Ebanie Bridges vs Shannon O’Connell Predictions: Will Ebanie Go Home With the Belt Fastened Around Her Waist?

What a show we have in store at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England, on Saturday as Eddie Hearn pulls out all the stops. The Matchroom Boxing supremo has been responsible for gifting fight fans some thrilling fights and action-packed cards in 2022, both in the United Kingdom and the United States. Hearn and his team have the connections to make the big fights happen, with the best facing the best. We’re already looking forward to what he can help achieve next year with some mouth-watering potential bouts. Watch this space.

The main attraction from Saturday’s card in Yorkshire sees the Leeds Warrior Josh Warrington defend his IBF world featherweight title against Mexican dangerman Luis Alberto Lopez. Warrington has already suffered a painful loss at the hands of a Mexican warrior and knows if that were to happen again on Saturday, he would lose his world title. Such a fate would knock Josh back down the pecking order, convincing major promoters and matchmakers that his time at the head of the division as a champion or contender is over.

Warrington v Lopez promises a thrill-a-minute contest, with both gladiators entering the ring confident they have what it takes to win. But the bout we focus on in this weekend’s big-fight preview involves Ebanie Bridges and Shannon O’Connell. These fighting females meet to contest the IBF world bantamweight strap, with the winner claiming the belt and setting up a money-spinning 2023 campaign. But who will come out on top and end the year in the best way possible?

Fight Winner Betting Odds

Odds for this fight taken from Caesars Sportsbooks.

The betting odds found in the above table have been taken from the Caesars Sportsbook and are correct at the time of publishing. Like all boxing betting offers, these odds are subject to change and often move in either direction on how much interest a bookie has attracted in the market. For example, Bridges is the -200 favourite. If bets come for her to win, that offer may ease to -250 or -300, depending on the level of support. To get the best odds, you should bet without delay.

Bridges is the most likely winner of this contest, according to betting traders and her form and experience explain their stance. Despite coming from Australia, she is one of the biggest names on the female boxing circuit in the UK and already has a considerable following. The arena will be at capacity on Saturday, with fans taking their seats in plenty of time for the first bell of this clash. Will Ebanie live up to expectations and go home with the belt fastened around her waist? Or does 2022 have time for one more upset? We shall see.

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Ebanie Bridges vs Shannon O’Connell Pick

Bridges is the betting favourite to win this fight, and we agree with bookies on that call. Nothing is set in stone in boxing, as any experienced bettor on the sport will testify, but the Aussie does enter as the form fighter. She has taken British boxing by storm since relocating from her homeland, bringing thousands of fans while collecting millions more in her new UK base camp. Hearn and Matchroom Boxing back Bridges, quickly realising her potential and that she was a fighter, they could market successfully.

With an elite team at Matchroom working behind the scenes on building Ebanie’s profile and fanbase, she has done her bit in the rin. Bridges has already shown fight followers that she’s fit, ambitious, and ready to take on all-comers. Her form, not ties, led her to the top of the game. She has the skills to remain there for quite some time. 2023 could be a crucial year in the Aussie’s career, but only if she comes through this fight unscathed and with the belt in her possession.

The 36-year-old orthodox boxer from New South Wales enters with a professional record showing eight wins against one defeat, with three victories coming inside the distance, resulting in a 33% KO average. She may not hold the concussive power in both hands to back up her all-action style, but determination, fitness, and a willingness to win often push her over the line. She wins most outings on points, and we expect to see something similar on Saturday. 

Back Bridges to be too busy and energetic for her opponent, catching the eye of the scoring judges in the process. That’s our recommended bet for this fight, and you’ll find odds of -150 available on the Caesars Sports betting app.

Ebanie Bridges vs Shannon O’Connell Prediction

To win, Bridges must defeat another Australian fighter who is more experienced and ranked higher than her. O’Connell is the number one female bantamweight in Australia and number three in the world, placing Shannon ahead of her rival on both counts. She can ensure she stays there and leaves with the title by winning in Leeds on Saturday before a sell-out audience at the First Direct Arena and the millions watching worldwide, including family and friends back home in Queensland.

The underdog brings a professional record of 23 wins against six defeats and one draw, with 11 KO victories and a pair of stoppage losses. The 5ft 5inch orthodox is also older than Bridges by four years, which may explain the betting and why bookies are siding with Ebanie.

How to Watch

• Ebanie Bridges v Shannon O’Connell

• Eddie Hearn (Matchroom Sports)

• First Direct Arena, Leeds

• Saturday 22:00 GMT

• Live on DAZN