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Boxing: England's former World
champion Savannah Marshall honoured in Hartlepool
by Michael O'Neill
February 7, 2015
(FEB 7) England’s first
ever women’s ‘amateur’ boxing champion, Savannah Marshall from
Hartlepool was guest of honour in her home town when she
received a very special accolade, the unveiling of a striking
full-size sculpture of herself.
Quietly spoken, 23 years old,
Savannah, has long been known in media circles as the ‘Silent
Assassin’ as she has always let her boxing ‘do the talking’.
More recently she has grown in confidence when dealing with
British and International media. She took Gold at the 2014
Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, defeating Canada’s Ariane Fortin
in a hard fought, final encounter.
Local media outlet, ‘The Hartlepool Mail’ takes up the story.
“The 23-year-old, who has been boxing since the age of 12, made
history in 2012 by becoming Britain’s first women’s world boxing
champion in the world finals in China, later going on to win
gold in the Women’s Middleweight Division at the 2014
Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and represent her country in the
2012 Olympic Games in London.
The sculpture has been commissioned by Hartlepool Borough
Council from Michelle Castles, an artist renowned for her
dynamic full-sized steel weld mesh sculptures of the human form,
especially at its most youthful, athletic and powerful.
The unveiling – at which Savannah was joined by Michelle Castles
and the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool, Councillor Stephen
Akers-Belcher - took place in Hartlepool Art Gallery in Church
Square”.
The sculpture is a highlight of the gallery’s latest exhibition
called ‘Inspire’, which is running until Saturday, March 14, and
which aims to pass on athletes’ passion, dedication and love of
sport through sculpture and photography and to inspire more of
Hartlepool’s residents to take part in physical activity.
The ‘Hartlepool Mail’ again:
“After the unveiling Savannah Marshall said: “I am really
grateful that people have gone to so much trouble to create a
sculpture of me.
“I feel very much that it is also a tribute to the big team of
people who have supported and encouraged me along the way and
without whom my achievements would not have been possible.
“I very much hope the sculpture will inspire people to take up
sport – especially young girls. If it does that, I will be so
happy.”
Coun Akers-Belcher said: “We were very keen to ensure that there
was a fitting tribute to Savannah.
“Michelle Castles’ remarkable and powerful sculpture has
certainly accomplished that, capturing all Savannah’s athletic
poise and power.
“I am delighted that Savannah has accepted this honour. It is
richly deserved and I am sure it will encourage other young
people to follow in her footsteps.”
The gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am to 5pm and entry
is free. For more information call (01429) 869706.
The Hartlepool Art Gallery exhibition programme is sponsored by
local company Niramax Total Waste Solutions.
Just before the London Olympics, Savannah talked about her hopes
for the future, how she copes with shyness at media briefings,
her respect for Katie Taylor and being a good role model for
women in sport among other subjects.