Part 1: The Talk - A Look Back on Amanda Righetti's Career
Apr 8, 2023 7:02:02 GMT -6
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Post by Bonzo on Apr 8, 2023 7:02:02 GMT -6
Amanda Righetti‘s Birthday Bash 2023 – Bonzo‘s Gym v Fates Boxing ... Stable War
Part 1
The Talk ... A Look Back on Amanda Righetti‘s Career – In Conversation With Ali Landry
Feel free to check out “A Cajun Farewell – Ali Landry’s Last Battle“ from 2018 for a similar format about Ali Landry‘s career. This time, Ali and Amanda will meet again to look back on Amanda‘s legendary career – it‘s an intimate setting on the fight card‘s eve. A selected number of fighters from Amanda‘s past and present in the FCBA relished the opportunity to share a word or two about Amanda by video – so stay tuned! Ali and Amanda will get a chance to discuss the other girls‘s comments and re-play a couple of moments from a selection of Amanda‘s most famous battles …
Thanks to the Wiz, Sceej, Girls Friday, Caspian, Vassago, Tractorpull and Lookout! for lending a voice to their fighters!
Thanks to the archive-makers!
The Talk - Ali, Amanda in 2018
Here's our guest ... Ali Landry!
Ali: “Let me say this straight away … I‘m relieved you didn‘t ask *me* to share this birthday card in the ring with you, Amanda! I feared you were tryin‘ to coax me out of retirement, girl!“
Amanda: “I think our history together‘s done, Ali … my 3-1 record against you will have to stand.“
Ali: “I can live with that. But I‘m proud I got that one win! I didn‘t want to end up like Mandy Moore, Gena Lee Nolin or Stacy Keibler!“
Amanda: “Yeah, yeah.“
Ali: “We‘ve asked some fighters to send us a little message about you on video – sort of an “everything you‘ve always wanted to say to Amanda outside of a fighting ring“. Are you ready for this?“
Amanda: “Just don‘t start with Kate Upton – I want to keep my good spirits for a while!“
Ali: “Don‘t worry. I actually think she‘s dead last …“
1.
Here‘s … Katy Perry: (Courtesy of the Wiz)
“She was the best fighter I was ever in the ring with...and I was in there with most of the best. I came close against her, and not being able to beat her remains the biggest regret of my career. It would have been the cherry on top...more valuable to me than the Hall of Fame. Because, she's just that good.“
Amanda: “I‘m proud Katy‘s said this, but I feel for her – I‘ve always been a gatekeeper at welter … the way to the title‘s led through me, and if you can‘t break through me after tryin‘ so hard, it‘s a bit of a tragedy! I know Katy was a champ at lightweight, but she‘s dreamed of conquering welter, too – who knows what would have happened, right?“
Ali: “Have you ever lost against a Front Streeter?“
“I don‘t think I have, Ali.“
“I thought so. Front Street‘s always had it difficult at welter – are you the reason?“
“Well, we didn‘t square off as much as we could have, I guess. I‘ve stopped Perry in non-title, and Utgaard for the title. That‘s just two fights! Those could have gone differently, of course, and perhaps Front Street would have been a more major player at welter if they had …“
Link to Fight – Perry v Righetti (October 31, 2019)
2.
Here‘s … Kendall Jenner: (Courtesy of Girls Friday)
“What can I say about Amanda. I will tell you right now the amount of people I respect and like outside my stable isn't exactly a big number … Amanda is one of those people in that list though. Facing her twice I found out first hand how tough she is, how skillful and even after those bouts she has been respectful and even helpful on what I can do in boxing. Happy birthday, Amanda and anyday you want that bout to settle which of us is the best, you know where to find me.“
Link to Fight – Jenner v Righetti (January 20, 2020)
Amanda: “I had my doubts about Kendall‘s credentials, I admit. The Kardashian name doesn‘t exactly scream boxing talent, you know.“
Ali: “But she was the one who ended your legendary streak!“
“I know. That certainly erased those doubts ...“
“About time you girls fought that decider ...“
“Kendall was on my shortlist for tomorrow, Ali. We‘ll get there … I enjoy a good pound-for-pound battle!“
“Yeah, because you usually come out on top in them!“
3.
Here‘s … Alana de la Garza:
“Hi, Manda! I‘m super glad I‘ve only met you in the ring that one single time … I think my ribs might still be sore, though! I don‘t think I‘ve ever felt as ass-kicked as I did on that night … I guess I‘m here to say somethin‘ nice, right? Well, think you‘re the hardest hittin‘ chick I‘ve ever stepped into the ring against … just make sure you stay at welter!“
Ali: “Poor Alana – I think I know why she‘s here … “
Amanda: “She‘s always been lovely. I like her!“
Ali: “Okay … so if this is how you treat girls you *like* … “Alana up at 8 – serviceable: she's showing dukes at cheeks, stepping forward tentatively as Amanda curls back in. Righetti jabbing Alana's full breasts with muted thump; curling a slightly looped right hand wide to cheek; leaning forward and hooking hard off her front foot. Alana chased back to ropes in alarm: she just can't handle Righetti's power punching (…) Fighting off Alana's left shoulder – Amanda just hacks at her foe: right hands to the ribs; jagged left uppercuts to jug and face; over and over. Alana visibly breaking down, cringing, finally pitching forward to sprawl at Amanda's feet. Alana gassed, rolling to her back all eyelashes fluttering, lips murmuring. She's a beautiful KO'd beauty, still trying to shake off the hurt as the 10 count passes her by. KO2 in brutal fashion – Amanda Righetti“ … goddamn.“
Link to Fight - De La Garza v Righetti (March 6, 2009)
Amanda: “Well, this was the fight Bonzo‘s scouts first saw me and thought – we can make this chick the best woman at welter. And well, I have to agree with ‘em!“
“So this was the start of your legendary move to welter?“
“Well, I was still technically a lightweight, although I think Alana had some doubts about that when I started hittin‘ her!“ (smirks)
“But it wasn‘t all easy pickings for you at first, right?“
“Well, I wanted to send a signal to welter that I was so big n‘ bad n‘ intimidating, so I hand-picked Taylor Cole to start my campaign, and that went *terribly* wrong, I tell you.
“I don‘t think we‘ve got footage from that fight here…“
“I dare you, Ali.“
“So you‘re essentially sayin‘ that you only hit your stride after kickin‘ MY ass back in 2009?“
“Well, I mean ...“
4.
Here‘s … Adrianne Palicki: (Courtesy of Sceej)
“Amanda Righetti? The best I've ever fought! Not even close! In fairness, Theron was not prime Charlize when I fought her but the trilogy with Righetti was the highlight of my career. She came out on top (doesn't she always?) but I am proud to have gone that many rounds with the most dominant ever and giving her competitive fights. The other thing about her is she is pure class - win or lose - always good sportsmanship. My admiration for her is second to none!“
Amanda: “Adrianne‘s one of the classiest fighters I know. I wasn‘t happy to surrender my welterweight title to her, but I was happy she got her dues as a world-class big-girl fighter … it couldn‘t have happened to a nicer person. That right hand? Still the nastiest shot in boxing, if you ask me.
Ali: “That‘s gotta count as one of the biggest comebacks against you, ever … damn, girl, you were still beatin‘ her like putty in the ninth … what happened?
“Final minute – Righetti workin‘, bull-rushin‘ her girl. Big Rigs fighting off her blonde‘s chest, staying close, caging her foe up – girls trade short-contact lefts, rights! Righetti active, setting a faster rhythm, using more jerking power – hands constantly paw at wrists to jolt shots to Adrianne‘s jawline, beneath her elbows as action drifts from ropes to ropes. (…) Palicki just leaning her head/back away from a short, jolting left hook to ear – besieged blonde JAMS a sudden, pumping lefty cross to Amanda‘s left jawline!
Oh, she‘s hurt Amanda!
Righetti takes an oblique lil‘ jolt on shot impact – dominant redhead suddenly stumbles away to right/back, hands low, torso tilting to the side a bit sheepishly, her eyes showing an odd swoon. Adrianne steps-to – a nasty jab to tits freezes Righetti‘s legs, STIFFENS her into better position! And Adrianne wields the freakin‘ axe! Blonde stepping-to, leaning all into a right hand swat CRASHING to Righetti‘s left ear – SHUTS OFF ALL POWER from redhead champ! Sweeping impact pretty much lifts Rigs off her feet, as eyes roll back dramatically, plonks her down on the canvas with a hard thud! ‘Manda‘s arms arms flop up around her head, legs stretch out long – she‘s all sprawled out! (…) Righetti JOLTS awake with a tremble during the count – her right leg/knee twitches up sadly, rises, eyes flickering in confusion as head still lolls gently back n‘ forth. The champ‘s moaning softly, her eyebrows arching in dazed wonder – strong shoulders still stirring on the ground weakly as the ten count‘s passing her by. (…)“
Link to Fight: Palicki v Righetti (February 28, 2020)
Amanda: “Well, I shut out Adrianne‘s right hand for eight and a half rounds … I needed to do it for ten. It‘s really quite simple, Ali.“
5.
Here‘s … Gena Lee Nolin: (Courtesy of Sceej)
“Hey, gotta give it to Red - the run she made, what was it – 20 defenses in a row? That'll never be touched. But let me be honest, I was a little past it when I fought her those three times - prime Gena Lee drops her inside of three! Now I know people are not gonna like me saying that - like I give a fvck what people like!“
Amanda: “Everyone‘s warned me about Gena when I moved to welter – you know, the hold-n‘-hittin‘, the cheatin‘, the trunkshots! But she‘s never been as cheap as her enemies suggested – sure, she had some swampy tactics when she was in trouble, but she was a damn good fighter. But here‘s the key … you gotta take the fight to Gena and beat her! Many girls were mesmerized by her legendary reputation … they deserved those trunkshots! I just went in, set the pace with my jab, and found her chin … simple stuff, really.“
Ali: “Simple, sure. You‘ve really had her number … “Gena swept ropeside – hands up/palms out… Amanda eyes narrowed – steps-to with jab up top and a POUNDING straight, palm-down right into Gena's midsection. "GUHHH!" Gena cries, doubling forward. Amanda issues clouting right to left hip; left forearm brace against G's right shoulder; shoving left uppercut to blonde tummy; clubbing right to back of Gena's overhanging head. Nolin wobbling - nearly pitching forward to her knees: she sags back/upright into ropes, eyelashes blinking sadly. HOOK! Amanda turns the palm-down left across Gena's mouth, startling her: RIGHT HAND! Amanda leans in, driving righty across Gena's chin, swiveling her head. LIGHTS OUT NOLIN! Gena out on her feet, torso lolling slightly forward...she's upright long enough to absorb a series of up-thrusting Righetti left hands to the body by way of insurance. G swooning face-down, grumbling in slumber: KO5 (…) Righetti grins-and-dimples walking away from smoldering blonde“ … nice!“
Link to Fight – Nolin v Righetti (May 5, 2010)
Ali: “But what about that past-her-prime thing … does Gena have a point?“
Amanda: “I fought her when I did, I can‘t change that. Gena‘s never been a speedster and she still had her power when we met – sorry, I don‘t think it would have made a difference! By the way, Gena … I know knockouts can be a little hazy to remember, but I‘m pretty sure I took you out *four*, not three times!“ (laughs)
6.
Here‘s … Jenny McCarthy: (Courtesy of Sceej)
“Look, she's good – gotta give it to her. But funny thing, Big Rig's people won't take my calls. I think they know that the girl who beat Righetti combines experience with bantamweight speed and heavy hands ... sort like ... the Greatest Fighting Playmate of All Time! But yeah ... props to the redhead ... one of the best ever!“
Ali: “I find it hard to take Jenny seriously.“
Amanda: “Hey … it ain‘t easy to nurture an ego that size! She‘s a slugger, but don‘t think she wasn‘t a good boxer in her heyday … I remember warnin‘ Kira before her title fight against Jenny … girl wouldn‘t listen, almost got her butt knocked out in embarrassing fashion! Jenny‘s pretty much a toy size Gena Lee Nolin … for better or worse!“
“She wants to fight you so bad, Amanda … why not just do her the favour? I mean, if a girl asked me nicely whether I could knock her out, pretty please – why deny her wish?“
“I won‘t rule it out forever – just for the fun of it!“
7.
Here‘s … Hannah Ferguson: (Courtesy of Caspian)
“I can't believe Amanda's hitting the big 4-0! She's been a tough competitor for me throughout the years, but our rivalry is far from over. We're tied at 2 wins each, and I'm looking forward to breaking that tie and knocking her out again. Maybe she'll finally retire and make way for younger, more talented fighters, like me. Or maybe she'll take up knitting or something.“
Ali: “Knitting! She‘s funny.“
Amanda: “She‘s a riot.“
“We need to talk about somethin‘, Manda … will you admit that you used to underestimate Hannah‘s threat to you?“
“Well, this takes us back to that supermodel revolution in 2016, 2017 – one of the greatest shifts ever in welter boxing.“
“Yeah, look at this one … “Oh, Righetti’s eyelashes start fluttering as Hannah steps-to with another hop, DIGGING into Amanda’s tummy/ribs now via the left, the left, the left, keeping her weight on left foot, then smoothly rolls into a rising right uppercut past Amanda’s left arm, finding the jawline in ‘Manda’s face, again, CHUP! Righetti’s sleepily head tilts rightward on impact, her legs stiffening entirely…she’s dropping! Big Rigs floored by Hannah’s perfect strike duo, getting flattened … poor Amanda: she’s on her back parallel to ropes, arms flopping overhead, lips slightly parted, eyes so glassy, staring up helplessly, murmuring softly, her body not reacting… just her shoulders giving little jerks. Hannah’s in INSTANT realization, shouting out words of triumph…she knows she’s just PASTED Righetti out in knockout-of-the-year fashion“ … These girls like Kate, Hannah, Hilary ready looked like they‘d take a sledgehammer to that world of Righetti, Regan, Freeman, Moore .. what did it take you to survive?“
Link to Fight: Ferguson v Righetti (September 17, 2017)
“Tenacity. Stubbornness. Resilience. I had a terrible record against these girls for a while … I lost to Kate twice, Hannah, Karlie, Tahnee … they were trying to shove me away from the top! I went back to the drawin‘ board, changed some things, worked on my finishing power … you can‘t fight Hannah the way you fight a Cass, a Bridgy Regs … her legs are too fast for that. So I turned things around … knocked out Kate twice in a year … went on my streak … now I‘m 3-1 against Tahnee … I‘ve never lost to Hilary Rhoda … I got these models figured out, that‘s what happened!“
“I saw you takin‘ out Karlie Kloss last months … that girl looked like a monster first time you fought her!“
“You won‘t beat me if you‘re just a lil‘ bit tentative … one ounce of fear, and I‘ll grind you out, girl!“
“So, Hannah … you‘re still split against her ...“
“Well, Kate and Hannah are the best of the bunch, easily … Hannah, especially … she might be this generation‘s Charlize Theron one day! I simply haven‘t broken her spirit yet, but I‘m gettin‘ there, trust me.“
8.
Here‘s … Cassidy Freeman: (Courtesy of Vassago)
“I do have fond memories despite our h2h record. I've only beaten her once, but it was a championship fight and she was always very supportive of my performances even acting as guest commentator during my fights (who remembers that used to be a thing?). Now, one could say she thinks she‘s so better than everyone else not named Theron but it also helped me to terminate the R-R narrative that was very harmful to the entire division. Yes, that was when those DD swimsuit models were still busy foxy boxing on the beach. Ah, good times! I somehow believe even Amanda feels a bit nostalgic these days! I think we can all say the state of Utah will never produce a better FCBA fighter in history. Hell, she's proably even more popular than Karl Malone over there!“ (winks)
Amanda: “Back in the day, Cassidy and Bridget were my biggest threats. When she was in her prime, Cassidy was one of the few girls who could match my strength – I mean, you don‘t get to *own* the ring when I‘m in there with you, but that‘s what Cassidy was tryin‘ to do all the time … she was lookin‘ to bully *me*, of all people! And in that one fight – back in ‘14, I think – she really took my butt behind the woodshed! She was pretty much out-punchin‘ me for five of five rounds … that was a freakin‘ wake up call, I gotta tell you!“
Ali: “Yeah, I remember that … I mean, look at this … “Righetti's powerful legs keeping her upright, but her torso's tilting sleepily forward … Cassidy loads weight on her right leg, jerks the right uppercut to Amanda's chin, hooks Righetti's jaw as champ's lolling back into ropes, sending mouthpiece flying into the expensive seats. Chopping overhand right HAMMERS Righetti's head over top rope, dropping her hands to her waist … Cassidy pushing her girl upright at ropes to set, then looking to pile on when THE REF STEPS IN! Amanda all big-girl deadweight in ref's arms“
“It‘s welter – she put me on the canvas early, and finished the job!“
“But the head-to-head‘s still yours.“
“I know. I will tell you this … goin‘ 4 to 1 over Cassidy Freeman in her prime … THAT is a friggin‘ achievement!“
Link to Fight: Freeman v Righetti (March 1, 2014)
9.
Here‘s … Laetitia Casta:
“Ah … soft, tender, sweet lil‘ Amanda … I remember you! The bigwigs at TU were so excited about you … the next big thing, I heard! I tested you out, twice, and I wasn‘t impressed. Just another American hardbody whose chin couldn‘t match her biceps … do you remember passin‘ out beneath me? I bet you do – kisses from Laetitia!“
Amanda: “I don‘t speak French.“
Ali: “Everything‘s sensual, sexual in Laetitia‘s world … you never know whether she‘s still talkin‘ about boxing, or bedding you!“
“That might be a French thing, you know. Aren‘t you a Cajun, Ali?“
“Well, I‘m not like that!“
Link to Fight: Casta v Righetti (February 17, 2007)
Ali: “I‘m reading the official transcript, Amanda … “Casta's left arm snug behind the back, cupping her right bicep; fingers of her right hand curling into Righetti's damp locks as Righetti's face is sealed tight to the proudest rack in all France“ … “No escape for the blonde now – she beats sadly at Laetitia's broad white back with closed fists and forearms – her arms slapping away in pathetic left/right beats“ … “Amanda's arms relax out to the side - her face shiny, lips parted in a little KO'd pout: Casta's used up every last drop of Amanda tonight“ … wow, that woman was brutalizing you!“
“I took revenge, I always do. But you‘re right – Tish was a stable bully … she hated the attention I got at TU and she wanted to make sure I was no threat to her! I guess, that‘s what she did … for a couple years at least.“
10.
Here‘s … Nadia Bjorlin:
“How the times have changed, right? I‘m happy you let bygones be bygones … I was a lil‘ bytch back in the day, I admit! But I guess that‘s how you react when you‘re supplanted by a girl from your own stable … I was fighting for my turf, girl! Takin‘ you out in that one fight … that was the biggest thing ever for me, outside of a title. I thought I had you! … I didn‘t, of course, so, yeah, Manda … you‘re the best! I‘m happy to be a coach for you now!“
Amanda: “Nadia used to hate me like a stepmother … “
Ali: “I understand why she would feel that way. You were a sensation back in the day and poor Nadia didn‘t know what steamrolled her … the days of her being the queen at Bonzo‘s were gone for good.“
Link to Fight: Bjorlin v Righetti (June 10, 2012)
Ali: “I didn‘t choose a replay from that infamous first fight when Nadia pounded you to sleep, no, let‘s look at the way you absolutely conquered her the next time … “Nadia perplexed, hanging back in her stance, so Amanda steps-to. Righetti cautious, relaxed …she'll bounce a bit, then step in, poke the jab to Nadia's brow; double-dab it to her breasts. Bjorlin scowling - right hand at left cheek/left at right elbow - she's slipping and parrying poke, showing a little head movement, but unable to be aggressive. Righetti stepping Bjorlin back, methodically punishing her then bringing shockingly abrupt right hands off the shoulder, pasting Nadia's chin! Bjorlin takes a few slobberknockers, legs stiffening up until midway through, bang-bang one-two pounds through, dropping her to her back! Nadia blinking, head up off canvas in wonder… Amanda's picking her apart and both girls know it!“
“Nadia was one of the biggest raw talents I‘ve ever met … such a strong, luscious, intense fighter! She lacked my discipline, my hard-workin‘ spirit, though, I guess. We‘ve got a really friendly ringside relationship these days … she‘s a great coach. Let‘s not dwell on the past.“
“But that‘s why we‘re here!“
11.
Here‘s … Charlize Theron: (Courtesy of Tractorpull)
“Welcome to the Cougars, Big Rigs! As a reward for joining the Cougars, you will find out that those younger fighters seem to be faster than they used to be. Those three-minute rounds will seem like five. Those pattycake punches you used to not notice will hurt and after a fight, you won't feel like partying. I have been and remain jealous of that twenty-four fight win streak. Luckily, I was not part of it. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Oh and one more thing – Upton is a friend of mine, please go easy on her in your next bout … after all, she is a mother!“
Amanda: “Don‘t worry, Char – I will knock out Kate as gently and as softly as I can, haha!“
Ali: “Last time we spoke, you showed some regrets about your rivalry against Charlize, right?“
“That‘s true. Give n‘ take us a couple of years, and we could have been one of the major boxing rivalries of all time. My biggest regret is not being as *dominant* in our two battles I should have … I had her on the verge of ruin in our first fight, and let her back into the action, so I only managed to edge out a decision … that wasn‘t the statement I was lookin‘ to make! And I surely underestimated the staying power of her legs in our second fight … I don‘t want to talk about that fight, though. My birthday, my rules.“
“Okay, we can take a look at a scene from the first … “Charlize getting ragdolled … Amanda's churning progression of forearms evolves into pumping lefts and rights to midsection and BLONDE GIRL DOWN! Theron's legs overwhelmed...she's beaten to all fours, gasping and whining. Righetti tossing damp red hair off her shoulders and breasts, looming over CT like a conqueror...ref eases Big Rigs away as Theron reaches into ropes to clamber up. Theron frazzled, ashen faced - hair in her eyes as she's swaying on the spot for her 8 count (…) Amanda steams on in – threading her left arm under Theron's right; working right hands viciously to breadbasket, and when CT tries to clinch – Amanda's right forearm braces blonde breasts, pushing Theron into compliance. Theron helpless, her right laying across Righetti's broad shoulders as redhead plunders blonde. Oscar-winning pride holding Theron up as she sponges a ruinous beating to the body - Righetti sustaining the onslaught until ref actually enforces the bell. Crowd on its feet, roaring: Theron hugging herself, left hip on ropes - she's gut-shocked, forlorn through 5.“
Amanda: “We can finish there.“
Ali: “Okay.“
Ali: “Sorry. But I do remember Charlize mountin‘ some sort of Ali-esque comeback in the ninth n‘ tenth … “SIEGE IN THE RIGHETTI CORNER! Theron charges the mound, reaching under Righetti's arms to stack redhead up against her own turnbuckles: THERON'S GOING FOR THE STOPPAGE! Amanda grimacing, half asleep - right hand at left shoulder/left under right elbow as she's soaking up a POUNDING. Theron POURING on the hurt: lefts and rights free-swinging to gut and hips; swiping lefts across Amanda's mouth; clouting rights drawn ear-to-chin down left side of Amanda's face. FURIOUS bombardment reduces castle-Righetti to rubble, but Big Rigs is still standing when exhausted blonde falls in to clinch! CUE COMEBACK! Amanda mouth-on-shoulder with Charlize, just walking blonde girl back to midring...fighters in boozy waltz when Amanda crams right hand to CT's belly. Breathy gasp of hurt, Charlize…“
“I won the fight. End of story.“
Link to Fight – Theron v Righetti (December 9, 2011)
Ali: “It‘s not like you can‘t fight her again, you know, for braggin‘ rights ...“
Amanda: “Well, I‘d love to check out how slow those legendary legs have become, but it‘s not exactly on the top of my priorities at the moment!“
12.
Here‘s … Camille Kostek:
“Hey, Amanda … happy birthday … you‘re the best! I‘m honoured to fight along you at Bonzo‘s Gym … you‘ve been so gracious and respectful, especially now that I‘m havin‘ some success on my own! Workin‘ with you in the gym every day has made me the fighter I am … I hope we‘ll stay stablemates for a long, long time!“
Ali: “Camille‘s a darling, obviously. But I wonder … how did you *really* feel she took that title off Robyn Lawley … which you couldn‘t?!“
Amanda: “I was happy for her … really!“
“No feelin‘ of a genuine threat?“
“Oh, Camille‘s a threat to anyone! I‘ve fought her competitively once, and our stable friendship‘s survived it – at the moment it‘s more of a lil‘ sis‘, big sis‘ relationship between us, but you know the lil‘ sis‘ always wants to upstage the big sis‘, right? As much as we like each other … I gotta be ready when she‘s comin‘ for me!“
“Any predictions for tomorrow? Blake‘s a true danger, as you well know by now!“
“Blake‘s power can come out of nowhere, but I think Camille will bully her, get big n‘ strong on her … this is her kind of fight! Once Cam gets inside … Blake will be helpless!“
13.
Here‘s … Kate Upton: (Courtesy of Lookout!)
“Am I a little hurt that I wasn't invited to Mandy's birthday party? Of course. But, then again, I don't blame her. She knew that I would've spoiled the celebration by blowing her out like a f*cking birthday candle but I would've loved to give her a birthday spanking. Forty swats across the booty of Big Red would've been amazing, but I'll be sure to deliver that present sometime this year. Next time we meet, spanking, smothering, cleavage and cake on me, right, Righetti?
But, even though I'm not participating on such a big occasion, there's no way I'll miss such a special night. I know Amanda feels the same way, but there is nobody that pushes me harder than she does and even at 40, she is still one of the best in the league. That's without question, but personally, I think it's all downhill for her from here on out. I'll be happy to give her a nudge downhill because when people think about the welterweight division, they'll be thinking of me, not her. The welterweight division is going to go through me and if I have to beat that admission out of her, then I will. Knowing our history, I know I'll have to and it's going to be d*mn hard work to make it happen, but it will happen. I'm going to outlast, overcome, overwhelm and own Righetti by the time our rivalry is finished. And when I'm done with her, she'll be done, no matter how good she thinks she is.
Until then though, Happy Birthday Mandy and I'm SO glad you're sticking around for another year so we can keep competing. I can't wait to meet up with you again and again and again!!!“
Amanda: “Okay.“
Ali: “I guess someone‘s a little sulky about not being invited…“
“There‘s a reason I didn‘t invite Kate to this card. And it‘s not the reason she thinks it is. Kate‘s a big slosh of a figher – I‘ll still be able to match her slow-ass tempo for a couple more years. But Emily? She‘s all fast n‘ furious compared to Kate! People will wonder – can Big Rigs still keep up with a girl like that? I intend to prove I can … tomorrow!“
“Since we‘re talkin‘ about Kate … who‘s the best fighter you‘ve ever stepped into the ring with?“
“When Kate and me meet, it‘s a friggin‘ war, no doubt. But in terms of raw fighting ability, that magic in the ring … hell, I won‘t get past Jessica Biel in that discussion!“
“Oh, look, Kate … another snub!“
“Kate‘s a beast, but there‘s no way she‘s a match for Jess Biel in her prime … and I beat Jess three times!“
“Yeah, whatever happened to Jess Biel?“
Link to Fight: Upton v Righetti (May 26, 2018)
“So many moments to choose from in this rivalry, Amanda, but I picked this one.“
“Not a bad pick, Ali.“
“Yeah, look at this … “Kate drops her hands to lap, her knees unhinged, stumbling to the right in confusion…’Manda steps-with, leans towards ‘er…first she jolts a thudding two-puncher into Upton’s jugs for good measure, pak-pak, then shoves the crashing right haymaker to blonde left cheekbone…Kate’s folding up into slump!“ … “Supermodel in collapse: head kink, knees bend, torso crash…massive body thuds down onto back, where her jugs slosh into a standstill, lips parted, head lolling into inertia, her eyes opened in glassy expression. Arms jar, hips move, right leg twitches…Kate’s body reflexes set in, but it’s no-go … KO5 Amanda Righetti!“ ...was that your most dominant win against her … yet?“
“Yet. That‘s the important word!“
“But you gave up the last two against Kate … bitter losses, I imagine.“
“Absolutely. Haven‘t punched her out since 2018 and I‘m starting to miss the feelin‘! I‘m fully aware that Kate‘s not just lookin‘ to beat me – she‘s comin‘ at my legacy! She means it when she says she wants to own me! Make no mistake – this rivalry will shape my final years of fightin‘ in the FCBA. But here‘s the thing … Kate knows she will never reach the heights I‘ve reached, and that‘s makin‘ her bitter and insecure … the talk we just heard from her‘s all about her inferiority complex, I think! Her name‘s never mentioned first when people talk about who‘s the GOAT at welter – and it never will!“
“Do you think you‘ll be able to conquer Kate one day the way, let‘s say, Charlize Theron battered Jennifer Garner in a best-of-seven … you know, reach a point where Kate‘s ready to admit you‘re the best, once and for all?“
“Well, I don‘t see Kate admitting it … she‘s stubborn, maybe a little simple. But I‘m happy to let facts in the ring speak – so, hell yeah! I don‘t think Kate‘s fightin‘ style will age well into her thirties … heck, I‘d say she might even be past her prime already … she‘ll peak much earlier than I did! And a *tired* Kate Upton‘s lot easier to knock out … trust me. I‘ll get there, one KO at a time.“
14.
Ali: “Okay … since Kate and Charlize brought it up … will we see any sort of announcement by you after tomorrow‘s fight?“
Amanda: “I certainly intend to celebrate my victory loudly – that‘s what you mean, right?“
“Sure, that‘s *exactly* what I mean, Manda …“
“Well, I‘ve got some bad news for my competitors … I know some girls who have retired at 40 … I won‘t! No matter what happens tomorrow. I won the title last year … I want to win it back this year … there‘s still plenty of unfinished business at light and welter! I mean, I probably won‘t still be here at 50, but there‘s no grand scheme of things, really … as long as I feel fit for all ten of those rounds and girls still wilt under my punches, like they usually do … I‘m not going anywhere!“
“So … you‘re going to be, like, the Tom Brady of celebrity boxing?“
“I can live with that comparison, Ali.“
The End ... but stay tuned for three primetime boxing battles ... and here's to 40 years of Big Red!
Part 1
The Talk ... A Look Back on Amanda Righetti‘s Career – In Conversation With Ali Landry
Feel free to check out “A Cajun Farewell – Ali Landry’s Last Battle“ from 2018 for a similar format about Ali Landry‘s career. This time, Ali and Amanda will meet again to look back on Amanda‘s legendary career – it‘s an intimate setting on the fight card‘s eve. A selected number of fighters from Amanda‘s past and present in the FCBA relished the opportunity to share a word or two about Amanda by video – so stay tuned! Ali and Amanda will get a chance to discuss the other girls‘s comments and re-play a couple of moments from a selection of Amanda‘s most famous battles …
Thanks to the Wiz, Sceej, Girls Friday, Caspian, Vassago, Tractorpull and Lookout! for lending a voice to their fighters!
Thanks to the archive-makers!
The Talk - Ali, Amanda in 2018
Here's our guest ... Ali Landry!
Ali: “Let me say this straight away … I‘m relieved you didn‘t ask *me* to share this birthday card in the ring with you, Amanda! I feared you were tryin‘ to coax me out of retirement, girl!“
Amanda: “I think our history together‘s done, Ali … my 3-1 record against you will have to stand.“
Ali: “I can live with that. But I‘m proud I got that one win! I didn‘t want to end up like Mandy Moore, Gena Lee Nolin or Stacy Keibler!“
Amanda: “Yeah, yeah.“
Ali: “We‘ve asked some fighters to send us a little message about you on video – sort of an “everything you‘ve always wanted to say to Amanda outside of a fighting ring“. Are you ready for this?“
Amanda: “Just don‘t start with Kate Upton – I want to keep my good spirits for a while!“
Ali: “Don‘t worry. I actually think she‘s dead last …“
1.
Here‘s … Katy Perry: (Courtesy of the Wiz)
“She was the best fighter I was ever in the ring with...and I was in there with most of the best. I came close against her, and not being able to beat her remains the biggest regret of my career. It would have been the cherry on top...more valuable to me than the Hall of Fame. Because, she's just that good.“
Amanda: “I‘m proud Katy‘s said this, but I feel for her – I‘ve always been a gatekeeper at welter … the way to the title‘s led through me, and if you can‘t break through me after tryin‘ so hard, it‘s a bit of a tragedy! I know Katy was a champ at lightweight, but she‘s dreamed of conquering welter, too – who knows what would have happened, right?“
Ali: “Have you ever lost against a Front Streeter?“
“I don‘t think I have, Ali.“
“I thought so. Front Street‘s always had it difficult at welter – are you the reason?“
“Well, we didn‘t square off as much as we could have, I guess. I‘ve stopped Perry in non-title, and Utgaard for the title. That‘s just two fights! Those could have gone differently, of course, and perhaps Front Street would have been a more major player at welter if they had …“
Link to Fight – Perry v Righetti (October 31, 2019)
2.
Here‘s … Kendall Jenner: (Courtesy of Girls Friday)
“What can I say about Amanda. I will tell you right now the amount of people I respect and like outside my stable isn't exactly a big number … Amanda is one of those people in that list though. Facing her twice I found out first hand how tough she is, how skillful and even after those bouts she has been respectful and even helpful on what I can do in boxing. Happy birthday, Amanda and anyday you want that bout to settle which of us is the best, you know where to find me.“
Link to Fight – Jenner v Righetti (January 20, 2020)
Amanda: “I had my doubts about Kendall‘s credentials, I admit. The Kardashian name doesn‘t exactly scream boxing talent, you know.“
Ali: “But she was the one who ended your legendary streak!“
“I know. That certainly erased those doubts ...“
“About time you girls fought that decider ...“
“Kendall was on my shortlist for tomorrow, Ali. We‘ll get there … I enjoy a good pound-for-pound battle!“
“Yeah, because you usually come out on top in them!“
3.
Here‘s … Alana de la Garza:
“Hi, Manda! I‘m super glad I‘ve only met you in the ring that one single time … I think my ribs might still be sore, though! I don‘t think I‘ve ever felt as ass-kicked as I did on that night … I guess I‘m here to say somethin‘ nice, right? Well, think you‘re the hardest hittin‘ chick I‘ve ever stepped into the ring against … just make sure you stay at welter!“
Ali: “Poor Alana – I think I know why she‘s here … “
Amanda: “She‘s always been lovely. I like her!“
Ali: “Okay … so if this is how you treat girls you *like* … “Alana up at 8 – serviceable: she's showing dukes at cheeks, stepping forward tentatively as Amanda curls back in. Righetti jabbing Alana's full breasts with muted thump; curling a slightly looped right hand wide to cheek; leaning forward and hooking hard off her front foot. Alana chased back to ropes in alarm: she just can't handle Righetti's power punching (…) Fighting off Alana's left shoulder – Amanda just hacks at her foe: right hands to the ribs; jagged left uppercuts to jug and face; over and over. Alana visibly breaking down, cringing, finally pitching forward to sprawl at Amanda's feet. Alana gassed, rolling to her back all eyelashes fluttering, lips murmuring. She's a beautiful KO'd beauty, still trying to shake off the hurt as the 10 count passes her by. KO2 in brutal fashion – Amanda Righetti“ … goddamn.“
Link to Fight - De La Garza v Righetti (March 6, 2009)
Amanda: “Well, this was the fight Bonzo‘s scouts first saw me and thought – we can make this chick the best woman at welter. And well, I have to agree with ‘em!“
“So this was the start of your legendary move to welter?“
“Well, I was still technically a lightweight, although I think Alana had some doubts about that when I started hittin‘ her!“ (smirks)
“But it wasn‘t all easy pickings for you at first, right?“
“Well, I wanted to send a signal to welter that I was so big n‘ bad n‘ intimidating, so I hand-picked Taylor Cole to start my campaign, and that went *terribly* wrong, I tell you.
“I don‘t think we‘ve got footage from that fight here…“
“I dare you, Ali.“
“So you‘re essentially sayin‘ that you only hit your stride after kickin‘ MY ass back in 2009?“
“Well, I mean ...“
4.
Here‘s … Adrianne Palicki: (Courtesy of Sceej)
“Amanda Righetti? The best I've ever fought! Not even close! In fairness, Theron was not prime Charlize when I fought her but the trilogy with Righetti was the highlight of my career. She came out on top (doesn't she always?) but I am proud to have gone that many rounds with the most dominant ever and giving her competitive fights. The other thing about her is she is pure class - win or lose - always good sportsmanship. My admiration for her is second to none!“
Amanda: “Adrianne‘s one of the classiest fighters I know. I wasn‘t happy to surrender my welterweight title to her, but I was happy she got her dues as a world-class big-girl fighter … it couldn‘t have happened to a nicer person. That right hand? Still the nastiest shot in boxing, if you ask me.
Ali: “That‘s gotta count as one of the biggest comebacks against you, ever … damn, girl, you were still beatin‘ her like putty in the ninth … what happened?
“Final minute – Righetti workin‘, bull-rushin‘ her girl. Big Rigs fighting off her blonde‘s chest, staying close, caging her foe up – girls trade short-contact lefts, rights! Righetti active, setting a faster rhythm, using more jerking power – hands constantly paw at wrists to jolt shots to Adrianne‘s jawline, beneath her elbows as action drifts from ropes to ropes. (…) Palicki just leaning her head/back away from a short, jolting left hook to ear – besieged blonde JAMS a sudden, pumping lefty cross to Amanda‘s left jawline!
Oh, she‘s hurt Amanda!
Righetti takes an oblique lil‘ jolt on shot impact – dominant redhead suddenly stumbles away to right/back, hands low, torso tilting to the side a bit sheepishly, her eyes showing an odd swoon. Adrianne steps-to – a nasty jab to tits freezes Righetti‘s legs, STIFFENS her into better position! And Adrianne wields the freakin‘ axe! Blonde stepping-to, leaning all into a right hand swat CRASHING to Righetti‘s left ear – SHUTS OFF ALL POWER from redhead champ! Sweeping impact pretty much lifts Rigs off her feet, as eyes roll back dramatically, plonks her down on the canvas with a hard thud! ‘Manda‘s arms arms flop up around her head, legs stretch out long – she‘s all sprawled out! (…) Righetti JOLTS awake with a tremble during the count – her right leg/knee twitches up sadly, rises, eyes flickering in confusion as head still lolls gently back n‘ forth. The champ‘s moaning softly, her eyebrows arching in dazed wonder – strong shoulders still stirring on the ground weakly as the ten count‘s passing her by. (…)“
Link to Fight: Palicki v Righetti (February 28, 2020)
Amanda: “Well, I shut out Adrianne‘s right hand for eight and a half rounds … I needed to do it for ten. It‘s really quite simple, Ali.“
5.
Here‘s … Gena Lee Nolin: (Courtesy of Sceej)
“Hey, gotta give it to Red - the run she made, what was it – 20 defenses in a row? That'll never be touched. But let me be honest, I was a little past it when I fought her those three times - prime Gena Lee drops her inside of three! Now I know people are not gonna like me saying that - like I give a fvck what people like!“
Amanda: “Everyone‘s warned me about Gena when I moved to welter – you know, the hold-n‘-hittin‘, the cheatin‘, the trunkshots! But she‘s never been as cheap as her enemies suggested – sure, she had some swampy tactics when she was in trouble, but she was a damn good fighter. But here‘s the key … you gotta take the fight to Gena and beat her! Many girls were mesmerized by her legendary reputation … they deserved those trunkshots! I just went in, set the pace with my jab, and found her chin … simple stuff, really.“
Ali: “Simple, sure. You‘ve really had her number … “Gena swept ropeside – hands up/palms out… Amanda eyes narrowed – steps-to with jab up top and a POUNDING straight, palm-down right into Gena's midsection. "GUHHH!" Gena cries, doubling forward. Amanda issues clouting right to left hip; left forearm brace against G's right shoulder; shoving left uppercut to blonde tummy; clubbing right to back of Gena's overhanging head. Nolin wobbling - nearly pitching forward to her knees: she sags back/upright into ropes, eyelashes blinking sadly. HOOK! Amanda turns the palm-down left across Gena's mouth, startling her: RIGHT HAND! Amanda leans in, driving righty across Gena's chin, swiveling her head. LIGHTS OUT NOLIN! Gena out on her feet, torso lolling slightly forward...she's upright long enough to absorb a series of up-thrusting Righetti left hands to the body by way of insurance. G swooning face-down, grumbling in slumber: KO5 (…) Righetti grins-and-dimples walking away from smoldering blonde“ … nice!“
Link to Fight – Nolin v Righetti (May 5, 2010)
Ali: “But what about that past-her-prime thing … does Gena have a point?“
Amanda: “I fought her when I did, I can‘t change that. Gena‘s never been a speedster and she still had her power when we met – sorry, I don‘t think it would have made a difference! By the way, Gena … I know knockouts can be a little hazy to remember, but I‘m pretty sure I took you out *four*, not three times!“ (laughs)
6.
Here‘s … Jenny McCarthy: (Courtesy of Sceej)
“Look, she's good – gotta give it to her. But funny thing, Big Rig's people won't take my calls. I think they know that the girl who beat Righetti combines experience with bantamweight speed and heavy hands ... sort like ... the Greatest Fighting Playmate of All Time! But yeah ... props to the redhead ... one of the best ever!“
Ali: “I find it hard to take Jenny seriously.“
Amanda: “Hey … it ain‘t easy to nurture an ego that size! She‘s a slugger, but don‘t think she wasn‘t a good boxer in her heyday … I remember warnin‘ Kira before her title fight against Jenny … girl wouldn‘t listen, almost got her butt knocked out in embarrassing fashion! Jenny‘s pretty much a toy size Gena Lee Nolin … for better or worse!“
“She wants to fight you so bad, Amanda … why not just do her the favour? I mean, if a girl asked me nicely whether I could knock her out, pretty please – why deny her wish?“
“I won‘t rule it out forever – just for the fun of it!“
7.
Here‘s … Hannah Ferguson: (Courtesy of Caspian)
“I can't believe Amanda's hitting the big 4-0! She's been a tough competitor for me throughout the years, but our rivalry is far from over. We're tied at 2 wins each, and I'm looking forward to breaking that tie and knocking her out again. Maybe she'll finally retire and make way for younger, more talented fighters, like me. Or maybe she'll take up knitting or something.“
Ali: “Knitting! She‘s funny.“
Amanda: “She‘s a riot.“
“We need to talk about somethin‘, Manda … will you admit that you used to underestimate Hannah‘s threat to you?“
“Well, this takes us back to that supermodel revolution in 2016, 2017 – one of the greatest shifts ever in welter boxing.“
“Yeah, look at this one … “Oh, Righetti’s eyelashes start fluttering as Hannah steps-to with another hop, DIGGING into Amanda’s tummy/ribs now via the left, the left, the left, keeping her weight on left foot, then smoothly rolls into a rising right uppercut past Amanda’s left arm, finding the jawline in ‘Manda’s face, again, CHUP! Righetti’s sleepily head tilts rightward on impact, her legs stiffening entirely…she’s dropping! Big Rigs floored by Hannah’s perfect strike duo, getting flattened … poor Amanda: she’s on her back parallel to ropes, arms flopping overhead, lips slightly parted, eyes so glassy, staring up helplessly, murmuring softly, her body not reacting… just her shoulders giving little jerks. Hannah’s in INSTANT realization, shouting out words of triumph…she knows she’s just PASTED Righetti out in knockout-of-the-year fashion“ … These girls like Kate, Hannah, Hilary ready looked like they‘d take a sledgehammer to that world of Righetti, Regan, Freeman, Moore .. what did it take you to survive?“
Link to Fight: Ferguson v Righetti (September 17, 2017)
“Tenacity. Stubbornness. Resilience. I had a terrible record against these girls for a while … I lost to Kate twice, Hannah, Karlie, Tahnee … they were trying to shove me away from the top! I went back to the drawin‘ board, changed some things, worked on my finishing power … you can‘t fight Hannah the way you fight a Cass, a Bridgy Regs … her legs are too fast for that. So I turned things around … knocked out Kate twice in a year … went on my streak … now I‘m 3-1 against Tahnee … I‘ve never lost to Hilary Rhoda … I got these models figured out, that‘s what happened!“
“I saw you takin‘ out Karlie Kloss last months … that girl looked like a monster first time you fought her!“
“You won‘t beat me if you‘re just a lil‘ bit tentative … one ounce of fear, and I‘ll grind you out, girl!“
“So, Hannah … you‘re still split against her ...“
“Well, Kate and Hannah are the best of the bunch, easily … Hannah, especially … she might be this generation‘s Charlize Theron one day! I simply haven‘t broken her spirit yet, but I‘m gettin‘ there, trust me.“
8.
Here‘s … Cassidy Freeman: (Courtesy of Vassago)
“I do have fond memories despite our h2h record. I've only beaten her once, but it was a championship fight and she was always very supportive of my performances even acting as guest commentator during my fights (who remembers that used to be a thing?). Now, one could say she thinks she‘s so better than everyone else not named Theron but it also helped me to terminate the R-R narrative that was very harmful to the entire division. Yes, that was when those DD swimsuit models were still busy foxy boxing on the beach. Ah, good times! I somehow believe even Amanda feels a bit nostalgic these days! I think we can all say the state of Utah will never produce a better FCBA fighter in history. Hell, she's proably even more popular than Karl Malone over there!“ (winks)
Amanda: “Back in the day, Cassidy and Bridget were my biggest threats. When she was in her prime, Cassidy was one of the few girls who could match my strength – I mean, you don‘t get to *own* the ring when I‘m in there with you, but that‘s what Cassidy was tryin‘ to do all the time … she was lookin‘ to bully *me*, of all people! And in that one fight – back in ‘14, I think – she really took my butt behind the woodshed! She was pretty much out-punchin‘ me for five of five rounds … that was a freakin‘ wake up call, I gotta tell you!“
Ali: “Yeah, I remember that … I mean, look at this … “Righetti's powerful legs keeping her upright, but her torso's tilting sleepily forward … Cassidy loads weight on her right leg, jerks the right uppercut to Amanda's chin, hooks Righetti's jaw as champ's lolling back into ropes, sending mouthpiece flying into the expensive seats. Chopping overhand right HAMMERS Righetti's head over top rope, dropping her hands to her waist … Cassidy pushing her girl upright at ropes to set, then looking to pile on when THE REF STEPS IN! Amanda all big-girl deadweight in ref's arms“
“It‘s welter – she put me on the canvas early, and finished the job!“
“But the head-to-head‘s still yours.“
“I know. I will tell you this … goin‘ 4 to 1 over Cassidy Freeman in her prime … THAT is a friggin‘ achievement!“
Link to Fight: Freeman v Righetti (March 1, 2014)
9.
Here‘s … Laetitia Casta:
“Ah … soft, tender, sweet lil‘ Amanda … I remember you! The bigwigs at TU were so excited about you … the next big thing, I heard! I tested you out, twice, and I wasn‘t impressed. Just another American hardbody whose chin couldn‘t match her biceps … do you remember passin‘ out beneath me? I bet you do – kisses from Laetitia!“
Amanda: “I don‘t speak French.“
Ali: “Everything‘s sensual, sexual in Laetitia‘s world … you never know whether she‘s still talkin‘ about boxing, or bedding you!“
“That might be a French thing, you know. Aren‘t you a Cajun, Ali?“
“Well, I‘m not like that!“
Link to Fight: Casta v Righetti (February 17, 2007)
Ali: “I‘m reading the official transcript, Amanda … “Casta's left arm snug behind the back, cupping her right bicep; fingers of her right hand curling into Righetti's damp locks as Righetti's face is sealed tight to the proudest rack in all France“ … “No escape for the blonde now – she beats sadly at Laetitia's broad white back with closed fists and forearms – her arms slapping away in pathetic left/right beats“ … “Amanda's arms relax out to the side - her face shiny, lips parted in a little KO'd pout: Casta's used up every last drop of Amanda tonight“ … wow, that woman was brutalizing you!“
“I took revenge, I always do. But you‘re right – Tish was a stable bully … she hated the attention I got at TU and she wanted to make sure I was no threat to her! I guess, that‘s what she did … for a couple years at least.“
10.
Here‘s … Nadia Bjorlin:
“How the times have changed, right? I‘m happy you let bygones be bygones … I was a lil‘ bytch back in the day, I admit! But I guess that‘s how you react when you‘re supplanted by a girl from your own stable … I was fighting for my turf, girl! Takin‘ you out in that one fight … that was the biggest thing ever for me, outside of a title. I thought I had you! … I didn‘t, of course, so, yeah, Manda … you‘re the best! I‘m happy to be a coach for you now!“
Amanda: “Nadia used to hate me like a stepmother … “
Ali: “I understand why she would feel that way. You were a sensation back in the day and poor Nadia didn‘t know what steamrolled her … the days of her being the queen at Bonzo‘s were gone for good.“
Link to Fight: Bjorlin v Righetti (June 10, 2012)
Ali: “I didn‘t choose a replay from that infamous first fight when Nadia pounded you to sleep, no, let‘s look at the way you absolutely conquered her the next time … “Nadia perplexed, hanging back in her stance, so Amanda steps-to. Righetti cautious, relaxed …she'll bounce a bit, then step in, poke the jab to Nadia's brow; double-dab it to her breasts. Bjorlin scowling - right hand at left cheek/left at right elbow - she's slipping and parrying poke, showing a little head movement, but unable to be aggressive. Righetti stepping Bjorlin back, methodically punishing her then bringing shockingly abrupt right hands off the shoulder, pasting Nadia's chin! Bjorlin takes a few slobberknockers, legs stiffening up until midway through, bang-bang one-two pounds through, dropping her to her back! Nadia blinking, head up off canvas in wonder… Amanda's picking her apart and both girls know it!“
“Nadia was one of the biggest raw talents I‘ve ever met … such a strong, luscious, intense fighter! She lacked my discipline, my hard-workin‘ spirit, though, I guess. We‘ve got a really friendly ringside relationship these days … she‘s a great coach. Let‘s not dwell on the past.“
“But that‘s why we‘re here!“
11.
Here‘s … Charlize Theron: (Courtesy of Tractorpull)
“Welcome to the Cougars, Big Rigs! As a reward for joining the Cougars, you will find out that those younger fighters seem to be faster than they used to be. Those three-minute rounds will seem like five. Those pattycake punches you used to not notice will hurt and after a fight, you won't feel like partying. I have been and remain jealous of that twenty-four fight win streak. Luckily, I was not part of it. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Oh and one more thing – Upton is a friend of mine, please go easy on her in your next bout … after all, she is a mother!“
Amanda: “Don‘t worry, Char – I will knock out Kate as gently and as softly as I can, haha!“
Ali: “Last time we spoke, you showed some regrets about your rivalry against Charlize, right?“
“That‘s true. Give n‘ take us a couple of years, and we could have been one of the major boxing rivalries of all time. My biggest regret is not being as *dominant* in our two battles I should have … I had her on the verge of ruin in our first fight, and let her back into the action, so I only managed to edge out a decision … that wasn‘t the statement I was lookin‘ to make! And I surely underestimated the staying power of her legs in our second fight … I don‘t want to talk about that fight, though. My birthday, my rules.“
“Okay, we can take a look at a scene from the first … “Charlize getting ragdolled … Amanda's churning progression of forearms evolves into pumping lefts and rights to midsection and BLONDE GIRL DOWN! Theron's legs overwhelmed...she's beaten to all fours, gasping and whining. Righetti tossing damp red hair off her shoulders and breasts, looming over CT like a conqueror...ref eases Big Rigs away as Theron reaches into ropes to clamber up. Theron frazzled, ashen faced - hair in her eyes as she's swaying on the spot for her 8 count (…) Amanda steams on in – threading her left arm under Theron's right; working right hands viciously to breadbasket, and when CT tries to clinch – Amanda's right forearm braces blonde breasts, pushing Theron into compliance. Theron helpless, her right laying across Righetti's broad shoulders as redhead plunders blonde. Oscar-winning pride holding Theron up as she sponges a ruinous beating to the body - Righetti sustaining the onslaught until ref actually enforces the bell. Crowd on its feet, roaring: Theron hugging herself, left hip on ropes - she's gut-shocked, forlorn through 5.“
Amanda: “We can finish there.“
Ali: “Okay.“
Ali: “Sorry. But I do remember Charlize mountin‘ some sort of Ali-esque comeback in the ninth n‘ tenth … “SIEGE IN THE RIGHETTI CORNER! Theron charges the mound, reaching under Righetti's arms to stack redhead up against her own turnbuckles: THERON'S GOING FOR THE STOPPAGE! Amanda grimacing, half asleep - right hand at left shoulder/left under right elbow as she's soaking up a POUNDING. Theron POURING on the hurt: lefts and rights free-swinging to gut and hips; swiping lefts across Amanda's mouth; clouting rights drawn ear-to-chin down left side of Amanda's face. FURIOUS bombardment reduces castle-Righetti to rubble, but Big Rigs is still standing when exhausted blonde falls in to clinch! CUE COMEBACK! Amanda mouth-on-shoulder with Charlize, just walking blonde girl back to midring...fighters in boozy waltz when Amanda crams right hand to CT's belly. Breathy gasp of hurt, Charlize…“
“I won the fight. End of story.“
Link to Fight – Theron v Righetti (December 9, 2011)
Ali: “It‘s not like you can‘t fight her again, you know, for braggin‘ rights ...“
Amanda: “Well, I‘d love to check out how slow those legendary legs have become, but it‘s not exactly on the top of my priorities at the moment!“
12.
Here‘s … Camille Kostek:
“Hey, Amanda … happy birthday … you‘re the best! I‘m honoured to fight along you at Bonzo‘s Gym … you‘ve been so gracious and respectful, especially now that I‘m havin‘ some success on my own! Workin‘ with you in the gym every day has made me the fighter I am … I hope we‘ll stay stablemates for a long, long time!“
Ali: “Camille‘s a darling, obviously. But I wonder … how did you *really* feel she took that title off Robyn Lawley … which you couldn‘t?!“
Amanda: “I was happy for her … really!“
“No feelin‘ of a genuine threat?“
“Oh, Camille‘s a threat to anyone! I‘ve fought her competitively once, and our stable friendship‘s survived it – at the moment it‘s more of a lil‘ sis‘, big sis‘ relationship between us, but you know the lil‘ sis‘ always wants to upstage the big sis‘, right? As much as we like each other … I gotta be ready when she‘s comin‘ for me!“
“Any predictions for tomorrow? Blake‘s a true danger, as you well know by now!“
“Blake‘s power can come out of nowhere, but I think Camille will bully her, get big n‘ strong on her … this is her kind of fight! Once Cam gets inside … Blake will be helpless!“
13.
Here‘s … Kate Upton: (Courtesy of Lookout!)
“Am I a little hurt that I wasn't invited to Mandy's birthday party? Of course. But, then again, I don't blame her. She knew that I would've spoiled the celebration by blowing her out like a f*cking birthday candle but I would've loved to give her a birthday spanking. Forty swats across the booty of Big Red would've been amazing, but I'll be sure to deliver that present sometime this year. Next time we meet, spanking, smothering, cleavage and cake on me, right, Righetti?
But, even though I'm not participating on such a big occasion, there's no way I'll miss such a special night. I know Amanda feels the same way, but there is nobody that pushes me harder than she does and even at 40, she is still one of the best in the league. That's without question, but personally, I think it's all downhill for her from here on out. I'll be happy to give her a nudge downhill because when people think about the welterweight division, they'll be thinking of me, not her. The welterweight division is going to go through me and if I have to beat that admission out of her, then I will. Knowing our history, I know I'll have to and it's going to be d*mn hard work to make it happen, but it will happen. I'm going to outlast, overcome, overwhelm and own Righetti by the time our rivalry is finished. And when I'm done with her, she'll be done, no matter how good she thinks she is.
Until then though, Happy Birthday Mandy and I'm SO glad you're sticking around for another year so we can keep competing. I can't wait to meet up with you again and again and again!!!“
Amanda: “Okay.“
Ali: “I guess someone‘s a little sulky about not being invited…“
“There‘s a reason I didn‘t invite Kate to this card. And it‘s not the reason she thinks it is. Kate‘s a big slosh of a figher – I‘ll still be able to match her slow-ass tempo for a couple more years. But Emily? She‘s all fast n‘ furious compared to Kate! People will wonder – can Big Rigs still keep up with a girl like that? I intend to prove I can … tomorrow!“
“Since we‘re talkin‘ about Kate … who‘s the best fighter you‘ve ever stepped into the ring with?“
“When Kate and me meet, it‘s a friggin‘ war, no doubt. But in terms of raw fighting ability, that magic in the ring … hell, I won‘t get past Jessica Biel in that discussion!“
“Oh, look, Kate … another snub!“
“Kate‘s a beast, but there‘s no way she‘s a match for Jess Biel in her prime … and I beat Jess three times!“
“Yeah, whatever happened to Jess Biel?“
Link to Fight: Upton v Righetti (May 26, 2018)
“So many moments to choose from in this rivalry, Amanda, but I picked this one.“
“Not a bad pick, Ali.“
“Yeah, look at this … “Kate drops her hands to lap, her knees unhinged, stumbling to the right in confusion…’Manda steps-with, leans towards ‘er…first she jolts a thudding two-puncher into Upton’s jugs for good measure, pak-pak, then shoves the crashing right haymaker to blonde left cheekbone…Kate’s folding up into slump!“ … “Supermodel in collapse: head kink, knees bend, torso crash…massive body thuds down onto back, where her jugs slosh into a standstill, lips parted, head lolling into inertia, her eyes opened in glassy expression. Arms jar, hips move, right leg twitches…Kate’s body reflexes set in, but it’s no-go … KO5 Amanda Righetti!“ ...was that your most dominant win against her … yet?“
“Yet. That‘s the important word!“
“But you gave up the last two against Kate … bitter losses, I imagine.“
“Absolutely. Haven‘t punched her out since 2018 and I‘m starting to miss the feelin‘! I‘m fully aware that Kate‘s not just lookin‘ to beat me – she‘s comin‘ at my legacy! She means it when she says she wants to own me! Make no mistake – this rivalry will shape my final years of fightin‘ in the FCBA. But here‘s the thing … Kate knows she will never reach the heights I‘ve reached, and that‘s makin‘ her bitter and insecure … the talk we just heard from her‘s all about her inferiority complex, I think! Her name‘s never mentioned first when people talk about who‘s the GOAT at welter – and it never will!“
“Do you think you‘ll be able to conquer Kate one day the way, let‘s say, Charlize Theron battered Jennifer Garner in a best-of-seven … you know, reach a point where Kate‘s ready to admit you‘re the best, once and for all?“
“Well, I don‘t see Kate admitting it … she‘s stubborn, maybe a little simple. But I‘m happy to let facts in the ring speak – so, hell yeah! I don‘t think Kate‘s fightin‘ style will age well into her thirties … heck, I‘d say she might even be past her prime already … she‘ll peak much earlier than I did! And a *tired* Kate Upton‘s lot easier to knock out … trust me. I‘ll get there, one KO at a time.“
14.
Ali: “Okay … since Kate and Charlize brought it up … will we see any sort of announcement by you after tomorrow‘s fight?“
Amanda: “I certainly intend to celebrate my victory loudly – that‘s what you mean, right?“
“Sure, that‘s *exactly* what I mean, Manda …“
“Well, I‘ve got some bad news for my competitors … I know some girls who have retired at 40 … I won‘t! No matter what happens tomorrow. I won the title last year … I want to win it back this year … there‘s still plenty of unfinished business at light and welter! I mean, I probably won‘t still be here at 50, but there‘s no grand scheme of things, really … as long as I feel fit for all ten of those rounds and girls still wilt under my punches, like they usually do … I‘m not going anywhere!“
“So … you‘re going to be, like, the Tom Brady of celebrity boxing?“
“I can live with that comparison, Ali.“
The End ... but stay tuned for three primetime boxing battles ... and here's to 40 years of Big Red!
