Australian boxing world champion Ebanie Bridges catches up with UFC icon Conor McGregor as Katie Taylor suffers first loss as a pro in crowd-shocked decision
- Ebanie Bridges posed with Conor McGregor
- Katie Taylor suffered her first loss as a pro
- Dublin crowd shocked by upset decision
Australian boxing world champion Ebanie Bridges met UFC icon Conor McGregor at ringside in Dublin to watch Irish star Katie Taylor suffer the first loss of her professional career against Chantelle Cameron.
Taylor’s highly anticipated fight against Cameron went the distance with the judges scoring 95-95, 96-94, 96-94 in favor of the visitor in a decision that shocked everyone in the Dublin 3Arena.
Cameron defended her status as the undisputed light-welterweight champion with the upset victory, while Taylor – the undisputed lightweight queen – fell short in her quest to become an undisputed two-division champion.
IBF bantamweight champion Bridges was there to support both boxers, while McGregor cheered on Taylor.
The pair posed for a few photos together at ringside, with Bridges posting photos to social media with the caption: “Ringside with the one and only @TheNotoriousMMA.”
Australian boxing world champion Ebanie Bridges meets UFC superstar Conor McGregor at ringside in Dublin for the Taylor-Cameron fight
Bridges was there to support both boxers, while the Irishman encouraged Taylor
Before the fight, Bridges told the media that she expected a close fight from Taylor and Cameron – Taylor probably got her hand up at the end.
“Taylor is gaining weight and going up against someone hungry, mean and strong,” Bridges told talkSPORT.
“If it wasn’t for Ireland I think Chantelle Cameron would win, but I think for her to win in Ireland it would probably take a knockout or a hugely decisive victory.
“And I don’t see that happening because they’re both so talented and it’s going to be a close fight, but I think Cameron can win.”
“Taylor brings a lot of attributes that other fighters haven’t seen like her hand speed, but Cameron also has speed, she’s relentless, she’s taller and she doesn’t have as much wear and tear.
‘I’m really excited about this one, I think it’s more exciting than the Taylor vs [Amanda] Serrano fight.
Taylor struggled to assert herself during the thrilling bout as her opponent seemed to land the most damaging punches and apply more pressure.
Irish fans were shocked by the result, but then the green army gathered around their daughter and knocked her out of the ring before heading home.
Taylor struggled to assert herself during the thrilling bout as her opponent seemed to land the most damaging punches and apply more pressure throughout the fight.
Taylor was visibly moved by the clash result – as were the Irish fans
“It was a close fight,” Cameron said. “Katie is a great fighter, the best pound-for-pound boxer there is, and I came here for the occasion.”
She then credited her victory to her work rate at the post-fight press conference. She said, “I think my work rate. I’m still in good shape. I still have confidence in my work rate. I was good at working indoors.
Cameron also said she would be willing to fight Taylor again and that the Irish boxer “would like to put this fight to bed.” She told reporters, “Taylor is going to want the rematch because she’s going to want to put this fight to bed and get the win.” But, it’s gonna be on my terms now.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn chimed in shortly after and added: “The biggest fight in women’s boxing is Chantelle Cameron vs. Katie Taylor II. But, Chantelle deserves her moment.
Cameron said afterwards that she would be willing to fight Taylor again
However, not everyone thought Cameron deserved to win, including boxing superstar Clarissa Shields.
‘Katie won this fight against me!’ she wrote on Twitter after the fight. “If you all mean a split or a majority for Katie!” But let’s see ! Cameron did well but did not dethrone the champion.
