In a highly anticipated super-middleweight clash held in New York, Shadasia `Sweet Terminator` Green delivered a stern welcome back to the ring for Savannah Marshall, who was returning after a two-year absence that included a foray into mixed martial arts. What unfolded was a tactical, often physically grinding, 10-round contest that ultimately saw Green emerge victorious via a split decision.
A Tactical, Tangled Affair
The initial rounds of the bout were characterized by close-quarters action and frequent clinches, leading to what could politely be described as `technical difficulties` in finding clean punching room. The referee was kept busy, issuing cautions to both fighters: Marshall for a rabbit punch and Green for repeated holding. The emphasis seemed to be on imposing physical dominance rather than fluid boxing.
The contest took a controversial turn in the fourth round when a point was deducted from Shadasia Green for holding. This decision drew a notable reaction, with some observers questioning the severity of the penalty, suggesting that the grappling was a two-way street rather than a unilateral infraction warranting a deduction at that stage.
Shifting Momentum and the Decisive Blow
Despite the point deduction, Green began to find her rhythm as the fight progressed. In the fifth round, she landed a significant right hand that visibly impacted Marshall, prompting the British fighter to engage in some defensive holding of her own to recover and see out the session. It was a clear turning point in the momentum.
Entering the later rounds, Green`s adjustments and persistent pressure appeared to gain traction. By the eighth round, she was not only effectively utilizing her jab but also successfully counter-punching Marshall as fatigue seemed to set in, causing Marshall to fall inside more often. While Marshall showed resilience and utilized her jab and head movement to navigate the final rounds, the tide appeared to have significantly shifted in Green`s favor.
The Official Scores and Aftermath
After the final bell, the outcome remained uncertain, reflecting the complex nature of the fight. The judges` scorecards revealed the closeness and divided opinions on the action: Tom Shreck scored it 95-94 for Green, and Martha Tremblay saw it wider at 96-93 for Green. The third judge, Max DeLuca, scored it 96-93 in favor of Marshall. The split decision confirmed Shadasia Green as the winner.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Green, who improves her professional record to 16 wins and 1 loss (with 11 knockouts). For Savannah Marshall, her return ends in a setback, moving her record to 13 wins and 2 losses (with 10 knockouts). In the post-fight interviews, an emotional Green spoke of her dedication and journey to this point. Marshall, while acknowledging Green`s power, offered a concise reaction about wanting a “fair fight,” a comment likely alluding to the contentious moments of the bout.
The result positions Shadasia Green as a major player in the super-middleweight division, while prompting a period of reflection and strategic planning for the returning Savannah Marshall.
