As fight fans converged on New York for the highly anticipated showdown featuring Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, the evening`s proceedings kicked off with a compelling women`s middleweight clash. Two undefeated records were on the line as Canada`s Tamm Thibeault stepped into the ring against Pittsburgh`s Mary Casamassa.
What unfolded over five rounds was a clear demonstration of Thibeault`s power and ring control. Billed as an eight-round contest fought under the less common (for women`s boxing) three-minute round format, the bout quickly established a distinct dynamic.
Thibeault, a decorated amateur with two Olympic appearances, wasted little time asserting her dominance. Her physical strength and sharp boxing skills were evident from the outset. Casamassa, while game and possessing a respectable 6-0 record heading into the night, found herself immediately facing a significant step up in opposition quality.
The first telling moment arrived late in Round 1. As Casamassa attempted to open up her offense, she was met with a crisp one-two combination from Thibeault that sent her to the canvas. Referee Charlie Fitch administered an early count, a stark signal of the power differential at play.
Despite recovering and continuing, Casamassa struggled to mount a consistent attack. Thibeault effectively managed the distance, consistently landing the heavier shots and dictating the pace. Casamassa showed moments of aggression in the middle rounds, but her punches often appeared pushed or lacked the necessary snap to deter the Canadian favorite, who maintained firm control of the center of the ring.
By the start of the fifth round, the writing seemed increasingly clear. Concerned by Casamassa`s condition, the ringside doctor requested a closer look at her eyes before allowing the fight to continue, with the referee asking for a brief movement check to confirm her readiness. She was deemed fit to proceed, but the respite was brief.
Thibeault wasted no time pressing her advantage in the fifth. A sharp overhand left landed cleanly, followed swiftly by a barrage of combinations. The sustained, unanswered assault left Referee Fitch with no alternative but to step between the fighters and wave off the contest at 2:18 of Round 5, declaring Tamm Thibeault the winner by technical knockout.
The victory moved Thibeault`s professional record to an impressive 3-0, now with two stoppages. For Mary Casamassa, the night marked her first professional defeat, dropping her record to 6-1. While a setback, it was a clear indication of the level required at the top echelon of the sport.
Speaking post-fight, a beaming Thibeault reflected on her performance. “Nerves are normal, excitement is normal, that’s why I do it, right?” she remarked, displaying the composure of a fighter confident in her abilities. She added, “I didn’t come in here looking for the stoppage, I came in here to be the best version of myself and if it came, so be it.”
Thibeault`s performance on a major New York stage against a fellow unbeaten fighter sends a clear message: she is a powerful force in the middleweight division and a rising contender to watch.
