Ebanie Bridges

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Ebanie Bridges
Statistics
Nickname(s)Blonde Bomber
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 1 in (155 cm)
NationalityAustralian
Born (1986-09-22) 22 September 1986 (age 35)
New South Wales, Australia
Boxing record
Total fights8
Wins7
Wins by KO3
Losses1
Medal record
Women's amateur boxing
Representing  Australia
Australasian Golden Gloves
Gold medal – first place 2016 Brisbane Bantamweight
Gold medal – first place 2017 Brisbane Bantamweight

Ebanie Bridges (born 22 September 1986) is an Australian professional boxer who has held the ANBF Australasian female super-bantamweight title since 2020.[1] As an amateur, Bridges competed in the women's bantamweight event at the 2016 and 2017 Australasian Golden Gloves, respectively, where she won gold.[2] She has been nicknamed as the 'Blonde Bomber' due to her hair colour and her coach Arnel "Bomber" Barotillo.[3]

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.[4] She is the younger of twins by six minutes, and the only girl in her family.[5] At the age of five, Bridges's parents introduced her to Karate — in which she competed until thirteen years of age.[5] Shortly after, she trained in Kickboxing and Muay Thai at secondary school.[3] 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.[6][7] 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.’[4][8] When growing up, Bridges admired Kostya Tszyu, Anthony Mundine, Oscar De La Hoya, and Roy Jones Jr.[3]

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.[4][9] 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.[10]

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.[11] Bridges instead fought Bianca Elmir in an exhibition fight, though it was not recognised as a professional bout.[12] Bridges made her professional debut on 8 February 2019 at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney,[13] on the undercard of Tim Tszyu vs. Denton Vassell against Filipino fighter Mahiecka Pareno (2–1–0),[14] who Bridges defeated via majority decision, while having to get up from the canvas after Pareno dropped her in the first-round.[15] During her fight with Pareno, it was later revealed that Bridges had broken her ankle but continued to carry on.[16]

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.[17]

In February 2020, Bridges signed a promotional contract with Split-T Management.[18] 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,[19][20] with judges Jerry Jakubco, Nathan Palmer, and Skylar Slay scoring the fight 60–54 in favour of Bridges.[21] 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.[22][23]

On 13 March 2021, Bridges faced Carol Earl for the vacant Australian National Boxing Federation super-bantamweight title at Bankstown City Paceway in Sydney,[24] 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.[25][26] 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,[27][28] on the undercard of Conor Benn's defence his WBA Continental title against Samuel Vargas at the Copper Box Arena on 10 April.[29][30] Courtenay had initially been hoped to fight Rachel Ball, however, with Ball recovering from coronavirus, Bridges had stepped in as a late replacement.[31]

Personal life[]

She is a qualified mathematics teacher, at Airds High School,[32][33] and lives in Dural, New South Wales.[34] While studying to become a math teacher, she undertook a work placement at Mount Annan High School.[35] 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.[4] Bridges also speaks five languages including Portuguese and Spanish.[36] She has a black belt in Karate.[37]

Professional boxing record[]

Professional record summary
8 fights 7 wins 1 loss
By knockout 3 0
By decision 4 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
8 Win 7–1 France Mailys Gangloff PTS 8 4 Sep 2021 United Kingdom Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds, England
7 Win 6–1 United Kingdom Bec Connolly TKO 3 (8), 1:22 7 Aug 2021 United Kingdom Matchroom Headquarters, Brentwood, England
6 Loss 5–1 United Kingdom Shannon Courtenay UD 10 10 Apr 2021 United Kingdom Copper Box Arena, London, England For vacant WBA female bantamweight title
5 Win 5–0 New Zealand Carol Earl UD 8 13 Mar 2021 Australia Bankstown City Paceway, Sydney, Australia Won vacant ANBF Australasian female super-bantamweight title
4 Win 4–0 United States Crystal Hoy UD 6 8 Feb 2020 United States Hammond Civic Center, Hammond, Indiana, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Thailand Kanittha Ninthim TKO 2 (4), 1:15 30 Nov 2019 Australia Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia
2 Win 2–0 New Zealand Laura Woods TKO 3 (4), 0:26 12 Oct 2019 Australia Club Punchbowl, Sydney, Australia
1 Win 1–0 Philippines Mahiecka Pareno MD 3 8 Feb 2019 Australia Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, Australia

References[]

  1. ^ Women Boxing Archive Network Editors (31 March 2021). "MARCH 2021". Women Boxing Archive Network. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  2. ^ Fight Post Editors (22 March 2020). "An Interview With Ebanie Bridges". Fight Post. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Dixon, Mike (1 March 2020). "Q&A: Talking with Ebanie Bridges". Vegas Sports Daily. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d Rebner, Jamie (18 September 2020). "EBANIE 'BLONDE BOMBER' BRIDGES: LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING". The Ring. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  5. ^ a b Santoliquito, Joseph (7 April 2021). "EBANIE BRIDGES IS MORE THAN A BLONDE BOMBSHELL, WHICH SHE PLANS TO PROVE AGAINST SHANNON COURTENAY". The Ring. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  6. ^ Kieza, Grantlee (27 November 2019). "Smashing stereotypes Maths teacher set to do a number on opponent". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  7. ^ White, Ben (8 March 2020). "An exclusive interview with Ebanie 'Blonde Bomber' Bridges". BWTalkingSport. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  8. ^ Baldwin, Mark (12 October 2020). "Ebanie Bridges "second chance at life"". Behind The Gloves. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  9. ^ Wheatley, Ray (7 January 2020). "Ebanie Bridges to make U.S. debut". Fight News. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  10. ^ Amateur Boxing Results Editors (28 July 2018). "Australian Women Selection Tournament". Amateur Boxing Results. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  11. ^ Bartlett, Joshua (22 October 2018). "Ebanie Bridges prepares for professional debut fight". The Wollondilly Advertiser. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  12. ^ Bartlett, Joshua (16 January 2019). "Ebanie Bridges prepares for professional debut fight in February: Photos". The Camden Advertiser. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  13. ^ Fox Sports Editors (8 February 2019). "Paul Gallen knocks out John Hopoate in second round". Fox Sports. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  14. ^ Gray, Tom (8 February 2019). "TIM TSZYU BATTERS DENTON VASSELL, SCORES SECOND-ROUND STOPPAGE". The Ring. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  15. ^ Bartlett, Joshua (11 February 2019). "Mount Annan boxer Ebanie Bridges records victory in debut professional fight". The Wollondilly Advertiser. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  16. ^ Fight Post Editors (2 April 2021). "Ebanie Bridges: "I just feel I am born to do this and destined to be in the spotlight."". Fight Post. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  17. ^ World Boxing News Editors (6 February 2020). "Split-T Management sign bantamweight Ebanie Bridges". World Boxing News. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  18. ^ Women Boxing Archive Network Editors (5 February 2020). "Split-T Management Fighters Go 7 for 7 on Saturday Night in Hammond, Indiana". Women Boxing Archive Network. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  19. ^ Women Boxing Archive Network Editors (17 January 2020). "IBF Junior Welterweight Champion Mary McGee Leads Female Boxing Championship Homecoming Show to NW Indiana on February 8". Women Boxing Archive Network. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  20. ^ Women Boxing Archive Network Editors (5 February 2020). "Female Boxing Champions Ready For Main Spotlight on February 8; IBF Champion Mary McGee: "This belt is staying at home"". Women Boxing Archive Network. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  21. ^ Women Boxing Archive Network Editors (8 February 2020). "FEBRUARY 2020". Women Boxing Archive Network. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  22. ^ The BBC Editors (14 November 2020). "Terri Harper beats Katherina Thanderz to defend WBC world super-featherweight title". The BBC. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  23. ^ Rickson, Tim (3 November 2020). "Ebanie Bridges injured, Rachel Ball will now face Jorgelina Guanini for the vacant WBA World bantamweight title". British Boxing News. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  24. ^ The Ring Editors (31 March 2021). "EBANIE BRIDGES: I'LL BE A HERO IN THE UK WHEN I BEAT SHANNON COURTENAY". The Ring. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  25. ^ Sky Sports Editors (15 March 2021). "Shannon Courtenay battles Ebanie Bridges for WBA bantamweight belt on Conor Benn vs Samuel Vargas bill". Sky Sports. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  26. ^ BoxRec Editors (13 March 2021). "Ebanie Bridges v Carol Earl". BoxRec. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  27. ^ Salazar, Francisco (14 March 2021). "SHANNON COURTENAY-EBANIE BRIDGES SET FOR APRIL 10, VACANT WBA BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE AT STAKE". The Ring. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  28. ^ The BBC Editors (14 March 2021). "Boxing: Shannon Courtenay to face Ebanie Bridges for WBA title". The BBC. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  29. ^ Matchroom Sport Editors (14 March 2021). "COURTENAY FIGHTS BRIDGES FOR WBA BANTAMWEIGHT CROWN". Matchroom Sport. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  30. ^ Boxing Social Editors (8 April 2021). "Courtenay: I will be calm amongst the chaos". Boxing Social. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  31. ^ Kershaw, Tom (15 March 2021). "Shannon Courtenay to face Ebanie Bridges for WBA bantamweight world title". The Independent. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  32. ^ The Northern Star Editors (26 November 2019). "Meet the teacher putting a punch into maths". The Northern Star. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  33. ^ The BBC Editors (9 April 2021). "Shannon Courtenay says world title rival Ebanie Bridges is 'flaunting her body' to promote herself". The BBC. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  34. ^ McGookin, Daniel (24 November 2018). "I'll be queen of the ring". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  35. ^ Bartlett, Joshua (22 October 2018). "Ebanie Bridges prepares for professional debut fight". The Macarthur Chronicle. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  36. ^ MMA Digest Editors (4 April 2020). "The Blonde Bomber, Ebanie Bridges". MMA Digest. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  37. ^ Fight Post Editors (13 June 2020). "The FightPost Interviews: Ebanie Bridges". Fight Post. Retrieved 8 April 2021.

External links[]

Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Inaugural champion ANBF Australasian female super-bantamweight champion
13 March 2020–present 		Incumbent
Retrieved from ""