Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liveupdated

Mikaela Mayer vs Alycia Baumgardner LIVE: Official result and reaction tonight

The Bomb upset Mayer on a thrilling night of women’s boxing at The O2

Jack Rathborn
At The O2
Saturday 15 October 2022 19:51 EDT
Comments
Shields shows middle fingers to Marshall fans at London weigh-in

Alycia Baumgardner upset Mikaela Mayer to unify the super-featherweight division and settle their bad blood in a tense and close contest at The O2 in London.

The Ohio woman produced an array of eye-catching power shots, but Mayer appeared incredulous when responding to the split decision, with the former Olympian dropping a decision that saw the Bomb handed the contest twice by a score of 96-95, with Mayer favoured on one car by 97-93.

Mayer’s jab emerged as the dominant punch throughout the 10-round contest, dictating the centre of the ring and routinely landing on Baumgardner.

But ‘AB’ was explosive and countered superbly throughout a cagey affair that lacked rhythm and perhaps fell slightly short of the expectations for a fight where both fighters have been talked about as future opponents for Katie Taylor in the division above.

A rematch may appeal with neither fighter consistently able to shine and a clear winner lacking.

Shields vs Marshall: Round 9

Both women head to head on the ropes, looking to land heavy shots.

Marshall tied up and struggling for space, Shields so strong to position her rival where she wants.

That’s better, a big combination on a tired looking Shields with 30 seconds remaining.

Then straight rights exchanged in the middle of the ring by both women.

What a cracker, nine breathtaking rounds of women’s boxing, it’s lived up to the hype and some.

(Action Images via Reuters)
Jack Rathborn15 October 2022 23:14

Shields vs Marshall: Round 8

Marshall takes a crisp combination on the ropes, but then spins Shields and whips in a hook.

Marshall’s name rings around the arena, she’s still searching for that overhand right.

Shields then sticks her tongue out at her while waiting for the attack on the ropes.

Marshall fatigued and struggling to land cleanly now.

Jack Rathborn15 October 2022 23:11

Shields vs Marshall: Round 7

More exquisite work up close and on the inside. This is a wrestling match in spells.

Both women struggling for that space, Marshall finds a solution, a nice pivot to the left, hook upstairs, hook downstairs. Tidy work.

(Action Images via Reuters)
Jack Rathborn15 October 2022 23:07

Shields vs Marshall: Round 6

Undisputed on the line and all the glory, these women are leaving it all out there.

Precision from Shields with the straight right, piercing Marshall’s guard and landing clean.

A clubbing left hook from Marshall with Shields trapped on the ropes, some shot!

But Shields is so gritty, she fires back, both women struggling to create space.

What a straight right from Shields just before the bell, Marshall has some chin on her though.

(Getty Images)
Jack Rathborn15 October 2022 23:04

Shields vs Marshall: Round 5

Shields covering up nicely again, that shell is hard to penetrate.

Marshall now shipping damage to the body when the women come together.

A classy left hook from Shields there.

But Marshall then lands a right with Shields trapped on the ropes.

Marshall still leading the action with the jab, but then gets caught with a nasty combination from the American. Shields perhaps building a tidy lead at this stage.

(Getty Images)
Jack Rathborn15 October 2022 23:02

Shields vs Marshall: Round 4

Marshall jabbing and then ducking under the counter right from Shields.

Shields pinned to the ropes but her steely defence blocks the uppercut from Marshall. So instead the Briton goes to the body, whipping in those hooks down low.

A tidy uppercut from Shields lands to the body.

Shields makes Marshall miss despite being cornered. Now head to head, digging in to the body, both fighters pouring on the pressure.

Jack Rathborn15 October 2022 22:58

Shields vs Marshall: Round 3

Marshall back to the centre of the ring, dictating the tempo with her jab.

That languid style, dipping, slipping Shields’ assaults.

But the American shoulder rolls and comes out firing from the corner, danger for Marshall.

The output is surely not sustainable, a crisp jab from Marshall snaps Shields’ head back.

A blur of red and white as Shields counters, the sound of the bell ends another exhilarating round. Close to call that one.

Jack Rathborn15 October 2022 22:54

Shields vs Marshall: Round 2

What a fight we have already.

Marshall now more imposing. Leads with the jab, but both women willing to fire away and take risks.

If we shaded the opener to Shields, this is to Marshall. Tremendous noise at each exchange, what an atmosphere.

Jack Rathborn15 October 2022 22:53

Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall

We’re underway!

They tangle up immediately, Shields hitting down as Marshall bends over.

But it’s the home favourite on the front foot, popping the jab.

Shields with huge shots landing, Marshall is in major trouble.

The Briton weathers the storm, shoulder rolling to bide time.

Now Shields in the corner and shipping shots. This is electric!

What a round, Shields takes it for us, but Marshall had momentum in spells. Both women pouring on the pressure, it didn’t take long to ignite!

Jack Rathborn15 October 2022 22:47

Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall

The anthems are over, both fighters have been gazing across the ring at each other for a few minutes.

Both fighters and their immense credentials shouted out but drowned out by Marshall’s fans.

Now boos for Shields, whop hops up and down, raising her hands defiantly to the hostile reception.

Jack Rathborn15 October 2022 22:45

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in