Savannah Marshall will look to get busy after making a brief, yet spectacular, first appearance of 2019.
The 28-year-old knocked out Borislava Goranova in only 71 seconds to move on to six victories as a professional and move that step nearer a fight for the undisputed world middleweight title with Claressa Shields.
But before Marshall can look forward to getting some dollars in the bank from a second duel with her old amateur arch-rival, she must get some more rounds in the bank.
You can’t begrudge the Hartlepool fighter a less-than-taxing return to the ring after a six month absence but Savannah and coach, Peter Fury, know greater and longer tests are required, even if they go down the super-middleweight route before going to middle and THAT battle with Shields.
Working on the old maxim ‘ you can only beat what’s in front of you’, Saturday’s night’s assignment in Manchester has to be rated as a success.
Much of the ridicule on social media has surrounded Goranova’s record and age, but the fact is she is a tough lady who had not been stopped in seven years.
However, she was taken apart in ruthless fashion at the Victoria Warehouse.
Looking relaxed and with a spring in her step, Marshall switched smoothly between body and head and it was a right-left combination to the body which cut the Bulgarian in half.
Goranova got to her feet just as referee Mark Lyson reached “10” and the Liverpool official correctly counted her out.
The main event starring her stablemate, Hughie Fury, also left the crowd and Channel 5 audience feeling somewhat underwhelmed.
Fury’s heavyweight clash with unbeaten Canadian Chris Norrad made it into round two before the end came.
Boxing for the first time since suffering a 12-round points decision to Kubrat Pulev in an IBF final eliminator last October, Hughie, like Savannah, could be forgiven for a gentle re-introduction.
But he was miles better than his opponent who he put down mid-way through the second and while Norrad was up at “nine”, Mr Lyson had seen enough.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Hennessy Sports
