Scotney vs Mercado: Ellie Scotney shines at MSG, Savannah Marshall suffers defeat

Marshall had not fought in a boxing ring for two years, but still had hold of one of her world titles, the IBF, when she passed through the ropes.

The English fighter is a former undisputed champion at super-middleweight but, in her absence, Green had risen to world champion status with the WBO belt.

Hartlepool’s Marshall started well showing little ring rust, even smiling as she quickly seized control, walking down Green, who was deducted a point for holding.

The 34-year-old clipped Green on several occasions but the fight turned in round five when the American landed a big left hand.

Marshall endured two draining rounds and was hurt several times under pressure from Green.

Despite having the momentum, Green’s variety let her down and Marshall was able to weather the storm and clear her head.

The fight was finely balanced in the final four minutes, a testament to both fighters relying almost exclusively on winding up their big punches.

Marshall and Green were exhausted when the final bell sounded and both women cut nervous figures in the centre of the ring as the scorecards were read out.

One judge saw it 96-93 for Marshall, while the other scorecards read 95-94 and 96-93 for Green.

It is only Marshall’s second defeat, the first being to Claressa Shields in 2022, but after such a close fight, she could be in the frame for an immediate rematch with Green.