Shields v Marshall: Why epic fight proved women should box three-minute rounds

Claressa Shields’ epic encounter with Savannah Marshall was a Fight of the Year contender. 

In front of 20,000 fans at a sold-out O2 Arena, the two middleweights produced an instant classic. 

Shields’ blistering speed was in perfect contrast to Marshall’s ferocious power and the pair traded blows for 10 intense, unrelenting rounds. 

As the crowd watched on with bated breath, the fight was soon over within the blink of an eye – Shields winning via unanimous decision to become the undisputed middleweight champion. 

The overriding feeling for many upon the final bell was that of admiration and social media was flooded with fighters and fans lauding Shields, Marshall and the others who competed on BOXXER’s women-only card. 

Yet, as the results emerged and the O2 crowd began to dissolve, those leaving the arena couldn’t help but wish that the fight had lasted that bit longer. 

Indeed, while the contest went the distance, the rounds were just two minutes long –– subsequently reigniting the debate for elite female boxers to have longer fights. 

Video: Claressa Shields' brutal punching in round one vs Savannah Marshall

Claressa Shields comes out throwing everything in RD1