- Claressa Shields defeated Savannah Marshall via unanimous decision on Saturday night to become the undisputed middleweight champion.
- Savannah Marshall praised Shields after the fight saying she deserves the title of the GWOAT.
Claressa Shields is the new undisputed women’s middleweight champion after defeating Savannah Marshall on Saturday night.
The Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall rivalry had been brewing for more than ten years. And the two finally faced each other in a boxing ring on Saturday, October 15.
Claressa Shields punching Savannah Marshall. Photo/ MARCA.
The two women produced an eye-catching performance in front of a large crowd at The O2 Arena in London. But it was Claressa Shields who produced her career-best performance, winning the match.
Claressa Shields finally got the revenge she had wanted for the last ten years. The American won the fight via unanimous decision as all the judges scored in her favour – 96-94, 97-93, 97-93.
Claressa Shields claimed the WBO, WBA, IBF, WBC and Ring Magazine titles in a historic night for women’s boxing.
The new undisputed women’s middleweight champion stepped into the ring with the aim of winning the bout. She poured on the pressure with amazing punches on Savannah Marshall in the first two minutes of the first round.
However, Marshall went on the front foot in the second and looked dominant over Shields, who she pushed back into the ropes.
Claressa Shields was happy to be backed on the ropes by her opponent and utilized every opportunity to throw heavy jabs.
Marshall’s face reddened as the fight progressed due to her rival’s fast counters. Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall exchanged terrific punches in the fifth round as they showcased their skills in the ring.
Shields showed possible signs of tiredness in the sixth round as she frequently leaned on Marshall, who seemed to be finding more success.
Shields wrestled back control after a brief resurgence from Savannah and produced the best shots in the final seconds.
Marshall’s trainer, Peter Fury, urged her to give it all in the final two rounds, but it was already too late. Claressa Shields showed the world her defensive skills in the last two rounds to win the bout.
Savannah Marshall suffered the first loss of her professional boxing career as she handed over the WBO title to Shields.
Claressa Shields defeated Savannah Marshall. Photo/ The Mirror.
Post-Fight Speech
Savannah Marshall praised Shields after the fight saying that she has definitely earned the title of the GWOAT greatest woman fighter of all time.
Speaking after the historic fight, the undisputed middleweight champion described last night as a special moment for women’s boxing. The American believes her bout with Savannah Marshall is the fight of the year.
“It’s not just a special moment for me, but it’s a special moment for women’s boxing, Savannah Marshall, Alycia Baumgardner, Mikaela Mayer, Caroline Dubois. Women’s boxing has been around for so many years, and so many greats that came before us, but here we are in front of 20,000 fans in London at the O2 Arena, and I think that’s fight of the year. I’m just so happy and it’s an unbelievable moment.”
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