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 vs Savannah Marshall
That is some ovation for Marshall, The O2 roars ahead of this undisputed middleweight fight.
Shields waiting in the back, it’s time!
Mayer vs Baumgardner
Baumgardner lauding her victory and rightly so, a huge night for the Bomb!
Mayer vs Baumgardner
Baumgardner beats Mayer by split decision!
And now the unified super-featherweight world champion, adding the WBO and IBF straps to her WBC title.
It was 97-93 Mayer on one card, and then 96-95 and 96-95 to Baumgardner on the other two.
Mayer incensed, it was close, maybe they do it all over?
Mayer vs Baumgardner: Round 10
Here we go then, to the judges’ scorecards...
Mayer vs Baumgardner: Round 10
Mayer out quick to start the 10th, very cagey but she’s leading with that trusty jab.
Huge combination from Baumgardner, who comes in with a great straight right and then moves inside to land the uppercut, this could be crucial.
The bell sounds, both fighters raise their hands, they both think they’ve won. This could be a draw, it was close.
What do you prefer? The more aggression and eye-catching shots from Baumgardner? Or the clean jabs and ring generalship from Mayer.
Mayer vs Baumgardner: Round 9
More crisp jabs from Mayer as the sweat sprays off Baumgardner’s head.
Check hook from Baumgardner lands, another close round, Mayer touching up her rival with the jab as the bell sounds.
This is close, but we’ve got Mayer leading heading into the final round.
Mayer vs Baumgardner: Round 8
This is tight, we’ve got Mayer just ahead though.
Baumgardner with some success here, but Mayer shakes her head and then lands a stiff jab.
Those left hooks from Baumgardner finding a home tonight.
Mayer vs Baumgardner: Round 7
Mayer bleeding above her right eye.
Both come together with a pair of ferocious hooks.
Baumgardner with plenty of support, then a left hook from Mayer. This one catches fire in the seventh!
Mayer doing great work with the single rights.
Mayer vs Baumgardner: Round 6
A nice exchange to start the sixth, a quality uppercut gets through from Baumgardner.
They come together and Baumgardner spins Mayer around.
More inside body work from both. Mayer lunging in to the body, but is caught by a more patient Baumgardner. A close round.
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