If you lose, you’re damned; if you win, then also you’re damned. To many fans, that appears to be the plight of a few boxers around the world. Miyo Yoshida and Ebanie Bridges fought for the IBF bantamweight title at the Regis Prograis–Devin Haney undercard last December. But it seems both have yet to make a comeback to the ring.

Understandably frustrated at her and her former opponents’ situation, the Australian former champion took to her X to address the challenging state of modern boxing. As it appears, ‘The Blonde Bomber’ might be able to make ends meet thanks to her modeling assignments and business collaborations. But that doesn’t seem to be the situation with the two-division champion from Japan.

Ebanie Bridges: The Fight Beyond the Ring

Ebanie Bridges expressed her sadness. She had had a word with Miyo Yoshida. Stating how both of them had not received any fight offer since the time they fought San Francisco’s Chase Center, ‘The Blonde Bomber’ said, “It’s quite sad. I was speaking to my last opponent, Miyo Yoshida, who also hasn’t faught since our fight.. 8 months both of us out the ring.”

Bridges sounded frustrated that thus far not even a single match has been arranged, despite both of them eagerly wanting it. Criticizing the state of management in the sport, she termed boxing a ‘sh*thouse’. Speaking on behalf of Miyo Yoshida, she said, “I feel sorry for her as a champ not being able to get a fight… but I know the feeling.. not sure why it’s so hard to make a fight. And why keep us so inactive?”

Highlighting that for the Japanese champion, who is also a single mother, boxing is the primary source of income. But thanks to the way things are run in the sport, both ‘Miyo Musashi’ and her careers have been put on hold. “If only the fans really knew the shit that goes on behind the scenes. We are fighters; we all wanna be active and fight and get pay days,” she concluded.

Her message has been gaining traction since the time it came. Most of those who read her post had words of encouragement for Ebanie Bridges, Miyo Yoshida, and many other boxers facing such a situation.

Grace in Adversity

It was the second career loss for the soon-to-turn 38-year-old ‘Blonde Bomber’. By boxing standards, her professional journey started very late. But within 5 years, the Sydney-born qualified math teacher became a world champion. A feat that even many seasoned boxers fail to accomplish. She defeated Maria Cecilia Roman two years ago to become the bantamweight champion. A few months later, she defended it commendably against fellow Australian Shannon O’Connell. But it was Miyo Yoshida who stopped her march in a ten-round thriller.

The defeat saw her in a state of shock. It is often said that how a person behaves during setbacks reveals their true character. Though completely upset with the reversal, Ebanie Bridges took the defeat in stride and went to great lengths to appreciate her Japanese opponent. “Big congrats to my opponent, @MiyoBluedog; she was the better fighter tonight. Beautiful & humble, single mother. Seeing how much that win meant to her & her daughter did give me some warmth inside,” she had written. 

But quelling any rumors of retirement, she stated clearly that there’s no quitting in her. Taking the loss as a lesson, she would make a resolute comeback. Sadly, the wait for fans has been prolonged for quite some time now. Hopefully, her and Miyo Yoshida’s voices will be heard and they can return soon.

What’s your take on Ebanie Bridges’ message? Do you feel that boxers are often treated unfairly?