New York City recently played host to a highly anticipated boxing event, and while the main attraction drew global headlines, the undercard delivered its own compelling narratives. Among them was a clash of undefeated records as Canada`s own Tamm Thibeault stepped into the ring against Pittsburgh`s Mary Casamassa. Billed as an eight-round super welterweight contest, the bout was notable not just for pitting two unblemished professional records against each other, but also for being contested over three-minute rounds – a less common format in women`s boxing, which often favors the standard two minutes.
From the opening bell, it became evident that Thibeault, a two-time Olympian bringing a formidable amateur pedigree and professional power (her record standing at 2 KOs from 2 wins prior to this fight), was operating on a different level. Her control of distance and ring generalship were apparent early on, setting the tone for the encounter. Casamassa, while possessing her own undefeated record (6-0 with 1 KO), appeared to be facing a significant step up in competition, and the challenge immediately presented itself.
The first sign of trouble for Casamassa arrived dramatically in the closing moments of the opening round. As she attempted to engage, Thibeault capitalized with a sharp one-two combination. The punches found their mark, sending Casamassa to the canvas. Referee Charlie Fitch began the count, and although Casamassa was able to rise, the knockdown served as a clear statement of Thibeault`s power and authority in the ring.
Thibeault continued to dictate the terms of the fight in the subsequent rounds, maintaining pressure and utilizing her superior reach and strength. Casamassa demonstrated courage and attempted to rally, showing increased aggression in the third round. However, her offensive efforts often lacked the necessary snap and conviction, frequently appearing pushed rather than punched. Thibeault consistently absorbed these attempts and countered effectively, never truly allowing Casamassa to gain a foothold or shift the momentum.
As the fight entered the fifth round, concerns began to mount at ringside regarding Casamassa`s condition. The ringside doctor conducted a visual assessment of her eyes and requested a brief demonstration of her mobility, a standard procedure when a fighter appears significantly outmatched or has taken considerable punishment. Casamassa was cleared to continue, perhaps providing a momentary flicker of hope that she might find a way back into the fight. However, this brief pause merely delayed the inevitable.
Once the action resumed, Thibeault wasted no time in pressing her advantage. She unleashed a powerful overhand left, a weapon that had been effective throughout the fight, and followed up with a barrage of precise combinations. Casamassa was trapped and unable to offer meaningful defense against the sustained attack. Recognizing that Casamassa was in peril and absorbing unanswered blows, referee Charlie Fitch correctly intervened, waving off the contest at the 2:18 mark of the fifth round.
The victory, a technical knockout, extended Tamm Thibeault`s perfect professional record to 3-0 and marked her third stoppage win, cementing her status as a rising force in the super welterweight division. Her performance in New York, on a major undercard, highlighted her readiness for increasingly challenging bouts. Speaking afterwards, Thibeault exuded calm confidence, stating that while nerves are normal, her focus remained solely on delivering her best performance, with the stoppage being a natural outcome of that effort.
For Mary Casamassa, the loss represents the first professional setback and a valuable, albeit tough, lesson in the demanding landscape of world-class boxing. Stepping up to face an opponent of Thibeault`s caliber proved a bridge too far on this occasion. Meanwhile, Tamm Thibeault moves forward with an enhanced record and significant momentum from a dominant showing on a prominent New York stage.
