Boxing

Claressa Shields becomes undisputed middleweight champion by beating long-time rival Savannah Marshall via unanimous decision in London.

Shields' confidence was never in doubt. Marshall's chin stood up to the challenge and the Briton was serenaded by the home crowd in the eighth round as she searched for a spark. The big puncher was repeatedly caught by the lightning pace of Shields' counters and when she tried to stamp her authority in the second, she was caught by two uppercuts from the two-time Olympic champion. The fight opened with a furious two minutes with Shields pouring on the pressure with shots to the body and head of 31-year-old Marshall. It was billed as the biggest fight in women's history and could quickly turn into one of the greatest rivalries in boxing history if fans are treated to a second and even third fight. The American was sensational in a career-best performance, avenging the only defeat on her pro and amateur record and staking her claim as one of the best fighters in the world.