Bridges, 35, known as ‘The Blonde Bomber’, was rewarded for taking the fight to the defending champion with a unanimous points decision.

Bridges dominated the early stages and although Roman came on strongly in the closing rounds, it was the challenger who had her hand raised. The three judges were in agreement after the 20-minute contest, scoring the fight 100-91 and 97-93 (twice).

"I feel proud of myself, and I feel extremely happy because it means everything I have sacrificed and all the work I've done has been worth it," said the new champion. "This belt represents all the sacrifice and all the training so I'm happy. She was a tough champion and she brought it so that meant I could do the stuff I love to do."

Bridges was challenging for a world title for the second time having fallen short against Shannon Courtenay in the same Leeds arena last spring.

 
And she took the opportunity to rant: "I would like to say, 'Can I f****** fight or not?' F*** you guys who think I can't fight. I can f***ing fight. I can box, I can fight, and I can look hot on the scales so hopefully I've proved a lot of doubters wrong."

And she added: "I feel proud of myself, and I feel extremely happy because it means everything I have sacrificed and all the work I've done has been worth it. This belt represents everything; all the heartbreaks, the sacrifice and all the training so I'm happy. She was a tough champion and she brought it so that meant I could do the stuff I love to do.