Shannon Courtenay: Ebanie Bridges can’t faze me, I just want to punch her in the face

With Ebanie Bridges claiming she’s received DM’s on social media from British fans begging her to knock out Shannon Courtenay when the two meet on April 10, Courtenay is pretty much brushing it all off, which is what you’d expect.

“This is the fight game. It’s not a fashion show or a catwalk. I’m too long in the tooth to let mind games get to me,” Courtenay said. “She can attempt to push my buttons all she likes. She won’t be fazing me in the slightest. I’m in a very good mind space. I’m content, happy and excited. I won’t be denied on April 10. I’ll do my talking with my fists.”

Courtenay (6-1, 3 KO) and Bridges (5-0, 2 KO) are fighting for the vacant WBA bantamweight title, with Bridges stepping in to replace Rachel Ball, who beat Courtenay last August on a Matchroom Fight Camp show. Courtenay really wanted that rematch and is wishing Ball a speedy recovery, but she took the Bridges offer immediately.

“She’s a good fighter. She’s come forward and aggressive. Stylistically it’s going to be a very good fight,” she said.

“I’m going to win. I’m not going to say how I’m going to do it. I’m confident in myself and I’m confident in my ability. It’s evident that I can dig hard. She looks like she can dig hard as well.

“She likes to stand and trade and I like to stand and trade. I just want to fight. I just want to punch her in the face. If she wants to burn her energy and time on social media, then let her do that. If she wants to put polls out about underwear and wear a tiara on weigh-in day then crack on. Fill your boots. I don’t care. I’m there to fight.”