‘I’ve been sparring Ebanie Bridges – she’s a champion in and out of the ring’
Jasmina Zapotoczna predicts Ebanie Bridges will "smash it" in her upcoming bout thanks to her "champion mentality".
The Polish boxer, who now lives in Yorkshire to pursue her blossoming 5-0 career, spent several sessions sparring the Blonde Bomber ahead of her hotly-anticipated return to the ring next Saturday (December 9).
Speaking to Daily Star Sport, she explained how Bridges, 37, has helped her both in and out of the ring. "Having the opportunity to spar with one of the best in the world means a lot," Zapotoczna, 29, told us.
READ MORE: Ebanie Bridges' ‘battle of the boobs’ fight called off after Avril Mathie picks up injury
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"I've definitely improved my defence but what was more important to me – when I met Ebanie I wasn't in the best mental condition. But only one little chat with Ebanie was enough to make me stronger and change my mindset again.
"She has real champion mentality, spirit and energy. She's doing exactly what champions do – supporting other fighters as she knows how tough and difficult a path it could be."
Bridges was due to fight fellow Aussie Avril Mathie on the undercard of Devin Haney vs Regis Prograis in San Francisco in what she described as "the battle of the boobs", but her opponent has pulled out through injury.
What's your prediction for the Blonde Bomber's in-ring return? Let us know in the comments section.
Zapotoczna reckons the replacement doesn't matter. "Whoever she's gonna get she'll smash it," she said. "Ebanie is tough and super dedicated. She's not a world champion by accident."
She found that out the hard way after coach Murk Hurley arranged their link-up with Bridges' trainer Dave Coldwell. "Sparring with Ebanie is no joke," Zapotoczna admitted.
"It's sharp, tough and definitely not easy game. I think we gave each other very good and quality rounds. I felt comfortable and Ebanie was super friendly to me from the beginning."
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Bridges is now Stateside preparing for her first fight of 2023, having been sidelined for a large portion of the year as she recovered from surgery on a broken right hand.
Zapotoczna, meanwhile, is gearing up for her next professional outing, which comes a little over 24 hours before at the O2 Academy in Bournemouth on Friday.
She's confident of seeing off 7-8-1 Gemma Ruegg. "I feel great – I'm fit, strong and sharp. What can I say? I'm ready for my sixth win," she declared.
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