Savannah Marshall, After Stopping Hannah Rankin for the WBO Middleweight Title: “…she (Claressa Shields) isn’t better than me and doesn’t want anything of me”

SAVANNAH MARSHALL WINS WORLD TITLE

Savannah Marshall produced a superb performance as she stopped Hannah Rankin in the seventh round to win the WBO middleweight title.

Marshall (9-0, 7 KOs) was dominant throughout the fight, securing the win inside the distance over Rankin (9-5, 2 KOs) to win the vacant title at the SSE Arena, Wembley.

It means that the 29-year-old is Britain’s latest world champion, and she had a message for former rival Claressa Shields following the win.

Marshall said: “I’m over the moon. For months I’ve watched everybody else get their chance and I wondered when mine would come, and now I’ve grabbed it with both hands.

“I’ve had nine fights in three years and learned sometimes it’s not just about the fighting. Peter has always said if you’re good enough you’ll get there, so I want to dedicate this win to Peter. I need to thank my amateur coach Tim too, as he’s been there every step of the way.

“Thanks to Gary Booth and Kerry Kayes, all of my sparring partners, all of my sponsors, and my friends and family because I wouldn’t be there without them.

“The reason Claressa Shields has the belts is because she got there before me, she isn’t better than me and doesn’t want anything of me.”

Trainer Peter Fury added: “I said today that she’d stop her in the mid to late rounds. I know my fighter inside out. I’m very proud of Savannah and what she’s achieved. I’m over the moon.”