SAVANNAH Marshall’s postponed world title defence is actually seen as a godsend to the 30-year-old who has, so far, had the biggest year of her boxing career.

The Hartlepool fighter has defended her WBO World Middleweight title twice against Maria Lindbergh and Lolita Muzeya this year. Most recently, Marshall beat Muzeya via technical knockout in front of a packed crowd at the Newcastle Arena.

Marshall had another fight lined up next month where her title would, once again, be on the line but a hand injury has ruled her out of action.

There has been a lot of noise surrounding the fight as she was originally billed on the same card as long time rival Claressa Shields but the American’s fight has been moved from Birmingham to Cardiff.

Nevertheless, the fight was being billed as a preamble to the inevitable meeting between the two which is potentially being lined up for next summer.

As for her postponed date, it allows her to get some much needed rest after back to back training camps.

“It’s been postponed from December 11th until February” Marshall told BBC Radio Tees Sport.

“To be honest, I just see the light of it really because it just gives me a couple of weeks to come down because previously, I had done an 18 week camp and I was at the point before I boxed where I was exhausted. I think it’s a bit of a godsend.”

Her hand injury allows her a bit more time to put her feet up before Marshall steps back into the ring in February.

However, Claressa Shields will be busy in camp as she trains ahead of defending four world titles against Ema Kozin at the the Motorpoint Arena.

But will Marshall be there in Wales to meet the American face to face?

“They’ve asked me to (watch Claressa Shields) but they’ve moved it to Cardiff now” she added.

“I was thinking if it was in Birmingham I was going to have a couple of days, come home, go back down for a couple of days but now Cardiff is a bit more of a treck.

“It’s really important (seeing her in person), especially for her, because she is actually boxing so she’ll have to be focused on other jobs. Whereas with me, I can just enjoy myself.

“They are hoping for June time so get February out the way and then and push on for that.

“After my last fight, before then it was two fights with no crowds, so I felt on my own whereas now I feel like the whole of the North-East is behind me.”

Marshall got a real taste of the level of local support when she was recently a guest of honour at hometown club Hartlepool United.

The boxer watched Pools 3-1 League Two defeat to Forest Green Rovers at the Suit Direct Stadium.

Speaking about meeting the supporters, she said: “The reception was unbelievable, I was really overwhelmed.

“I remember saying to my mum before that I hope a couple of people ask for photos because otherwise I’m just going to be stood there looking awkward!

“It’s a little bit weird (the fame). I’m at the point now where my postman knows who I am. I’m slowly getting there.”

There is no rearranged date for her World Title defence in February while her opponent is still yet to be confirmed.