‘Bored of being your sidegirl': Avril Mathie retires from boxing with emotional farewell

Time of India

2 days ago

Avril Mathie/ Instagram
Australian boxer Avril Mathie has officially retired from professional boxing after a 13-year career, sharing an emotional farewell message on Instagram. The Sun reports the fighter ends her career with a record of eight wins, one loss, and one draw.
Mathie was once set for a high-profile 2023 bout against fellow Australian Ebanie Bridges, a fight dubbed the 'battle of the boobs' due to both fighters' striking physiques and weigh-in antics. However, Mathie pulled out of the fight due to injury and later revealed she had removed her breast implants after 18 years.
In her heartfelt Instagram post, Mathie described boxing as 'the love of my life' and said:
'Sadly, after 13 years, I must say goodbye.
My heart is broken walking away from you, I still have so much love for you, some may call it addiction in fact. I had so many dreams for our future, but my body can't take your abuse anymore.'
She went on to explain the challenges that led to her decision:
'But a year and a half ago, you hurt me so badly. And while I missed you during that time apart healing, I also had the best year of my life. It opened my eyes to what else is waiting for me beyond you… Slowly I just became tired of the pain, bored of being your sideline girl and am craving to be again in something like that we once had when I felt like I was growing unstoppably.'
After consulting with friends, she realized boxing no longer met her needs and said:
'I've realised it's me who's the fun and inspiring one, it's not even about you and that will translate into all my future relationships… And I know you'll miss me, but don't worry, I'll find a way to stay connected to you. Thanks for everything, boxing, I'll be forever grateful we crossed path.'
Ebanie Bridges, a former bantamweight champion, responded to Mathie's announcement, saying:
'You'll always be the one that got away to me.'
'I love this letter. You are amazing in and out of the ring. Onto the next chapter / new love, which I have no doubt you will succeed in.'
Mathie, also known for her career as an OnlyFans star and swimsuit model, revealed on her YouTube channel that undisclosed injuries were the main reason for her retirement. She also suffered a serious
motorbike accident
in 2023 where her bone was exposed, further complicating her return to boxing.
In a related note from late 2024, Mathie stunned her social media followers by revealing a significant body transformation after having her breast implants removed. Speaking candidly on Instagram, she explained:
'If you noticed something on me looking a little differently lately, you're right.
Seven weeks ago I removed my breast implants after 18 years… I got my first implants when I was only 19 because the culture I grew up in had me believing that I was out of proportion –and I was so insecure about my body.'
She also discussed health concerns that influenced her decision:
'In the last couple of years I've seen girls I know remove their implants due to breast implant illness… scans revealed that the implants were actually not in the best condition and while not an emergency, the doctor recommended that I consider removal or replacement.'
Mathie described the recovery as 'absolutely brutal' and admitted it delayed her boxing comeback. However, she said:
'Honestly, it was one of the best decisions of my life.'