Mount Annan boxer Ebanie Bridges records victory in debut professional fight
Mount Annan boxer records victory in debut professional fight
TRIUMPH: Boxer Ebanie Bridges (right) is delighted and hugs opponent Mahiecka Pareno after the final bell rings on Friday night. Picture: Jeremy Piper/AAP
Ebanie Bridges (left) strikes her opponent on Friday night. Picture: Jeremy Piper/AAP
Mahiecka Pareno lands a blow on Ebanie Bridges. Picture: Jeremy Piper/AAP
Ebanie Bridges (right) strikes her opponent on Friday night. Picture: Jeremy Piper/AAP
Ebanie Bridges with coach Anthony Redward, of Grange High Performance.
The expression “down but not out” summed up Ebanie Bridges’ professional debut fight on Friday night.
The Mount Annan-trained boxer was dropped by opponent Mahiecka Pareno in the first 10 seconds. The hit shocked Bridges but didn’t break her spirit.
“She caught me with a flush hit and it knocked me down,” the 32-year-old said.
“But I got back up and pumped her for the next three rounds.”
Bridges secured victory over Pareno in a bantam weight (53.5kg and under) fight at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion.
The televised fight at the Star of the Ring event was an under card to the main bout between NRL star Paul Gallen and John Hopoate.
Ebanie Bridges (right) strikes her opponent on Friday night. Picture: Jeremy Piper/AAP
Bridges said she was happy to win but there was room for improvement.
“It could have been better… but she [Pareno] was a super tough opponent,” she said.
“I had to give it everything and didn’t give my opponent a break. I was overpowering and overwhelming her.
“I was stoked to win, especially when it was televised on TV.”
I had to give it everything and didn’t give my opponent a break. I was overpowering and overwhelming her.
Ebanie Bridges
However, Friday night’s win came at a cost.
Bridges suffered a serious ankle injury inflicted by Pareno’s first hit.
Bridges, who is nicknamed “The Blonde Bomber”, will undergo an MRI scan this week to reveal the extent of her injury.
Bridges said she couldn’t wait for her next fight. She thanked coach Anthony Redward and her fans for their ongoing support.
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