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.”
Claressa Shields: I am the better fighter
“[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.”
Savannah Marshall reacts after defeat to Claressa Shields
“I want to say a massive thanks to everyone who bought a ticket - it’s amazing that two women have sold out The 02. It’s unbelievable and I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.
“Claressa is a brilliant fighter - not as fast as I thought. She has definitely earned the title of the Greatest Woman of All Time.”
REPORT: Classy Shields resists gutsy Marshall to earn undisputed crown
Savannah Marshall’s bid to become Britain’s first female undisputed world champion was ended by old foe Claressa Shields on points at London’s 02.
In what was the culmination of a simmering decade-long rivalry, American Shields avenged her only career defeat, at the hands of Shields in their amateur days back in 2012.
The 27-year-old won a unanimous decision after a stunning bout to add Marshall’s WBO middleweight belt to her WBC, WBA and IBF crowns.
Claressa Shields beats Savannah Marshall to earn undisputed crown
Marshall was beaten unanimously on points, the American winning 97-93 on two cards and 96-94 on the other.
Shields vs Marshall
Shields outlands Marshall by 39 punches, landing 175 shots to 136 from the Briton and throwing 83 more with a total output of 480 at a rate of 36 per cent landing.
Shields vs Marshall
Shields admits Marshall gave her the toughest fight of her career.
Her eyes are both swollen, the right winner, but the GWOAT was made to work hard.
Shields beats Marshall by UD to become undisputed world champion
We go to the judges’ scorecards... 96-94, 97-93, 97-93 all to the new undisputed middleweight world champion Claressa Shields!
Shields vs Marshall: Round 10
Sheilds bruising up on the right eye, Marshall pushing on to start the 10th.
What a fight, they’ve left it all out there.
A gruelling 10 rounds this, Marshall going for broke, Shields a real sharp-shooter though, even at this stage of the fight.
All hell breaking loose at the end, 10 seconds of pure desire to get a stoppage, Marshall with three uppercuts.
Both women raise their hands, we go to the scorecards.
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