Ebanie Bridges is back in action tonight in her adopted home of Leeds against fellow Australian Shannon O'Connell in an intense grudge fight.
The 'Blonde Bomber' won the bantamweight world title back in March, and despite multiple attempts to get on other Matchroom cards, has been unable to defend it until now. And she faces a stern test in O'Connell, who is not a fan of the champion's antics in and out of the ring.
Bridges is one of the most talked about figures in boxing on this side of the pond, known for her hard-hitting aggressive style in the ring as well as her provocative outfits at weigh-ins. And she has got fans back on her side for this one against O'Connell, who is the perfect foil to her style in front of the camera.
Here's all you need to know about tonight's fight...
What time is the Ebanie Bridges fight?
The action will take place at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Saturday December 10 from the UK with the preliminary card set to get underway at 1:30pm. The main card will then take place at 9pm, with three fights following the screening of England's World Cup quarter final with France in the arena.
Bridges takes part in the second of those three fights. Interestingly, the result of the football action in Qatar will effect what time she makes the walk, as potential extra-time and penalties could prove to be a big problem. If the match ends in regular time, expect Bridges at around 9.45 or 9.50pm.
How to watch on TV and via live stream
The full fight card will be broadcast live on DAZN around the globe including in the UK, with the main broadcast starting at 9pm. A subscription to DAZN costs £7.99 a month and you can purchase one here. You can watch DAZN on multiple devices including laptop, smart TV and through the mobile app.
Full fight card
Josh Warrington vs. Luis Alberto Lopez - IBF World Featherweight Title
Ebanie Bridges vs. Shannon O'Connell - IBF Women's Bantamweight Title
Felix Cash vs Celso Neves
James Metcalf vs Courtney Pennington
Hopey Price vs Sofiane Takoucht
Shannon Courtenay vs Gemma Ruegg
Junaid Bostan vs Aljaz Venkot
Calum French vs Kurt Jackson; Lightweight
Rhiannon Dixon vs Kristine Shergold
Cory O'Regan vs Jordan Ellison
Mali Wright vs TBA
Koby McNamara vs Nabil Ahmed
Odds
Bridges 8/15
O'Connell 8/5
Draw 12/1
Which fight are you most excited for tonight? Let us know in the comments section below
Quotes corner
Bridges: "I think Shannon O’Connell is my hardest fight and I’m taking it very seriously. I’m not underestimating her at all. I know that she’s a great fighter and I know that she’s going to come and bring it. She wants it. I’ve done everything that I need to do in the gym with Mark and Jimmy. I’m very confident in my skills, my mind and what I can do. I just know that belt is going to stay with me and it’s my destiny to continue to be a World Champion. I have faith in myself and in my team.”
O'Connell: "I’m really happy that we’re finally here. It’s been a long time coming, a lot of dodging and trying to get around the fight but we’re here now and there’s no hiding. I don’t have a fake bone in my body. Everything I’ve said I’ve meant. Everyone you see on TV, do you like them? You don’t have to like everyone that you’ve met. She’s making herself a public figure and she’s putting herself out there to be judged. That’s just what happens. I’ve got morals. 100%, I’ve got everything it takes to become World Champion. She’s got nothing over me.”
