By: Sean Crose
Two of the top level bouts that can be found in contemporary boxing took place on Saturday at the O2 Arena in London. That’s where Claressa Shields put her WBC, WBA and IBF middleweight titles ahead of WBO middleweight champion Savanah Marhsall in a scheduled 10 round. Before that, however, the WBO, WBC and IBF lightweight titles were set to be claimed when Mikayla Mayer took on Alycia Baumgardner in another scheduled 10 round. Both of these wars have squared division top talent for division supremacy. The fact that each woman isn’t a fan of her opponent only adds to the tension.
Baumgardner 13-1 got off to a strong start in her teamfights, which might surprise some. However, Mayer crouched down and asserted himself as the duel unfolded. As rounds begin to pile up, it becomes clear that, even though there is no barn incinerator, the fight is neck and neck and each woman will have to show her best to get the edge over her opponent. After the final bell, there was a sense that the umpires could rule the match either way – against Mayer, against Baumgardner, or even a draw – without being accused of robbing either boxer. . In the end, it was Baumgardner who walked out of the ring with a split win and the numerous junior lightweight titles she owned.
There’s a bit of a plot leading up to the main event. Shields 12-0 has only tasted defeat once in her career, and it was an amateur match, you guessed it, Marshall. Now, Marshall 12-0 is hoping for a second best win for Shields, and take the undisputed middleweight championship with her. That’s not to say, but that doesn’t mean Marshall isn’t on a show. She has done. She is just not enough for the battle shield has become. And so, in the end, Shields was decided unanimously to win. The American star succeeded in being the undisputed champion against Marshall – but she definitely has to work for it.
