RISING female boxer Tamm Thibeault stopped Mary Casamassa at 2-18 of round five as two unbeaten women put their records on the line in the New York show opener for Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano III.
It was clear pretty early on that the more powerful Thibeault would be extending her positive record, now 3-0 (2 KOs) over Casamassa, who lost for the first time, dropping to 6-1 (1 KO).
Fighting over eight-three-minute rounds instead of the usual two-minute rounds that most women favour (or are obligated to work in), Thibeault had an undefeated boxer in front of her to deal with. Pittsburgh’s Casamassa was also stepping up huge and was unable to cope with the big bombs.
Casamassa opened up at the end of round one and paid a heavy price, shipping a one-two that left her on the canvas for an early count from referee Charlie Fitch. Two-time Olympian Thibeault dominated the space from the start. Casamassa got more aggressive in the third round. Her punches were pushed, however, as the Canadian fight favourite retained control.
The doctor was concerned enough to have a little look at Casamassa’s eyes before round five, as the ref asked her to do a little ring run to prove her sprightliness. Thibeault’s overhand left was pretty sprightly, too. The follow-up combinations left Mr Fitch with no choice but to jump in and wave it off.
“Nerves are normal, excitement is normal, that’s why I do it, right?” beamed Thibeault following her win.
“I didn’t come in here looking for the stoppage, I came in here to be the best version of myself and if it came, so be it.”
