Claressa Shields defeated Savannah Marshall to become the undisputed middleweight champion.
Shields faced her longtime rival Marshall in a historic main event at the O2 Arena in London, England. Tensions were high going into the matchup, with Shields determined to avenge the only blemish on her professional boxing record. She came out firing with an aggressive game plan that managed to get the better of Marshall’s power and reach.
Shields came out on top of the judges’ scorecards by unanimous decision, with the three judges ruling the bout: 96-94, 97-93, 97-93.
Claressa Shields unified the middleweight world titles after defeating Savannah Marshall
Following the result, Shields shared her thoughts on a memorable event for the UK.
“I want to thank Savannah Marshall and her whole team and the UK fans for being here because this is a special moment for women’s boxing,” Shields told Sky Sports. “Here we are in front of 20,000 fans at The O2 Arena. It’s an unbelievable moment. It was a special night for women’s boxing and I think it was fight of the year.
“I know I did the most work today and was winning with those combinations. I did what I do in training and I got the job done. I have been working hard for a very long time and no one has given me credit.”
Marshall praised Shields for her performance
Marshall seemed to have put her feud with Shields to rest and praised her skills after the bout
“Claressa is a brilliant fighter – not as fast as I thought! She has definitely earned the title of the Greatest Woman of All Time,” Marshall said afterwards according to Sky Sports. “I want to say a massive thanks to everyone who bought a ticket, I really appreciate it. It’s amazing that two women have sold out the O2. It’s unbelievable and I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.”
The event was in line with Katie Taylor’s fight with Amanda Serrano in the first women’s boxing match to headline Madison Square Garden earlier this year in April.
Claressa Shields was victorious on a historic night that marked the first female headlining boxing event at a major British venue, as well as an all-female card in the history of the UK.
