Savannah Marshall vs Femke Hermans LIVE: Fight stream, latest updates and how to watch online tonight
Re-live round-by-round updates of all the action in Newcastle
Savannah Marshall retained her WBO middleweight title and moved a step closer to a seismic unification bout with Claressa Shields by knocking out Femke Hermans on Saturday.
Hartlepool fighter Marshall dropped her Belgian challenger in the final second of the third round, flooring Hermans with a short left hook to end the contest, retain her title and remain unbeaten at 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Marshall’s victory at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle was observed by Shields, the American watching on from the front row as Marshall handed Hermans the first stoppage loss of the Belgian’s career. Shields, meanwhile, previously went the distance with Hermans.
A unification bout between Marshall and unified champion Shields is now expected to take place this summer, with Boxxer chief Ben Shalom saying “late June, early July” is the target. Marshall told Sky Sports: “Claressa can’t handle my power. I believe I severely hurt Claressa.” Shields responded: “She’s gonna have trouble with me, and she’s definitely not gonna knock me out. Femke was able to make her miss, and I’m ten times faster than Femke, so what do you think I’m gonna do?”
Re-live updates from Savannah Marshall vs Femke Hermans and the event’s undercard, below.
Marshall vs Hermans
Marku tells Sky Sports: “I give my heart when I go to the ring. Tonight I outboxed the boxer.
“Give me Amir Khan next, I’m gonna break him. Does the crowd want Amir Khan next?”
Cheers rain down...
Marku also says he suffered his cut due to a clash of heads, and that he started to rush somewhat as he was worried the cut might cause the fight to be stopped.
Marshall vs Hermans
Florian Marku def. Chris Jenkins via fourth-round TKO (1:41).
“Marku” is the chant from the crowd while the champion and Jenkins show mutual respect to each other.
Marshall vs Hermans
Marku vs Jenkins – Round 4
Marku misses with a wild left hook. Jenkins is doing well to stay composed amid pressure from the champion. The Welshman is keeping his shots tight...
But he’s wobbled by a big right hand! Jenkins is off-balance now!
Marku storms forward and picks his shots well... The referee steps in!
Jenkins is stopped on his feet!
Marshall vs Hermans
Marku vs Jenkins – Round 3
This bout continues to ebb and flow. First Marku asserts himself, then Jenkins backs up the champion with lunging body hooks.
A beautiful uppercut lands for Jenkins amid a flurry from both fighters! He’s also cut Marku around the Albanian’s left eye!
Marku does appear to have the greater power when he lands, it must be said. But Jenkins’ timing is impressing at the moment...
Marshall vs Hermans
Marku vs Jenkins – Round 2
Marku nods in acknowledgment as Jenkins splits the Albanian’s guard with a sneaky jab.
Marku now presses forward and returns to his preferred southpaw stance.
Jenkins does not wilt, however, finding space before forcing the champion back somewhat.
Marshall vs Hermans
Marku vs Jenkins – Round 1
Loud Albanian support coming from the crowd. Sharp jabs from their man, Marku.
Jenkins, the older fighter, looks rather crisp to be honest. He moves his head well here and lands a series of jabs.
Jenkins leans from side to side and connects with some body hooks.
Marshall vs Hermans
Thirty-three-year-old Jenkins is fighting out of Swansea, Wales.
Marku, 29, is Albanian but lives in London.
Jenkins is 23-4-3 (8 KOs), while Marku is 10-0-1 (6 KOs).
Marshall vs Hermans
Next, it’s time for our co-main event!
Florian Marku defends the IBF International welterweight title against Chris Jenkins.
The weigh-in face-off between these men got a little heated this week, with Marku shoving Jenkins by the throat after his challenger blew him a kiss...
Marshall vs Hermans
Chelli tells Sky Sports: “I wanted to get some rounds in.
“Then the head clash... I got angry; I’m already getting bald and this is only gonna make it worse!
“I had to get him out of there.”
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