Savannah Marshall dethroned Franchon Crews-Dezurn to crown herself the undisputed super-middleweight champion, underpinning her legacy as one of female boxing’s greats. 

It is a victory that reinforces the ‘golden era’ in which female boxing is going through in Britain, as it sits pretty with SEVEN world champions, more than any other nation. 

Marshall wasn’t the only beneficiary of the chance to flourish on the screens of the nation, as Natasha Jonas added world title number four, in weight number two, to her collection. 

But, of course, Marshall will dominate the boxing pages, with a win that edges the rematch with Claressa Shields just that little bit closer. 

Performance wise it was scrappy in places, but largely due to the unconditioned and sloppy Crews-Dezurn. As pre-predicted, her attempt at success came from trying to use her frame. 

But a push and a shove were no deterrent to Marshall who continuously took a step back, before throwing and connecting cleanly and regularly to the head of Crews-Dezurn. 

The champion did keep bringing the heat, perhaps understanding she was chasing the fight going into the championship rounds. 

However, it wasn’t enough to dent a clearly superior Marshall. 

Jonas wasted no time in making her slice of history. From the first bell, she advanced towards Canadian Kandi Wyatt, throwing in heavy volume. 

Despite being clearly overwhelmed, Wyatt managed to hang on and drag the fight into the latter stages. What she did throw back was more in hope than anything else.

Jonas evaded almost everything that came her way, countering expertly. 

It was in round eight that referee Marcus McDonnell rightly waved off the contest, through pity as much as safety, after Wyatt had taken excessive clean shots. 

That is an extraordinary four belts in 18 months for Jonas, who may yet have an even bigger 2023. 

As for 2023, well what a year so far. That is two new world champions, two new undisputed champions, two world title defences and a new two-weight world champion. 

But these women are champions in more ways than one. See the word ‘champion’ can have two meanings. In one sense, it is a person who has surpassed their rivals in a sporting contest. 

In another, it means someone who vigorously defends a person or a cause. 

These extraordinary fighters sit in both categories - their sporting superiority, partnered by their pioneering of female excellence, makes them shining lights in a sport which is sometimes shrouded in darkness. 

And there is way more to come. 

Forty miles east, it was Dalton Smith making the headlines in Sheffield. 

After two British title defences in which he failed to dazzle, he made sure he captured the British title outright in frightening fashion. 

It was a finish brought on by two cuts above each eye, something Smith was determined not to let ruin his moment. 

Smith did burst out the blocks. Cheered on by a bubbling home crowd, he took advantage of a tentative Maxwell, who was keen to stick behind a long jab. 

But when Smith held his feet, there was plenty of pop behind his punches. 

A huge left hook looked to have winded Maxwell at the end of an otherwise tame third, but time was on his side as both fighters were sent to their stools. 

Round five is when blood began to pour, after a clash of heads between the pair. 

But, with the help of some excellent corner work, and the adrenaline of the Rocky-style blood battle, Smith turned the screw. 

And in round seven… THIS. 

It is, and will no doubt for a bit longer, sit as Smith’s best career punch. 

Thankfully Maxwell was okay, with the pair showing mutual respect afterwards, in keeping with their fight week energy. 

For Smith, there was a Commonwealth title as reward as well as the British outright. Now, he will have an eye on the two he is yet to get hold of. 

European and British. 

Oscar Bevis.