Savannah Marshall returned to the ring after a two-year absence with a narrow points defeat to Shadasia Green in New York, on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s trilogy fight with Amanda Serrano.

Marshall, boxing for the first time since becoming undisputed super-middleweight champion against Franchon Crews Dezurn in 2023, was immediately thrust back into world title action, with the IBF and WBO belts on the line.

The Briton started brightly, using her jab and footwork to keep Green off balance and prevent the New Jersey fighter from planting her feet. Green was deducted a point in the fourth round for holding during a scrappy spell, and Marshall punctuated the session with a clean overhand right that appeared to underline her control.

Green responded in the fifth with a heavy right hand that shook Marshall, though the former champion showed her durability to ride out the attack. The remainder of the fight was tightly contested, both fighters trading in close quarters and looking to land decisive right hands.

At the final bell, many felt Marshall’s early work and the point deduction against Green would prove decisive. However, while one judge scored it 96-93 in her favour, the other two saw it for Green at 95-94 and 96-93, handing the American a majority decision victory.

Marshall expressed disappointment at the verdict, noting that all three officials were from the United States and suggesting the scorecards did not reflect the flow of the bout. Many ringside observers and fans online also felt the decision was harsh on the Briton, believing she had done enough to edge the fight.