CLARESSA SHIELDS left it all in the ring when she beat Savannah Marshall at the London O2 Arena.
Shields came out swinging and dominated the first five rounds with ease.
But Marshall found her feet after the midway point and landed some strong hits on the American,
But ultimately, Shields’ determination prevailed as the new undisputed champion won the match by a unanimous decision.
- Main event RESULT: Claressa Shields def Savannah Marshall
- Live stream: Sky Sports
- TV channel: Sky Sports Arena and Main Event
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Shields shows off her belts
There she is.
Shields shows off the WBC Elizabethan Belt and IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO World Middleweight Title belts after defeating Marshall.
You can’t say it wasn’t well-deserved.
Rematch?
Shields has revealed a rematch clause is on.
“If that’s what the fans want, that’s what we will do,” she said.
It would be cruelty to boxing if these two didn’t get back in the ring together again.
Tears of joy
Claressa Shields is in tears after her fight.
“I’ve been working hard for a very long time. And no one has given me credit,” she said.
And she admitted she struggled after Marshall’s huge punch.
“I couldn’t see out of my right eye, six to 10,” she confessed.
Shields’ praise
Shields goes over to Marshall’s corner after the results.
“That was the hardest fight of my career,” she tells the British fighter.
No doubt. But you can’t fault Shields.
Shields wins on points
Judges have scored it in Shields’ favour, rightly so.
It was unanimous.
She’s 13-0.
How close will this be?
The pair await the results.
The fighters embrace. There must be a rematch, regardless of what happens.
We wait with baited breath.
It’s over
Both fighters raise their arms, and it goes down to the judges.
Whoever wins this, the pair have covered themselves in glory.
A brilliant fight.
Now let’s see what the judges say.
Last round
We’ve been treated to phenomenal fitness levels here.
Marshall is driving herself on here.
She’s finishing strong – great stamina. Shields can’t get her arms going as fluently as in the earlier rounds.
It’s tight to call
The viewers have this as close as 78-76 in Shields’ favour in scorecards.
But Marshall is having a good round in the ninth.
Shields rallies late on. Had to say if Marshall edged that.
Last round now. She’s got to give it all she’s got Marshall.
There will be blood
Shields is cut above her right eye.
She isn’t use to being taken this long into a fight.
Marshall will continue to believe, the longer this goes on.
They go to their corners, before round nine.
Eighth time lucky
A slugfest would be calling this one an insult.
The pair are exchanging blows again in round eight. The pace has been kept up.
You feel Marshall needs a big punch though.
Taking it to Shields
With the crowd behind her, Marshall is taking this fight to Shields.
Marshall’s commitment and guts are extraordinary.
She’s going for broke and fighting fire with fire.
Another cracking round
It is savage out there.
Marshall took a huge right, but she’s still standing firm.
We’re into round seven. Can Marshall win the second half of the fight?
Precision boxing
Shields is landing punches amazingly.
But Marshall is trying to push her opponent around the ring and use her physical advantage and 5ft11in frame.
Is Marshall knocking her out her stride.
Huge shots
Marshall and Shields both land huge shots on each other in round five.
This fight is living up to expectations and is already one of the best of the year.
Some battle, this. Marshall needs to get into this a bit. Her corner urges her to stop bouncing around and conserve some energy,
That’s brilliant from Shields
The hand speed and combination punching of Shields is hurting Marshall.
But Marshall is tough, make no bones about it.
Brutal
There’s no letting up in round four.
Both fighters are keeping up the relentless pace. Shields’ electric speed is too much to cope with for Marshall.
They are trading punches in the centre of the ring, now in the corner again.
Into round three
Marshall has Shields pinned into the corner, but Shields got herself out with some brilliant counter punches.
Marshall is open defensively and walking into punches. But can Shields hurt her?
The speed of Shields are getting through, but Marshall hits harder.
Good uppercut
Both of these fighters are putting everything in early doors.
But an uppercut from Shields rocked Marshall, who quickly regained composure to slug back at the American.
No way these two can keep this pace up for the whole fight.
Blow!
Big shot by Marshall at the beginning of round two.
She rocked Shields there. This is a brawl. Confident second round from Marshall, taking the fight to her opponent.
Fast start by Shields
Explosive from Shields.
She threw a flurry of punches, rocking Marshall. So quick and accurate.
What a start. But Marshall comes back and lands her own.
Two minutes of tremendous action.
Touch gloves
God bless, and off we go.
Mouth-watering bout now. Round one of the most eagerly anticipated fight in women’s boxing history.
Here we go. Body shot from Shields early, Marshall has the crowd with her.
Bit of gamesmanship
Shields has switched corners before the bout, almost shoving Marshall out the way.
She means business, and will want to avenge the only blemish in her record – a defeat as an amateur to… Marshall.
Expect fireworks.
Now for Shields
She’s confident, she’s calm, and there’s even time for a cheeky smile to the camera.
Shields is filmed before her walk-in, dancers in tow.
Again, a montage showcases her skills before fans get a glimpse of the American.
And wow! She’s got moves. She joins her dancers for a well-worked routine. Best mate Beyonce would be proud.
What an entrance!
A marching band and England Lioness Jill Scott bring Marshall into battle.
That’s some walk in.
Hartlepool will proud and behind her.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
