"Shotgun" Shannon O'Connell wants newly crowned WBA Champion Shannon Courtenay next

#1 Challenger "Shotgun" O'Connell gunning for newly crowned WBA Champion Shannon Courtenay

Briton Shannon Courtenay was crowned as the new WBA World Female bantamweight champion after defeating Aussie Ebanie Bridges on points following a punishing battle at the Copper Box Arena in London on April 10.

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

Once-beaten 'Baby Face Assassin' Courtney reacted to becoming world champion, "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."

The 27-year-old Brit then declared, "I want Rachel Ball next!"

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed his shared interest, "I would love to see the Rachel Ball rematch. Shannon wants to put that right." Underdog Ballshocked Shannon with first-round knocjkdown in their 2020 clash, which 30-year-old West Midlander Ball won 77-75 on points.

Waiting in the wings is the #1 WBA Contender "Shotgun" Shannon O'Connell (21-6-1, 10KOs), who has been outspoken about getting her own opportunity at the newly crowned champion after earning her status with three fantastic title wis in a row.

The reigning Australian, Commonwealth, and WBA Gold Female bantamweight champion opened up on her rival Courtenay, "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.

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

O'Connell is a world title contender, who is riding on a six-fight winning run which includes gaining three major belts and ruining three unbeaten records.

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