Ebanie Bridges, known as the “Blonde Bomber,” is an Australian professional boxer who has made a significant impact in the world of boxing. Born on September 22, 1986, in Sydney, Australia, she has become a fan favorite, not just for her impressive skills inside the ring but also for her bold personality and unique journey.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in the suburb of Toongabbie in Greater Western Sydney, Ebanie was the youngest of three children and the only girl in her family. From an early age, she showed a passion for sports and physical activities. At just five years old, she began training in karate, a discipline she continued for eight years. Her interest in combat sports didn’t stop there. During her teenage years, she explored kickboxing and Muay Thai, further developing her skills in fighting techniques.
Ebanie also ventured into competitive bodybuilding, participating in numerous regional and state competitions. Her dedication to fitness and discipline from bodybuilding laid a strong foundation for her boxing career.
Amateur Boxing Career
Ebanie’s transition to boxing came after years of involvement in other combat sports. Between 2016 and 2018, she had an impressive amateur career, achieving a record of 26 wins and just 4 losses. She won gold at the Australasian Golden Gloves in both 2016 and 2017, which helped her gain recognition in the Australian boxing community.
Professional Boxing Career
Ebanie made her professional boxing debut on February 8, 2019, in Sydney. Despite suffering a broken ankle during her first fight, she displayed remarkable resilience and determination, securing a victory through a majority decision. This debut set the tone for her professional career, showcasing her fighting spirit.
In March 2021, she won the Australian National Boxing Federation super-bantamweight title. Shortly after, she challenged for the WBA female bantamweight title against Shannon Courtenay. Although she narrowly lost the match, her performance earned her respect in the boxing world due to her relentless fighting style.
A significant milestone in her career came in March 2022 when she won the IBF female bantamweight title after defeating María Cecilia Román. She successfully defended this title later that year in December against Shannon O’Connell, winning by technical knockout.
Recent Developments
In December 2023, Ebanie Bridges faced Miyo Yoshida and unfortunately lost her IBF title by unanimous decision. Following this, she shared the news that she was expecting her first child, marking a new and exciting chapter in her life.
Life Beyond the Ring
Outside of boxing, Ebanie is highly accomplished academically. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in physical education and a master’s degree in teaching from Western Sydney University. She previously worked as a mathematics teacher, showing her versatility beyond sports.
Ebanie is also multilingual, speaking English, Portuguese, and Spanish. She holds a black belt in karate and has participated in reality TV shows, including “SAS Australia.” A passionate supporter of Leeds United Football Club, Ebanie’s vibrant personality has helped her connect with fans globally.
Conclusion
Ebanie Bridges is more than just a boxing champion; she’s an inspiration. Her journey from martial arts and bodybuilding to becoming a world champion boxer reflects her dedication, resilience, and passion. As she steps into motherhood, fans will continue to admire her for both her achievements in the ring and her dynamic personal life.
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