"A lot of people don't respect them" - Ebanie Bridges opens up on inspiring ex-Playboy model Amber Fields and other ring girls to join boxing

Ebanie Bridges, the former IBF bantamweight champion, has always challenged convention in the world of boxing. From beginning as a ring girl in Australia, where women were barred from competing in the ring to becoming a world champion, her journey has inspired a new wave of fighters, including ex-Playboy model Amber Fields.

Speaking to Daily Star Sport, Bridges highlighted the lack of respect ring girls often face, 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'm always supporting the ring girls, because a lot of people don't respect them. Even some of the other female fighters, they don’t give the ring girls much attention…You know, obviously I've been there and and I also had a ring girl called Amber Fields, she's in America who I inspired to start boxing! She joined Misfits, and she said to me, she goes, ‘you know you inspired me so much because your were a ring girl, and now you World Champion made me want to start boxing’ ”

Reflecting on her career, Bridges acknowledged how her time as a ring girl helped build a loyal fanbase that followed her into professional boxing.

"For me being a ring girl, actually, when I then transitioned into actually fighting, I had so many fans from being a ring girl in Australia that they all followed my boxing career. It’s a gave me a good start!"

---

Ebanie Bridges opens up on her pregnancy and boxing comeback plans

Ebanie Bridges surprised fans with the announcement of her pregnancy during a September appearance at Misfits Boxing's X Series 18. The former IBF female bantamweight champion, who has been out of the limelight since her Dec. 2023 loss to Miyo Yoshida, is now preparing for motherhood while eyeing a boxing comeback.

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

"I’ve got very itchy knuckles, and I’m hanging to get back into the ring big time... [Also] I never thought I’d say it but I miss running, I kind of wish I could run."

Looking ahead, Bridges is targeting a late 2025 return to boxing, with the possibility of staging her comeback in Leeds, where she has garnered a loyal fanbase.