd at a sold out O2 Arena in London, with both women, entering the night unbeaten, exchanging a series of vicious combinations. Exhilarating throughout, Shields’ hardened shell was decisive, demonstrating real class to weather a storm as the Briton, roared on by her fans, routinely trapped the GWOAT on the ropes.
But Shields’ savviness and serenity in the eye of the storm proved decisive, firing off pinpoint counters to snatch a unanimous decision and write a new chapter to women’s boxing.
“I did what I do in training and I got the job done. I want to thank Savannah Marshall - it was a special night for women’s boxing and I think it was fight of the year.
“[Savannah] is a tough competitor, hard fighter and has endurance but 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 you can say we are 1-1. I know I did the most work today.
“There was a rematch clause if there was a controversial decision but it was unanimous. If that’s what the fans want then that’s what we are going to to do.”
Mayer vs Baumgardner: Round 5
Mayer slips to the canvas, but both women back to work quickly.
Two big rights from Mayer, then the jab leads, quality work. Mayer pushing that jab out like a piston, Baumgardner’s assaults have slowed.
Mayer vs Baumgardner: Round 4
Mayer with more success on the front foot and her jab.
That shot seems to be the key punch to this fight, she’s in a rhythm now.
Baumgardner on the outside and measuring the distance, and then comes in with a tasty left hook.
But Mayer is undeterred and keeps that space, working off the jab to pick up another round for us.
Mayer vs Baumgardner: Round 3
Mayer jabs to the body, Baumgardner is engaging in some trash talk, then launches a right that bounces off Mayer’s gloves.
More jabs from Mayer, Baumgardner looking for the check hook. Both women locking up momentarily there.
Mayer vs Baumgardner: Round 2
Mayer back out to the middle of the ring and seemingly happy to bide her time and jab.
One lands to the body, Baumgardner aiming to turn the screw with a lead left hook.
A big exchange in the corner, Baumgardner lands a beautiful left on the nose of Mayer.
The pair exchange and the WBC champion appears to come out on top. Mayer’s face is red after absorbing a few shots there.
Mayer vs Baumgardner
We’re underway in the co-main event!
Baumgardner dipping low and pushing out a jab to Mayer’s body early on.
Then Bomb launches in with an overhand right, Mayer taking a look and finally throws a stiff jab.
Mayer eventually took the centre of the ring but little landed throughout that feeling out opening round.
Mayer vs Baumgardner
Here comes Alycia Baumgardner, the co-main is moments away!
Shields vs Marshall undercard: Mayer vs Baumgardner up next
Shields vs Marshall undercard: Price TKO4 Belik
Shields vs Marshall undercard: Price TKO4 Belik
Price with a clean straight left, then a dip in her waist before unloading another.
Both women come together again, but Price pours on the punishment.
It’s over! An anti-climax really, but it was only going one way.
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