Hartlepool boxer Savannah Marshall's massive success despite missing gold medal bout

Savannah Marshall's World Championship's campaign has been a 'massive success' '“ even though she missed out on a shot at the gold medal.
Savannah Marshall loses out to Nouchka FontijnSavannah Marshall loses out to Nouchka Fontijn
Savannah Marshall loses out to Nouchka Fontijn

That was the assessment of coach Tim Coulter after the Hartlepool boxer fell at the semi-final stage in Kazakhstan.

Marshall was beaten in yesterday’s semi-final by her arch-rival, Nouchka Fontijn.

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“Before the tournament if Savannah had been told ‘you’ll win a bronze medal and get an Olympic place’ we’d have taken it. It would have been brilliant had she got to fight for gold.

“But there was one aim at the start – get to Rio.

“She’s done what she had to do and done it well so it’s been a massive success.

“I was a bit disappointed with the scoring yesterday but I don’t really want to complain.

“It was all about Rio and Savannah’s there and it’s great to say she’s a two-time Olympian.

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“The great thing about this time is that she’ll go there with no pressure, I think the expectation affected her for London.

“It will be different this time and bringing a medal back from Rio would be a dream come true – any colour.

“Everyone in our game knows the World Championships is the hardest to win.

“Savannah and Frankie Gavin are the only British boxers to get gold at the worlds.

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“But if you win a medal at an Olympics, you are a household name and not just a well-known fighter in boxing circles.”

Coulter was proud of her run at Astana, even if it did end at the hands of Fontijn, who has now won their last four meetings.

“As Natasha Jonas mentioned on the BBC commentary, I hope it does not become a psychological issue for Savannah,” added the Headland trainer. “Nouchka does seem to be her bogey fighter but I do have every confidence in Savannah.

“I think now is the time to be looking at the positives – she is back on the podium at the very top level .

“She’s now won all three medals at World Championships, all by the age of 25. That’s not bad is it?”