Marshall unloaded a huge left hook that caused Hermans to roll over on the canvas in the final seconds of the third round, with defending champion Shields watching from the ring at the Newcastle Utilita Arena. The British WBO champion is now expected to share a ring with her American rival, who holds the WBC, WBA and IBF titles. Image: British WBO champion patiently researches Hermans defenses Marshall had tested Herman’s defenses with a well-aimed punch in the first round, resisting the temptation to reveal her strength. But a crunchy right hand from Hermans provoked an immediate response from Marshall, who retaliated with a savage right of her own. Marshall chased Hermans in the third, gradually closing the area before a short, sharp left hand made Hermans crash backwards, just before the bell rang. Image: Marshall then launched an attack with the end of battle in the third round The referee had seen enough and shook it quickly, marking the start of preparations for Marshall’s huge meeting with the Shields. “There is no other barrier between me and Claresa, so it’s me and her this summer,” Marshall told Sky Sports. “I know Claresa can not manage my strength. I think I can beat her. “It has to happen here in the Northeast.” Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Shields says Marshall will need much more than strength to defeat her But Shields insists she can easily beat Marshall, telling Sky Sports: “You have to do this. I said she would do this to Femke Hermans – but I’m not Femke Hermans, I’m not Hannah Rankin, I’m None of these girls he has fought with. “If this is what I have to look forward to, it will be an elimination.”
