Savannah Marshall vs Crews-Dezurn LIVE: Result as Briton claims undisputed titles with decision win
Re-live updates from the undisputed-title fight and its undercard in Manchester
Savannah Marshall became undisputed super-middleweight champion with a narrow decision win over Franchon Crews-Dezurn on Saturday.
Two of the judges in Manchester scored the bout for Marshall, while the other had the main event as a draw – enough for the Briton to take all the major belts from Crews-Dezurn.
Marshall entered the fight on the back of a points defeat by Claressa Shields in October – the first professional loss of the 32-year-old’s career, and a result with which Marshall lost the WBO middleweight title as her rival became undisputed in the division. But Marshall got back on track on Saturday, moving up in weight and reaping the rewards as she overcame a tough start to beat a tricky, physical opponent at the AO Arena.
Re-live updates from the main-event fight, and its undercard, below.
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Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE
Round 5
I always say it, but these two-minute rounds fly by. We’re nearly halfway through this fight already.
Marshall just about connects with a right cross, but Crews-Dezurn replies with a hard left hook to the mid-section!
Crews-Dezurn hits the canvas, but again it’s the result of some grappling – rather than a knockdown!
A short right hook lands for Marshall, after Crews-Dezurn makes it back to her feet. The crowd roars.
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE
Round 4
Great uppercut from Marshall after a jab feint! But Crews-Dezurn eats it, wow!
More grappling... A scrappy exchange ensues, as both women miss with wild punches, and Marshall tumbles off-balance to the mat.
She’s back on her feet and clinching the champion. She creates enough space to land a clean one-two, though, which the crowd loves!
Crews-Dezurn with a powerful left hook now, however! Marshall with an uppercut! This fight is starting to heat up...
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE
Round 3
Marshall walks onto a jab but unloads a couple of hooks at the same time.
Crews-Dezurn with heavy body hooks in close. The women clinch now.
They separate, and Marshall starts to get through with some jabs. The fighters then grapple, with Marshall falling to the mat. No knockdown.
The Hartlepool fighter is back on her feet, and Crews-Dezurn holds her again. The American is doing the better work on the inside; she seems to have a strength advantage.
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE
Round 2
The women clinch in close at the start of this second round. Crews-Dezurn is on target with a hook and a chopping right hand as Marshall crouches.
Again the crowd sings Marshall’s name, and she gets going with some well-timed jabs, moving her head well in between those shots to evade her opponent’s counter attempts.
Crews-Dezurn with a nice left hook to the body, then Marshall fires back with an overhand right!
A better round for Marshall.
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE
Round 1
Ten two-minute rounds to come – unless there is a stoppage. Both women stand orthodox.
Crews-Dezurn closes range quickly, looking to get after Marshall. The American flicks out a couple of jabs then tries for a series of hooks, but the taller Marshall’s head movement keeps her safe.
“Ohhhh, Savannah Marshall!” rings around the AO Arena.
Marshall misses with a big overhand right attempt. She then barely misses with a right hook and is tagged by a jab.
Both women land hooks in close! An overhand right catches Marshall, too!
A fun first round, which will likely go the champion’s way.
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE
Here we are then! The undisputed super-middleweight titles are on the line!
Let’s gooooo!
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE
A great reception for Marshall as the fighter introductions begin.
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE
We told you Crews-Dezurn can sing! She’s belting out the USA’s national anthem (to the sound of boos at Manchester’s AO Arena...).
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