Barely a month ago, Miyo Yoshida had lost her fourth professional bout. Most, if not all, never expected a different outcome as she went against Ebanie Bridges last night. But the former Super Flyweight title holder, to everyone’s utter disbelief, staged one of the biggest upsets, defeating a reigning champion. Yoshida won the ten-round fight unanimously to become the new IBF bantamweight title holder. Understandably, ‘The Blonde Bomber’ was completely stumped.

However, the Sydney-born former Match teacher responded to the loss in the most graceful manner. Her reaction and statement have been receiving widespread appreciation. A few hours ago, Ebanie Bridges took to her Instagram account. She shared a picture of her embracing Yoshida. In another one, the Japanese boxer’s daughter lifts her up. She wrote how the loss ‘gutted’ her. But she was equally happy for Miyo Yoshida. It didn’t take much time before fans swarmed over with their comments on a post that has already received over sixteen thousand likes.

Ebanie Bridges: Dignity and Elegance in Adversity

Ebanie Bridges said, “A picture tells a thousand words. I am obviously absolutely gutted, but this hug was genuine and sincere. I was happy for @miyo_yoshida_ as much as I was hurting. She is a beautiful, humble, single mother, and seeing how much that win meant to her & her beautiful daughter did give me warmth and joy inside even tho I lost.” For most fans, the classy gesture said it all.

For this fan, it was more than enough that Ebanie Bridges persevered till the end. However, it was the picture of Miyo Yoshida and her daughter that made them cry a lot: “You gave it your all until the very end. That moment with her daughter made me cry. So amazing how far women’s boxing has come.”

Highlighting that boxing shares equal traits with chess, this fan mentioned that both victory and loss are parts of the same coin. They expressed full confidence in Bridges for a successful return: “Boxing, just like a chess game; you win some and you lose some. You will come back even better.”

According to this follower, only when a person suffers a setback does his real self come out in the open. Admiring Bridges’ statement, they mentioned how their respect for the former champion increased: “It’s in defeat when a person is really judged. Beautiful sentiment. My admiration for you has gone through the roof…”

According to the following fan, it was the most apt response to a loss following the fantastic performances by both boxers. Both Bridges and Yoshida were playing with their lives, but finally, they wound up with a heartwarming gesture: “Great performance from both fighters.. And a proper reaction to a loss.. Both putting their lives on the line and sharing a lovely moment in the end.”

Then the following fan called Ebanie Bridges a ‘true queen.’ They lauded her for her grace and dignity even when she suffered a reversal: “This is what makes you beautiful, your wisdom, your words, your kindness to others even when you’re hurting. True queen. Women supporting women. We go again soon love you.”

Towards the end of her post, Ebanie Bridges mentioned that defeat can barely describe who she is in reality. Hence, she will return much stronger and more determined.

An overthrow, least expected

‘The Blonde Bomber’ became the IBF bantamweight champion last year. She defeated the Argentine boxer Maria Cecilia Roman at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on March 26. Eight months later, she returned to the venue again for the first title defense against Shannon O’Connell. She entered the fight at the Chase Center as a clear favorite. However, Miyo Yoshida soon took over the reins of the fight under her control.

Over the rounds, the Japanese former super flyweight champion attacked without hindrance. It was apparent that Ebanie Bridges hadn’t prepared herself for the sudden switchover in the opponent. Per the initial schedule, she was supposed to take on Avril Mathie in the all-Aussie line-up. According to one of the commentators, it was meant to be an exhibition match for her in the United States. However, it ended catastrophically for ‘The Blonde Bomber.’

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Do you think Ebanie Bridges should immediately call for a rematch with Miyo Yoshida or take some time off? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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