Undisputed Champion: Savannah Marshall restored her spot at the top of women’s boxing by defeating Franchon Crews-Dezurn by majority decision to win the world’s undisputed super-middleweight champion and pave the way for a rematch with Claressa Shields, who watched from ringside in Manchester.
Marshall out-manoeuvred and out-classed her American opponent in a tough, difficult, and at times nasty bout as she fought for the first time since losing to Shields in a famous grudge contest at The O2 in October.
The Silent Assassin delivered a ferocious reminder of her punching power, pounding the champion with clean blows to underline her dominance on her way to being named a 95-95, 99-92, 97-93 triumph on the judge’s cards, boosting her record to 13-1.
Crews-Dezurn, who had not fought since last April’s victory against Elin Cederroos, falls to 8-2.
“Sweet dreams,” Marshall said, according to Sky Sports. “I can’t put into words how I’m feeling right now.
“A tough, tough woman, I think I broke my hand on her head.
“Some of the rounds were close, but I felt I got the better work.
“Let’s do it if she (Shields) wants it (the rematch).” I’m sure she’ll want to attempt to bring another divide together.”
Crews-Dezurn had established herself as a fantastic sport protagonist with her exuberant personality and multi-faceted skill set in the lead-up to Saturday, and the singer-meets-boxer-meets-fashion designer demonstrated this once more when she performed the pre-fight US national anthem to deafening boos.
But it was Marshall who struck first, snapping back Crews-Dezurn’s head with a clinical right hand in the first round, with the American responding with a sharp left to redden her opponent’s face.
Marshall stalked down the champion in search of firing range, equipped with her heavyweight bounce and that steely right hand, before a grappling fight nearly culminated in the American losing her footing and throwing herself to the canvas.
Crews-Dezurn was concerned again after an overhand right from Marshall, so she clinched on the inside.
She then returned to utilising her physique and physical power to wear Marshall down, and the intensity was such that the two finally fell to the ground after both losing balance, with Marshall nearly rolling out of the ring in the process.
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