In a month where boxing has been hit with haymakers of its own creation, the sellout title fight between Shields and Marshall gave reason for optimism.
The sport needs that boost as it continues to deal with the aftermath of Benn's failed drugs test and the cancellation of his fight with Chris Eubank Jr.
Boxing is facing a lot of questions as UK Anti-Doping investigates Benn's positive test for the banned substance Clomifene.
There should be enough drug testing. The British Boxing Board of Control is a body that can be used as an arbiter of the sport. Is the sport run by the big men?
Daniel Kinahan's connections with boxing were revealed earlier this year.
A well-known figure in boxing circles was hit with worldwide financial sanctions by the United States. Boxers who have worked with him have no reason to be concerned.
There were serious questions about the standard of governance in boxing after the collapse of the promotion company co-founded by Kinahan.
The sport is at risk of being kicked out of the Olympics because of allegations of corruption. The pro game has the same questions of credibility as the pro game. The integrity of the fight between Jack Catterall and Josh Taylor was the subject of an investigation by the British Boxing Board of Control.
The truest expression of why boxing is a sport to be loved and cherished was seen on Saturday in a sold-out arena.
Two elitechampions went toe-to-toe. Marshall and Shields were perfect in their fights.
The rivalry between them dates back a decade to when Marshall beat Shields at amateur level.
There have been heated exchanges since then. They were in the ring again. Both women are at their best.
It's a rare occurrence. It was just this month that Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury failed to agree on terms for a bout. The best boxers are never guaranteed to win.
Fights can tip either way when you're unifying them or in a serious fight. These are the reasons why we need to see more of these fights.
The fight brought a career-best performance out of Shields who is a 13 time world champion. Marshall became a bankable star despite falling short.
This was a good fight. Both of them stepped up and fought out their skins, and they both tested each other to the limit, according to Fury.
She had a fighting heart. We want to see more of that. Have a fight. We would like to see blood and guts. I'm in boxing for something.
There was no controversy. Shields' scorecards were in his favor.
Neither woman overstepped a line so often ignored in verbal exchanges. Shields and Marshall saluted each other's talents.
The focus was on the competitors. It was a great example of what the sport can do.
If it's made young boys and girls want to get in the gym and give it a try, then I'm happy with that, even though I came up short.
It shows that elite women can thrive in the spotlight.
Sky Sports and the promoter were told they were crazy to even consider an all-female card at the 20,000 seat arena.
It will be one of the best nights in boxing history because of what it means for women's boxing.
Marshall said he was amazed that two women were able to sell out the O2 Arena.
The Shields v Marshall fight showed boxing at its best at a time when the sport is in need of defenders.
Shields said that this was a good night of boxing.
When people said women's boxing didn't sell out, nobody would watch it, but we got watched by millions of people and we put on a great fight.
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