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THREE years ago, just a couple of months after a vote to include women's boxing at London 2012, International Olympic Committee member Mohammed Mzali voiced his concerns over the decision.
"Women have good figures, but when it comes to boxing they could get black eyes," he said. "They could also be punched on their breasts, which are normally for feeding babies, and they might even faint in competition."
How wrong he was.
The atmosphere at the ExCeL has been electric throughout London 2012, but for an hour yesterday, as the first ever women's boxing Olympic gold medals were won, there was unbridled delirium.
Boxing aficionados roared in unison as GB's Nicola Adams, who spent three months in bed due to a back injury in 2009, delivered the performance of her life to secure flyweight gold.
"I've wanted this all my life. To think I've finally done it and I'm finally here, with all this support – it's really made my day," said 29-year-old Adams, who knocked down Chinese world No.1 Ren Cancan in an emphatic victory.
"The second-round knockdown set me on my way and I really didn't see it coming," said Adams. "We got the tactics spot on. I thought I should start fast and get the points on the board.
"I was really surprised about the knock-down, but this is what I have been working for and training for. I've been dreaming of this since I was 12 years old.
"It feels so good to have a gold, especially after my injury. I never thought I would box again, let alone be here at an Olympic Games."
Adams has been in superb form at London 2012 but Cancan has had the edge in previous clashes, most notably at the World Championships in China in May. But Adams took Olympic gold in dominant fashion, taking a commanding 14-5 lead into the final round, before going on to win 16-7.
Adams' performance shook the ExCeL to the core, but that of Ireland's Katie Taylor blasted the roof off.
Irish fans had come in their droves and, after roaring on Adams, the 10,000 spectators inside the arena willed Taylor to add Olympic gold to her four world and five European titles.
During Taylor's first-round bout, London 2012 officials reported a decibel reading of 113.7, louder than a jumbo jet taking off, but that was half-hearted in comparison to yesterday.
But it didn't all go to plan for Taylor as Russia's No.2 seed, Sofya Ochigava, finished the second round 4-3 up. However, the Irishwoman's iron will to succeed took her to a 10-8 victory and with it lightweight gold.
"It is unbelievable. I've just become an Olympic champion. It's been the dream of my life. I'm very happy," said 26-year-old Taylor, who secured Ireland's first London 2012 gold medal. "Now I'm looking forward to a massive celebration at home.
"I was a bit shaky during the fight, because she is a great boxer, but the support was incredible."
The impact Olympic inclusion has had on women's boxing cannot be overstated. Adams was the first Brit to win a medal at a major competition with European silver in 2007, but no-one batted an eyelid. With Olympic gold she will become a household name.
Taylor is already royalty across the Irish Sea. She carried the flag at the Opening Ceremony, her face is plastered all over the Emerald Isle and she is the consummate ambassador for her sport.
The USA's middleweight Claressa Shields, aged just 17, defeated Russia's Nadezda Torlopova 19-12 to clinch the third and final women's boxing gold medal of these Games, but there will be plenty more.
Any questions over the quality of women's boxing, not to mention the drama and the entertainment, have been resoundingly answered by the London 2012 competition.
Women's boxing is here to stay.
