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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Savannah Marshall vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn LIVE: Simpson vs Crighton
Simpson gets SO close to securing a finish! He arguably gets a bit over-eager, though, failing to give himself enough room to work, with Crighton in dire straits against the ropes!
Crighton makes it to the final round.
Savannah Marshall vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn LIVE: Simpson vs Crighton
Round 8 of 10. Simpson hangs around, just out of range, waiting for a counter punch.
He eventually closes range and slings some right crosses at Crighton, who slips one and lands a flush, lead uppercut!
Simpson rallies to end the round on top, then the referee drags him back to his corner after the super-middleweights go forehead to forehead. A tense moment...
Savannah Marshall vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn LIVE: Simpson vs Crighton
Another spell of oppressive output from Simpson! He mixes up his offence, targeting the body and head of Crighton, who leans on the ropes and tries to survive.
Yet again, he manages to do so... It looks like he may just be too resilient for Simpson to get him out of there tonight.
Savannah Marshall vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn LIVE: Simpson vs Crighton
More of the same in Round 6, as we cross the halfway mark of the fight; Crighton has his moments, but Simpson is getting the better of the exchanges.
Simpson is warned by the referee at the end of the round, after some apparent shots to the back of Crighton’s head.
Savannah Marshall vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn LIVE: Simpson vs Crighton
A wonderful right and left hook combination stuns Crighton, who almost looks out on his feet for a moment!
Simpson follows up with more hooks, seeking a finish in Round 5... but again Crighton gathers his senses, and he finishes the round in strong fashion!
A fun contest so far.
Savannah Marshall vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn LIVE: Simpson vs Crighton
Simpson has Crighton backed up against the ropes in Round 4, and he’s letting his hands go!
Crighton is trying to roll with these shots, and he’s doing a good job at staying composed.
Savannah Marshall vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn LIVE: Simpson vs Crighton
A better round for Crighton, who goes to the well with his right overhand, with a decent amount of success!
Savannah Marshall vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn LIVE: Simpson vs Crighton
There’s a lot of holding in Round 2, with Crighton looking frustrated but trying to stay calm.
Simpson has the best spell of the round, nearly dropping Crighton with a flurry by the ropes.
Savannah Marshall vs Franchon Crews-Dezurn LIVE: Simpson vs Crighton
It’s an encouraging first round for Simpson, who lands the cleaner shots and corners Crighton on more than one occasion.
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