Green unifies titles with split decision win over Marshall

Shadasia Green’s win over Savannah Marshall unified two belts, but it will be debated for some time.

Shadasia Green scored what many may consider a bit of an upset tonight, winning a split decision over Savannah Marshall to unify a pair of super middleweight world titles at Madison Square Garden.

Green got two cards of 95-94 and 96-93, with Marshall winning the other card, 96-93. As with most split decisions, there is going to be a lot of debate and discussion about the scoring.

Green (16-1, 11 KO) definitely got the best win of her career, even with whatever controversy does come out of it. Marshall (13-2, 10 KO) hadn’t boxed in over two years, and frankly it looked like it after a few rounds, as her punches seemed to really lose steam down the stretch of the fight.

Green was docked a point for holding in the sixth round, but some of that may have also helped her wear Marshall down a bit and ultimately get the cards in her favor.

Green, who added Marshall’s IBF title to the WBO belt she was defending, was complimentary toward her opponent, and overwhelmed by the emotion of the victory.

“This is 20 years, man,” an emotional Green said through tears after the fight. “I was 15 years old and I wanted to box, and my mother told me no, she told me I had to go to college, but she said if I brought my degree back, I could pursue boxing. 20 years later, we’re unified. I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude and joy.”

“They pushed me to my limit this camp,” she added. “I got beat up every day in sparring and I knew it was worth it, because Savannah Marshall was worth it. Much respect to Savannah Marshall, she came out here and she fought me today and I appreciate that. You’re a great champion. I said that before the fight, and I’ll say it now. You’re fuckin’ phenomenal.”

Marshall was upset with the decision, though not with Green, which is entirely fair because Green didn’t score the fight.

“Taking nothing away from Shadasia, she was absolutely unbelievable tonight,” she said. “Even with the point off, you give me two rounds? I’ve come over here, I gave you all three judges, how is that fair? Even with the point off — look, I’m not saying I won, but even with the point off, you give me two rounds? All I wanted was a fair fight. Come on.”

Perhaps it’s nitpicking to say that the judges against her did give Marshall three and four rounds, not two, but it should be noted.

There is a solid chance that Green and Marshall, both promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, will meet in a rematch. There aren’t really any bigger fights at 168, save for Green trying to rematch Franchon Crews-Dezurn — her only loss — for undisputed in the division, or possibly a move up to “heavyweight” to fight Claressa Shields, though that may require a beef-squashing between Shields and Jake Paul, doable if there’s enough money.

What did you think of the decision?