“A lot of people don’t respect them”

Ebanie Bridges, former IBF bantamweight champion, has always challenged conventions in the world of boxing. Starting out as a ring girl in Australia, where women were banned from competing in the ring to become a world champion, her journey has inspired a new wave of fighters, including former Playboy model Amber Fields.

Speaking with Daily Star SportBridges pointed out the lack of respect girls often face in the ring, even from other female fighters. She shared the story of Amber Fields, a former Playboy model and ring girl, who joined Misfits Boxing after being inspired by Bridges’ success:

“I always support the ring girls, because a lot of people don’t respect them. Even some of the other female fighters, they don’t pay much attention to the ring girls… You know, obviously I was there and I also had a girlfriend named Amber Fields, she’s in America that I inspired to start boxing, Misfits joined me, and she said to me, ‘you know you inspired me so much because yours! I was a girl in the ring, and now you’re the world champion that made me start boxing’ ”

Looking back on her career, Bridges admitted that her time as a ring girl helped her build a loyal fan base that followed her in professional boxing.

“For me as a ring girl, actually when I got into real fighting, I had so many fans because I was a ring girl in Australia that everyone was following my boxing career. That gave me a good start!”

Ebanie Bridges is open about her pregnancy and plans to return to boxing

Ebanie Bridges surprised fans by announcing her pregnancy during a September appearance at Misfits Boxing X Series 18. The former IBF bantamweight champion, who has been out of the spotlight since her loss to Miyo Yoshida in December 2023, is now preparing for motherhood as she eyes a boxing comeback .

In another interview with The Daily StarThe 38-year-old shared insights into her current life. Despite his retirement from competition, Bridges is still active in the gym, training friends and preparing them for fights. However, her longing to return to the ring is palpable. She admitted:

“My joints are very itchy and I can’t wait to get back in the ring… [Also] I didn’t think I’d say it, but I miss running, I kind of wish I could run.”

Looking ahead, Bridges is targeting a return to boxing in late 2025, with the possibility of a return to Leeds, where she has built up a loyal fan base.