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.”
Shields vs Marshall undercard: Price vs Belik
Price hitting out of the clinch again, looking to deter Belik from smothering her work.
It’s one-way traffic towards the end of the third, quality combinations from Price as Belik takes a deep breath and stumbles back to her corner.
Shields vs Marshall undercard: Price vs Belik
Price fighting out of the clinch nicely and shows good hand speed.
The pair trade shots as the second heats up. An uppercut from Price gets through now, the up straight stance of Belik proving an easy target.
Price has a skip around the week, admiring her work in this round. A quality right hook on the bell lands too.
Shields vs Marshall undercard: Price vs Belik
Price out quickly in the first and hits Belik with a jab and a straight left.
A nice balance and rhythm already to her boxing.
Huge straight left drops on Belik’s chin, the pair come together.
Price getting a bit carried away and Belik lands a heavy straight right of her own.
A good round from Price to open up but Belik grew into the round after a shaky start.
Shields vs Marshall undercard: Dubois vs Koleva
Up next: Lauren Price v Timea Belik
Shields vs Marshall undercard: Dubois TKO5 Koleva
Some vicious shots from Dubois, target practice almost as she gets her head down and whips in single shots.
Koleva is digging in though, high risk stuff as we approach the end of the fifth.
It’s OVER! Dubois stops Koleva after stunning her in the corner, her knees bend and the referee is sluggish, watching on as another combinations pours in on the defenceless Bulgarian.
Impressive from Dubois!
Shields vs Marshall undercard: Dubois vs Koleva
Koleva is DOWN!
Dubois with a clubbing right and the Bulgarian must beat the count.
She beats the count and protests, the replays show it was more a combination of Dubois’ arm dragging her down.
Shields vs Marshall undercard: Dubois vs Koleva
This one is alive and both women throwing power shots without much care for defence.
Koleva’s corner urging her on, those lead straight rights as she tumbles forward.
One more lands on the bell to spark a loud roar in celebration from the Bulgarian’s corner.
Shields vs Marshall undercard: Dubois vs Koleva
Koleva trips and tumbles to the canvas, it’s recognised as a slip.
Dubois in and out, then a thudding left hook.
Heavy arsenal and swinging to the fences by Dubois.
Dubois getting in close and whipping rights to the body. This one has caught fire immediately.
Shields vs Marshall undercard: Dubois vs Koleva
Dubois leading with the right jab, there’s real snap in her work and jumping in and out of range.
Koleva hitting thin air!
Dubois now landing the jab flush, the crowd already loving this one.
A fun opener!
Shields vs Marshall undercard: Dubois vs Koleva
What a tremendous ovation for Caroline Dubois.
Her fight with Milena Koleva is about to get underway!
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