Bantamweight world titleholder Ebanie Bridges faced an unexpected setback as she lost her title in a surprising defeat against replacement opponent Miyo Yoshida.
Yoshida stepped in to compete on a mere two weeks’ notice after Bridges’ opponent Avril Mathie withdrew due to injury. Despite coming off a recent defeat in her last matchup, Yoshida orchestrated a remarkable upset. She claimed a 7/1 victory on the undercard of the Devin Haney versus Regis Prograis event in San Francisco.
She controlled significant portions of the bout, forcing Bridges to a near stoppage in the closing moments. But the anticipated turnaround failed to materialize, resulting in Yoshida claiming victory with scores of 91-99 (twice) and 93-97.
Expressing her disappointment on social media, Bridges shared: “Absolutely gutted, it wasn’t my night. Big congrats to my opponent, she was the better fighter tonight. Beautiful and humble, single mother.”
“Seeing how much that win meant to her and her daughter did give me some warmth inside. A loss doesn’t define me. I have no quit, it’s all learning and I’ll be back better and stronger. Thank you to everyone who supports me. I love you all.”
In contrast, Yoshida conveyed her respect for Bridges. She stated:Â “I respect Bridges a lot and I had wanted to fight her all the the time. She is a great champion and so when I got notice of this fight I was ready for it and I was in condition.”
Yoshida looking strong in the 9th. Ebanie Bridges looking gassed and defeated. #HaneyPrograis pic.twitter.com/LA9oeG2Z5z
— FanScorecard (@fanscorecard) December 10, 2023
“I’ve been fighting since I was 20 years old and I gave everything to her. To my daughter and the other families in my situation, I wan’t to encourage you. If you don’t give up, this is going to happen.”
During the weigh-ins, Bridges promoted Conor McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout beer. Fans held Conor McGregor accountable for Bridges’ underwhelming performance when he signed her as a model for his Forged Irish Stout beer.
Some of the comments were as follows:
“Everything and I mean everything Conor McGregor touches turns to s*it. His endorsement is like the touch of death for any fighter etc involved with him. The man can’t stop taking Ls and Ebanie Bridges is the latest.”
“Ebanie Bridges puts in more effort in @forgewhisky by Conor Mcgregor than her fight with Yoshida. Yoshida was just too fast, too strong for her. Leaving Tibbs boxing was a mistake. Too sharp and active for a slow Bridges”
In the headline bout, Haney showcased a dominant performance as he knocked down Prograis in the third round and secured a points victory. The former undisputed lightweight world champion transitioned to the light-welterweight division. He asserted his dominance over Prograis to claim victory in every round and became a two-division champion.