This past Saturday night, Shannon Courtenay was crowned as the new WBA bantamweight champion after defeating unbeaten Ebanie Bridges on points following a punishing battle at the Copper Box Arena in London.

Courtenay was embroiled in a bitter war of words with Bridges ahead of their world title fight, but Britain's bantamweight had the final word, securing a unanimous decision with scores of 97-94, 98-92 and 98-92.

Courtenay was overwhelmed with emotion when her victory was announced.

"I have genuinely turned my life around," Courtenay said.

"I boxed nicer, I have cuter shots, I landed the jab every time. She just tried to knock me out. My jab won me the fight. Her eye shows that. I want Rachel Ball next!"

Courtenay's promoter, Eddie Hearn, said: "I would love to see the Rachel Ball rematch. Shannon wants to put that right."

Waiting in the wings is the WBA's number one contender, "Shotgun" Shannon O'Connell, who has been outspoken about getting her own opportunity at the newly crowned champion.

She recently opened up on the subject, detailing her thoughts on the fight and the new champion.

"It was a better fight than I expected to see but I still think that’s because both girls are on that same level as each other. I’m at a different level so it’ll be a step up for Courtenay and I think she will still make it a good fight but I’ll definitely be too much for her," O'Connell said.

"If she (Courtenay) wants to call herself the WBA world champ she should really fight the top of the table and that’s me."