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: Natasha Jonas wins more gold
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Ben Whittaker in action
Whittaker (pro record: 3-0, 2 KOs) really gets the star treatment for his entrance.
He seems very relaxed, dancing his way into the ring.
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Ben Whittaker in action
One more fight before the main event!
Ben Whittaker, a silver medalist for Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics, is in action against Vladimir Belujsky at light-heavyweight.
Here a snippet from our exclusive interview with Whittaker from this week:
“I got these brand new Reebok boots,” the 26-year-old recalls. “You couldn’t get them really, they were like limited edition – the ones that Amir Khan and Floyd Mayweather wore. I managed to source a pair, so I was like, ‘Ooo, nobody’s got these, let’s go to the gym and beat somebody up.’ So, I went and sparred this kid... and he completely battered me.”
“My nose was bleeding, I was crying a little bit as well,” he says. “I looked over at my dad, and he just shook his head, like: ‘What the hell are you doing?’ We drove home in complete silence, awkwardness. Ever since I felt that embarrassment, it kind of flipped the switch, like I never wanted to feel that again.”
Full interview:
Ben Whittaker on his life-changing moment: ‘I was bleeding and crying’
The Team GB Olympic medalist continues his budding professional career on Saturday
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Natasha Jonas in action
Natasha Jonas def. Kandi Wyatt via eighth-round TKO (0:33).
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Natasha Jonas in action
Round 8
The fight is waved off in the eighth round! Wyatt had taken enough damage without making a dent in Jonas, and the referee saw that.
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Natasha Jonas in action
Round 7
Jonas with a well-timed jab then a right hook that wobbles Wyatt somewhat.
Wyatt, as you might have guessed, marches forward anyway! She’s stung by a clean left cross from Jonas, who now tries for some hooks.
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Natasha Jonas in action
Round 6
Wyatt walks onto some shots early in Round 6. She seems to be bleeding from her nose, but – as ever – she’s undeterred.
Another fine uppercut from Jonas at the end of the round.
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Natasha Jonas in action
Round 5
Wyatt presses forward. Decent head movement from Jonas to avoid a few straight shots.
A grazing right hook is on point for Jonas now. The former Olympian snaps out a jab next.
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Natasha Jonas in action
Round 4
Jonas with a quickfire combination at once! A jab and left hook.
She snaps back Wyatt’s head with another jab then a jolting left cross. Again Wyatt walks down Jonas, who parries a couple of jabs.
A brutal counter left hand lands for Jonas! Somehow, Wyatt just eats it! That was the cleanest, hardest punch of the fight so far.
Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall LIVE: Natasha Jonas in action
Round 3
Jonas with a left hook to the body then a right hook to the head.
Wyatt gets through with a couple of straight shots, as Jonas backs up to the ropes.
Another clean hook is there for Jonas. The crowd liked that one!
Wyatt corners Jonas and tags her with a left straight from an orthodox stance.
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