Ebanie Bridges Fight Result: Shock Upset Loss in 2026 Comeback vs Alexis Araiza Mones
The wait was supposed to be worth it. After a 24-month hiatus involving a high-profile pregnancy, a promotional switch to Jake Paul’s MVP, and endless social media speculation, the Ebanie Bridges fight result from San Juan has sent shockwaves through the UK boxing community.
Returning to the ring at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in Puerto Rico on Saturday night (January 3, 2026), the “Blonde Bomber” aimed to re-stake her claim on the bantamweight division. Instead, she faced a harsh reality check against a determined Alexis Araiza Mones.
The outcome was not the triumphant return many fans expected. Bridges (9-3) suffered a unanimous decision loss to Mones (4-2-1), a result that raises difficult questions about ring rust, timing, and the future of one of women’s boxing’s most marketable stars.
Official Scorecards: Ebanie Bridges vs Alexis Araiza Mones Result
The judges at ringside saw a clear, if competitive, fight. While the crowd in San Juan was initially supportive of the Australian-British favourite, the technical dominance of Mones became undeniable by the middle rounds.
The Official Decision:
Alexis Araiza Mones def. Ebanie Bridges via Unanimous Decision.
| Judge | Score | Evaluation |
| Judge 1 | 80-72 | Complete shutout for Mones |
| Judge 2 | 78-74 | Clear victory for Mones (6 rounds to 2) |
| Judge 3 | 78-74 | Clear victory for Mones (6 rounds to 2) |
[View full official scorecard data on BoxRec]
The 80-72 scorecard might feel harsh to the “Blonde Bomber’s” loyal fanbase, but it reflects a fight where Bridges struggled to land significant power shots. Mones, fighting out of the USA, controlled the distance and tempo from the opening bell.
Fight Analysis: Why the Blonde Bomber Struggled in Puerto Rico
Boxing is an unforgiving sport, and the adage “you don’t play boxing” was evident on Saturday night. We need to look past the scorecards to understand why this upset happened. It wasn’t just about Mones winning; it was about Bridges looking like a fighter who has been out of the active cycle for two full years.
The Impact of the 24-Month Layoff
Ring rust is real. When you analyze the Ebanie Bridges fight result, the primary factor jumping off the screen is timing. In her last outing, the masterclass against Shannon O’Connell in Leeds back in late 2022, Bridges was sharp, aggressive, and cut off the ring with precision.
Against Mones, her feet looked heavy. The “snap” we are used to seeing in her jab was absent.
Analyst Note: During the broadcast, commentators noted that Bridges’ reaction times were just a fraction of a second off. In professional boxing, that fraction is the difference between slipping a punch and eating a counter.
Bridges often loaded up on her right hand, looking for a knockout blow to end the night early. This “telegraphing” allowed the younger, fresher Mones to see the shots coming and pivot away. It is a classic symptom of a fighter who has been hitting pads and heavy bags but lacking competitive sparring rounds under the bright lights.
Alexis Araiza Mones: The Mother of Two Who Ruined the Party
Credit must go to Alexis Araiza Mones. Coming into this fight as a significant underdog, she executed a perfect game plan. She knew Bridges would come forward aggressively.
Mones utilised a sharp overhand right that consistently found a home over Bridges’ low lead hand. In the third round, one of these overhands buckled Bridges’ legs, the first sign that the upset was on. Mones didn’t panic; she stayed disciplined, using lateral movement to frustrate the former IBF champion.
This wasn’t a “lucky punch” victory. It was a tactical dismantling. Mones exposed the gaps in Bridges’ defence that had perhaps widened during her time away from the sport.
The Motherhood Factor: Returning at 39 After Childbirth
We cannot discuss this Ebanie Bridges fight result without addressing the elephant in the room: physiology.
Bridges returned to professional prizefighting just 10 months after giving birth to her daughter, Ezerra. While athletes like Serena Williams and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce have shown that elite performance is possible post-pregnancy, boxing is a combat sport that demands a different kind of physical trauma resilience.
The body undergoes immense changes during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. For a fighter whose style relies on durability and “walking down” opponents, the core strength required to absorb body shots and generate power is paramount.
The Physical Reality
Observers at the weigh-in noted Bridges looked in phenomenal shape aesthetically. However, “gym fit” and “fight fit” are two different states.
The energy expenditure required to sustain an eight-round pace appeared to tax Bridges more than usual. By Round 5, her mouth was open, and her volume dropped significantly. This fatigue allowed Mones to steal the later rounds on the judges’ cards, cementing the 78-74 verdicts.
This fight serves as a stark reminder of the challenges female fighters face. Bridges attempted to defy biology and age (fighting at 39), and while her heart remains unquestionable, her body may need more time to recalibrate, or it may simply be telling her that the window is closing.
Most Valuable Promotions Debut: Did the MVP Move Pay Off?
This bout marked Bridges’ debut under Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) banner. The strategy was clear: leverage Bridges’ massive social media following and pair it with MVP’s marketing machine to break into the US and Puerto Rican markets.
Commercially, the move worked. The fight generated significant buzz on social media, trending on X (formerly Twitter) throughout the UK and US. Bridges remains a content powerhouse.
Athletically, however, the debut was a disaster.
MVP signed Bridges as a contender, a legitimate champion who could mix it with the likes of Amanda Serrano or Skye Nicolson. This loss devalues that proposition immediately.
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For MVP: They now have a star who has lost her momentum. Do they feed her a “tune-up” fight next, or do they cut their losses?
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For Bridges: She has lost the leverage of being a “must-watch” winner. She is now a “must-watch” personality who needs to prove she can still fight at the elite level.
Ebanie Bridges Boxing Record & Career Milestones
Following the loss in San Juan, Ebanie Bridges’ professional record has been updated. It is crucial to view this single result within the context of her entire career.
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Current Record: 9-3-0 (4 KOs)
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Division: Bantamweight
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Titles Held: Former IBF World Bantamweight Champion
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Key Wins: Shannon O’Connell, María Cecilia Román, Mailys Gangloff
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Key Losses: Alexis Araiza Mones (2026), Shannon Courtenay (2021)
Despite this setback, her resume remains impressive for someone who started their professional career relatively late. Her victory over Shannon O’Connell remains one of the best all-Australian fights in history and proved she has elite skills. The question now is whether those skills have eroded permanently.
What’s Next for Ebanie Bridges? Retirement vs. Redemption
This is the conversation dominating boxing forums and social media today. Where does the Blonde Bomber go from here?
The Case for a Rematch
Bridges is a competitor. It is unlikely she will want to bow out on a loss, especially one where she likely feels she beat herself due to inactivity. A rematch with Mones could be sellable, perhaps on a UK card (Matchroom or MVP) where Bridges has the home crowd advantage.
If she can shake off the ring rust and have a full camp without the interruptions of a promotional switch, she could reverse this result. Mones is good, but she is not unbeatable.
Potential Retirement: Leaving a Legacy
At 39, with a new child, a successful brand, and a legacy as a world champion secured, retirement is a valid option.
Bridges has nothing left to prove. She changed the way female fighters market themselves. She proved critics wrong by winning a legitimate world title. She has financial security outside the ring.
Taking more punishment against younger, hungrier fighters like Mones offers diminishing returns. If she retires now, she leaves as a pioneer. If she stays and loses again, she risks becoming a “gatekeeper”, a name used to build up the records of up-and-coming prospects.
FAQs
Did Ebanie Bridges win her fight last night?
No. Ebanie Bridges lost via Unanimous Decision to Alexis Araiza Mones on January 3, 2026.
Who did Ebanie Bridges fight in January 2026?
She fought American boxer Alexis Araiza Mones on the undercard of the Amanda Serrano fight in Puerto Rico.
Is Ebanie Bridges still with Kell Brook?
Yes, Kell Brook was present in her corner for the fight. The couple welcomed their first child together in 2025.
What is Ebanie Bridges’ boxing record now?
Her professional record stands at 9 wins and 3 losses (9-3-0).
Will Ebanie Bridges retire after her 2026 loss?
Bridges has not officially announced her retirement. In her post-fight interview, she expressed disappointment but did not commit to hanging up the gloves immediately.
What were the scorecards for Bridges vs Mones?
The judges scored the bout 80-72, 78-74, and 78-74 in favour of Mones.
Is Ebanie Bridges signed to MVP?
Yes, this fight was her debut under Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) after leaving Matchroom Boxing.
Strategist’s Outlook
The Ebanie Bridges fight result is a sombre reminder that time waits for no fighter. While the “Blonde Bomber” brand remains strong, the athlete in the ring looked a step behind. Whether she chases redemption or chooses to focus on motherhood and media, her impact on the sport is undeniable, but the road back to gold just got incredibly steep.
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