Ebanie Bridges defended her IBF bantamweight title against Shannon O’Connell, and the challenger didn’t take kindly to Skye Nicolson supporting Bridges from ringside.
Bridges stopped O’Connell in round eight of a thrilling contest in an all-Australian world title clash in Leeds, whilst fellow Australian Nicolson watched on from ringside and could be heard supporting Bridges throughout the fight.
Following Bridges’ stoppage victory, O’Connell was seen doing the middle finger to ringside when the referee raised the arm of Bridges in victory. It was later revealed that O’Connell’s gesture was aimed at Nicolson and an X-rated comment was made.
In an interview with IFL TV following the fight, Nicolson revealed what O’Connell said when she made the gesture towards her:
“Yeah I feel like Shannon (O’Connell) just takes things very personally, I was cheering for my friend who supports my boxing career, I support her and her boxing career.
“I was clapping for my friend when they were announcing the decision, and whilst she (O’Connell) is standing in the middle of the ring, she flipped the bird and said “F*ck you S*ut!”
In the lead-up to the bout, O’Connell had made personal comments regarding Bridges, as she referred to the champion as a ‘Skanky Stripper’ and more in the build-up.
Bridges’ victory would be the first defence of her world title, as she dropped O’Connell in round three before closing the show in the eighth round after setting a relentless pace throughout the fight.
AND STILL 👊@EbanieBridges 👑 @DAZNBoxing#BridgesOConnell#WarringtonLopezpic.twitter.com/9wJBrdLloH
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) December 10, 2022
Nicolson won the Commonwealth featherweight title in just her fifth fight last time out and is looking to pick up more titles in the new year as she begins her second year as a professional.