Ebanie Bridges Explained

Ebanie Bridges
Birth Date:22 September 1986
Birth Place:Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Nickname:
  • Blonde Bomber
  • Blonde Bombshell
Weight:
Height:5 ft 1 in
Reach:62 in
Style:Orthodox
Total:11
Wins:9
Ko:4
Losses:2

Ebanie Bridges (born 22 September 1986) is an Australian professional boxer. She held the IBF female bantamweight title between 2022 and 2023. As an amateur, Bridges competed in the women's bantamweight event at the 2016 and 2017 Australasian Golden Gloves, respectively, where she won gold. She has been nicknamed the 'Blonde Bomber' due to her hair colour and her coach Arnel "Bomber" Barotillo.[1]

Early life

Bridges was born on 22 September 1986 and grew up in the Toongabbie suburb of Greater Western Sydney – the youngest child of three.[2] She is the younger of twins by six minutes, and the only girl in her family.[3] At the age of five, Bridges's parents introduced her to Karate – in which she competed until thirteen years of age.[3] Shortly after, she trained in Kickboxing and Muay Thai at secondary school.[1] She later found competitive bodybuilding – under the tutelage of Arina Manta – in which she competed for eight years and won numerous regional and state titles.[4] [5] She spoke of her teenage years being tough, though with her parents' help she overcame the difficulties: 'At 18, I decided I need to change my life.'[2] [6] When growing up, Bridges admired Kostya Tszyu, Anthony Mundine, Oscar De La Hoya, and Roy Jones Jr.[1]

Amateur career

Bridges amassed a 26–4 amateur record from 2016 to 2018, during which she won the 2016 and 2017 National Golden Gloves titles, as well as the state championship titles at bantamweight.[2] [7] She also competed at the Australian Women Selection Tournament in Perth, however, she was defeated by Antonia Kay in the quarter-finals via a points-decision 4:1.[8]

Professional career

On 24 November 2018, Bridges was scheduled to take on Thai fighter Rungnapha Kaewrachang in a bantamweight contest at the Wollongong Fraternity Club, however, the fight was cancelled due to Kaewrachang experiencing fighting clearance issues.[9] Bridges instead fought Bianca Elmir in an exhibition fight, though it was not recognised as a professional bout.[10] Bridges made her professional debut on 8 February 2019 at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney,[11] on the undercard of Tim Tszyu vs. Denton Vassell against Filipino fighter Mahiecka Pareno (2–1–0),[12] who Bridges defeated via majority decision, while having to get up from the canvas after Pareno dropped her in the first-round.[13] During her fight with Pareno, it was later revealed that Bridges had broken her ankle but continued to carry on.[14]

On 12 October 2019, Bridges fought Laura Woods, who Bridges defeated via TKO in the third-round, and then in the following month had defeated Kanittha Ninthim via second-round TKO.[15]

In February 2020, Bridges signed a promotional contract with Split-T Management.[16] She made her US debut on 8 February 2020, winning a six-round unanimous decision against Crystal Hoy at the Hammond Civic Center in Hammond, Indiana,[17] [18] with judges Jerry Jakubco, Nathan Palmer, and Skylar Slay scoring the fight 60–54 in favour of Bridges.[19] In November 2020, after her defeat of Jorgelina Guanini, Rachel Ball had made her intentions known to face Bridges for the vacant WBA bantamweight title she had initially hoped to contest against Guanini.[20] [21]

On 13 March 2021, Bridges faced Carol Earl for the vacant Australian National Boxing Federation super-bantamweight title at Bankstown City Paceway in Sydney,[22] in which Bridges secured a unanimous decision with Ian Batty, Wayne Douglas and Kevin Hogan scoring the fight 80–72, 80–72 and 79–73 in favour for Bridges.[23] [24]

WBA women's bantamweight title

On 14 March, it was confirmed that Bridges would face Shannon Courtenay in a world bantamweight title showdown, for the vacant WBA female bantamweight title,[25] [26] on the undercard of Conor Benn's defence his WBA Continental title against Samuel Vargas at the Copper Box Arena on 10 April.[27] [28] Courtenay had initially been hoped to fight Rachel Ball, however, with Ball recovering from coronavirus, Bridges had stepped in as a late replacement.[29]

Return from defeat

After suffering her first professional loss to Courtenay, Bridges was booked to face Bec Connolly on 7 August 2021. She knocked Connolly down twice by the mid-point of the second round, before referee Kieran McCann stopped the bout.[30] Bridges next faced Mailys Gangloff on 4 September 2021. She narrowly won the fight on points, with a scorecard of 77–76.[31]

IBF women's bantamweight title

Bridges challenged the reigning IBF female bantamweight champion María Cecilia Román, in what was Román's eight title defence. The fight took place at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England on 26 March 2022, on the undercard of the Kiko Martinez and Josh Warrington featherweight title bout.[32] Bridges won the fight by unanimous decision. Two of the judges scored the fight 97–93 in her favour, while the third judge awarded her all ten rounds of the bout.[33]

On 10 December 2022, in Leeds, England, Bridges made the first successful defense of her IBF bantamweight title by TKO in the 8th round against Shannon O'Connell.[34]

Bridges was scheduled to make the second defense of her IBF bantamweight title against Avril Mathie on 9 December 2023, in San Francisco, CA.,[35] but due to injury Mathie withdrew. Bridges fought Miyo Yoshida and lost her IBF title to a Unanimous Decision.[36]

Professional boxing record

ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
11Loss9–2Miyo YoshidaUD109 Dec 2023
10Win9–1Shannon O'ConnellTKO8 (10)10 Dec 2022
9Win8–1María Cecilia RománUD1026 Mar 2022
8Win7–1Mailys GangloffPTS84 Sep 2021
7Win6–1Bec ConnollyTKO3 (8), 7 Aug 2021
6loss5–1Shannon CourtenayUD1010 Apr 2021
5Win5–0Carol EarlUD813 Mar 2021
4Win4–0Crystal Hoy68 Feb 2020
3Win3–0Kanittha NinthimTKO2 (4), 30 Nov 2019
2Win2–0Laura Woods3 (4), 12 Oct 2019
1win1–0Mahiecka Pareno38 Feb 2019

Personal life

She is a qualified mathematics teacher, at Airds High School,[37] [38] and lives in Dural, New South Wales.[39] While studying to become a maths teacher, she undertook a work placement at Mount Annan High School.[40] While training as an amateur boxer, Bridges earned a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics with a minor in Physical Education at Western Sydney University, followed by a master's degree in Teaching, during which she graduated at the top of her class.[2] Bridges speaks three languages English, Portuguese and Spanish.[41] She has a black belt in Karate.[42]

Bridges competed in the fourth season of SAS Australia,[43] being eliminated in episode 11.

Bridges is a supporter of English Championship side Leeds United.[44]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Q&A: Talking with Ebanie Bridges. Dixon. Mike. Vegas Sports Daily. 1 March 2020. 8 April 2021. 26 February 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210226215003/https://vegassportsdaily.com/qa-talking-with-ebanie-bridges/. dead.
  2. Web site: EBANIE 'BLONDE BOMBER' BRIDGES: LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING. Rebner. Jamie. The Ring. 18 September 2020. 8 April 2021.
  3. Web site: EBANIE BRIDGES IS MORE THAN A BLONDE BOMBSHELL, WHICH SHE PLANS TO PROVE AGAINST SHANNON COURTENAY. Santoliquito. Joseph. The Ring. 7 April 2021. 8 April 2021.
  4. Web site: Smashing stereotypes Maths teacher set to do a number on opponent. Kieza. Grantlee. The Courier-Mail. 27 November 2019. 9 April 2021.
  5. Web site: An exclusive interview with Ebanie 'Blonde Bomber' Bridges. White. Ben. BWTalkingSport. 8 March 2020. 8 April 2021. 10 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210410074416/https://bwtalkingsport.wordpress.com/2020/03/08/an-exclusive-interview-with-ebanie-blonde-bomber-bridges/. dead.
  6. Web site: Ebanie Bridges "second chance at life". Behind The Gloves. Baldwin. Mark. 12 October 2020. 10 April 2021.
  7. Web site: Ebanie Bridges to make U.S. debut. Fight News. Wheatley. Ray. 7 January 2020. 9 April 2021.
  8. Web site: Australian Women Selection Tournament. Amateur Boxing Results. 28 July 2018. 8 April 2021.
  9. Web site: Ebanie Bridges prepares for professional debut fight. The Wollondilly Advertiser. Bartlett. Joshua. 22 October 2018. 9 April 2021. 10 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210410074416/https://www.wollondillyadvertiser.com.au/story/5715903/mount-annan-based-boxer-prepares-for-professional-debut-fight/. dead.
  10. Web site: Ebanie Bridges prepares for professional debut fight in February: Photos. The Camden Advertiser. Bartlett. Joshua. 16 January 2019. 9 April 2021. 10 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210410074416/https://www.camdenadvertiser.com.au/story/5854782/mount-annan-boxer-ready-for-professional-fight-on-big-stage-photos/. dead.
  11. Web site: Paul Gallen knocks out John Hopoate in second round. Fox Sports. Australia. 8 February 2019. 9 April 2021.
  12. Tim Tszyu batters Denton Vassell, scores second-round stoppage. Gray. Tom. The Ring. 8 February 2019. 9 April 2021 .
  13. Web site: Mount Annan boxer Ebanie Bridges records victory in debut professional fight. The Wollondilly Advertiser. Bartlett. Joshua. 11 February 2019. 9 April 2021. 10 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210410074417/https://www.wollondillyadvertiser.com.au/story/5898539/mount-annan-boxer-records-victory-in-debut-professional-fight/. dead.
  14. Web site: Ebanie Bridges: "I just feel I am born to do this and destined to be in the spotlight.". Fight Post. 2 April 2021. 9 April 2021.
  15. Web site: Split-T Management sign bantamweight Ebanie Bridges. World Boxing News. 6 February 2020. 9 April 2021.
  16. Web site: Split-T Management Fighters Go 7 for 7 on Saturday Night in Hammond, Indiana. Women Boxing Archive Network. 5 February 2020. 9 April 2021.
  17. Web site: IBF Junior Welterweight Champion Mary McGee Leads Female Boxing Championship Homecoming Show to NW Indiana on February 8. Women Boxing Archive Network. 17 January 2020. 9 April 2021.
  18. Web site: Female Boxing Champions Ready For Main Spotlight on February 8; IBF Champion Mary McGee: "This belt is staying at home". Women Boxing Archive Network. 5 February 2020. 9 April 2021.
  19. Web site: FEBRUARY 2020. Women Boxing Archive Network. 8 February 2020. 9 April 2021.
  20. Web site: Terri Harper beats Katherina Thanderz to defend WBC world super-featherweight title. BBC Sport. 14 November 2020. 9 April 2021.
  21. Web site: Ebanie Bridges injured, Rachel Ball will now face Jorgelina Guanini for the vacant WBA World bantamweight title. Rickson. Tim. British Boxing News. 3 November 2020. 9 April 2021.
  22. Web site: EBANIE BRIDGES: I'LL BE A HERO IN THE UK WHEN I BEAT SHANNON COURTENAY. The Ring. 31 March 2021. 9 April 2021.
  23. Web site: Shannon Courtenay battles Ebanie Bridges for WBA bantamweight belt on Conor Benn vs Samuel Vargas bill. Sky Sports. 15 March 2021. 10 April 2021.
  24. Web site: Ebanie Bridges v Carol Earl. BoxRec. 13 March 2021. 9 April 2021.
  25. Web site: SHANNON COURTENAY-EBANIE BRIDGES SET FOR APRIL 10, VACANT WBA BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE AT STAKE. Salazar. Francisco. The Ring. 14 March 2021. 9 April 2021.
  26. Web site: Boxing: Shannon Courtenay to face Ebanie Bridges for WBA title. BBC Sport. 14 March 2021. 9 April 2021.
  27. Web site: COURTENAY FIGHTS BRIDGES FOR WBA BANTAMWEIGHT CROWN. Matchroom Sport. 14 March 2021. 9 April 2021.
  28. Web site: Courtenay: I will be calm amongst the chaos. Boxing Social. 8 April 2021. 9 April 2021.
  29. Web site: Shannon Courtenay to face Ebanie Bridges for WBA bantamweight world title. The Independent. London. Kershaw. Tom. 15 March 2021. 9 April 2021.
  30. Web site: Bradford . Brendan . Ebanie Bridges scores third-round TKO win over Bec Connolly . sportingnews.com . 26 July 2022 . 8 August 2021.
  31. Web site: Otto . Tyson . Aussie Ebanie Bridges stuns in huge boxing victory . Fox Sports. Australia . 26 July 2022 . 5 September 2021.
  32. Web site: Rothstein . Michael . Ebanie Bridges to challenge Maria Cecilia Roman for IBF bantamweight title March 26 in Leeds, England . ESPN . 26 July 2022 . 28 January 2022.
  33. Web site: Smale . Simon . Ebanie Bridges slams critics after beating Mariá Cecilia Román to claim IBF bantamweight world title . ABC News. Australia . 26 July 2022 . 27 March 2022.
  34. News: Iskenderov . Parviz . Ebanie Bridges dominates & stops Shannon O'Connell to retain title . 18 October 2023 . FIGHTMAG . 10 December 2022.
  35. News: Iskenderov . Parviz . Ebanie Bridges vs Avril Mathie on Dec 9 in San Francisco . FIGHTMAG . 18 October 2023.
  36. News: Ebanie Bridges rocked after illegal punch in world title disaster . 10 December 2023 . 10 December 2023.
  37. Web site: Meet the teacher putting a punch into maths. The Northern Star. 26 November 2019. 9 April 2021.
  38. Web site: Shannon Courtenay says world title rival Ebanie Bridges is 'flaunting her body' to promote herself. BBC Sport. 9 April 2021. 10 April 2021.
  39. Web site: I'll be queen of the ring. McGookin. Daniel. The Daily Telegraph. Sydney. 24 November 2018. 8 April 2021.
  40. Web site: Ebanie Bridges prepares for professional debut fight. Bartlett. Joshua. The Macarthur Chronicle. 22 October 2018. 8 April 2021. 10 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210410074417/https://www.macarthuradvertiser.com.au/story/5715741/mount-annan-based-boxer-prepares-for-professional-debut-fight/. dead.
  41. Web site: The Blonde Bomber, Ebanie Bridges. MMA Digest. 4 April 2020. 8 April 2021.
  42. Web site: The FightPost Interviews: Ebanie Bridges. Fight Post. 13 June 2020. 8 April 2021.
  43. Web site: REVEALED: The full celebrity cast of SAS Australia 2022 . 7NEWS . 25 March 2022. 2 October 2021.
  44. Web site: Why does Ebanie Bridges support Leeds United? Blonde Bomber's allegiance explained . 2022-12-11 . MSN.

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