Claressa Shields was crowned the undisputed middleweight champion of the world after out-pointing Savannah Marshall at The O2 Arena last night. The 27-year-old American comfortably outclassed her previously unbeaten British rival in an incredible war to become the undisputed queen at 160lbs.
Shields had too much speed and precision for Marshall and stormed to victory after 12 competitive but decisive rounds in London.
All three judges scored the bout 96-94, 97-93 and 97-93 in favour of Shields. READ MORE: Alycia Baumgardner beats Mikaela Mayer in bitter grudge match by split decision After the fight, she said: "I just want to thank God because I've been working hard for a very long time and no one has given me credit but after that display tonight and after a tough opponent. "You know, I couldn't even see out of my right eye round six through ten because she does hit hard. "But I bit down and I did what I do in training and I got the job done." In a way, they are almost complete opposites; Shields, the brash, cocky American; Marshall, the quiet, more reserved Englishwoman. READ MORE: Deontay Wilder vs Robert Helenius: Timothy Bradley Jr's expert breakdown is a must read But they can both leave the building with their heads held high after putting on a fight for the ages.
The two women stood and traded inside the pocket with neither one of them prepared to give an inch right up until the end of the final round which left the crowd on its feet.