Ebanie Bridges became IBF Bantamweight champion at the First Direct Arena on Saturday night, beating Maria Cecilia Roman of Argentina who had held the title for five years. In a thrilling fight in front of what will have felt like a home crowd for the Leeds United fan, the Australian came out punching against her more experienced opponent.
The technically stronger reigning champion fought back into the contest and put the result in doubt in the closing stages, managing to cause damage to her opponent but Bridges boxed well on the back foot. It was ultimately a closer fight than the 100-91, 97-93, 97-93 unanimous ruling in favour of the Australian who becomes world champion after just nine fights.
The opening rounds belonged to Bridges, who was landing blows consistently while her opponent held her stance but looking composed as she absorbed the blows from her challenger. It wasn't until round five where the Argentine really came out punching and was able to put her opponent on the back foot but Bridges wasn't phased and countered well despite being cut by an overhand right.
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As the fight went on it looked more likely that Roman could come back to win, but the work done in the early rounds had put Bridges in the driving seat. Round eight epitomised the even nature of the contest, as both fighters fought from the hip and went toe to toe for the duration of the fight.
It was an enthralling contest and the defending champion was lifted aloft by her team after the fight before the judges ruled 100-91, 97-93.
