EBANIE BRIDGES brings glamour to boxing both inside and out of the ring.
The 35-year-old, outspoken and criminally underrated Aussie boxer defeated Maria Cecilia Roman last month, to become IBF champion, and silence her critics.
It was the culmination of a remarkable journey that Bridges began as an amateur in 2016. But even then, she knew she was on her way to the top, despite her late start to the sport and her first fight coming just weeks before her 30th.
"When I started out, I knew that I wanted to be the world champion. SunSport exclusively revealed that this was her goal.
"And during training camp, it was clear to me that I knew I was going.
"It was not a surprise (when I won), as I already felt like I was a champion. It was something I believed in."
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Bridges's stunning looks made it difficult for her to fight, even though she beat her Argentinian opponent by unanimous decision after 10 grueling rounds.
Her weigh-ins are legendary among boxing fans. With her choice of lingerie, she sex up the occasion, making Eddie Hearn blush.
After her victory, she allowed her critics to see her as the beautiful face of women's fights. In an interview with DAZN, she roared "Can I fight ****** or what?" !"
It wasn't that she was motivated by the fact that her doubters were wrong.
Motivation comes in many forms. She said that she doesn't believe in people's hatred or disbelief to motivate herself.
"A lot people want to prove others wrong, but I'm different."
"It wasn’t the motivation for me to fight, but when it did, I won - and I beat the longest-reigning champion in the division decisively. It was a very sweet F*** You.
"You can't say I can't fight now. "I gave a masterclass on boxing."
Bridges was a passionate fighter from the age of five.
She began to learn martial arts, including Karate, in which she holds a black belt.
Her No. 1 passion was boxing, and she loved to watch Mike Tyson and KostyaTszu in action growing up.
Due to the strict fighting laws of her country, women were not allowed to compete in combat sport until 2008.
She was desperate to get involved and took a job working as a ring-girl.
She stated that she wanted to fight, but it was not allowed. Instead, I was paid to show off my banging physique.
"Then, I began competitive bodybuilding throughout my 20s. Combat sports for women were legalized by that point.
"I enjoyed punching people up so it was logical for me to make the switch to amateur boxing."
and a Masters of teaching
.
Bridges fought at the amateur level 30 times. He won 26 fights before becoming a professional three years ago.
She has a Bachelor's degree in mathematics and a Master of teaching. She teaches at a school, proving that academia is as important as Bridges.
It's more than just boxing. She said that it's all about setting goals and achieving your dreams. "I feel like I'm setting an example for my students."
"Seeing their teacher at this level, working hard, and someone with three or more degrees, is a sign that education is important."
It wasn't easy for her to rise to the top. Training in England's boxing gyms has helped her on the path to success.
She's a 24-hour flight from home and nine hours behind her family and partner when they arrive on our shores.
Her popularity in the UK is unstoppable, as proven by her seven million viewers who tune-in to her weigh-ins.
Bridges was dressed in risque underwear and made no apologies about who she is or what she wears.
She replied, "Why would you buy f ****** underneathwear that you won't wear again?"
"But Calvin Klein matching underwear is worn by everyone, so should I buy it? It's not possible!
"I want to wear underwear I like. For 10 years, I was a bodybuilder. I used to stand on stage with a G-string and flex, pose, and look pretty.
"It's like wearing a matching lingerie set on stage.
"I'm proud of my body and am proud to be standing there.
"I want to be me and just enjoy the moment. For me, a weigh-in is like a competition for bodybuilding. I do my hair, make-up, and smile for the camera.
It has nothing to do with 'oh, that's going to sell'. It does. Selling is what I enjoy. What I love to do is fight for sells. It's me doing what I love.
I push that message. Be real, be you. It is not about female empowerment. However, I don't hide my femininity just because I am in a male-dominated sports.
People think that it's me in lingerie that people want to see. But it's not my lingerie that gets seven million views.
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It's all about the whole thing. Because I'm an ex-bodybuilder, my movements and confidence are a result of what I do naturally.
"I do it because ****** I love it."
