Post by Lookout! Boxing on Aug 25, 2023 22:26:27 GMT -6
Nell Tiger Free vs. Joey King
(Results: Lookout!, Words: Caspian)
Nell:
(23, 5’5, 21:9 FCBA, VIXENs)
Joey:
(24, 5’3, 10:10 FCBA, Global Boxing Syndicate)
BEFORE:
The vast room at the Staples Centre is abuzz, packed wall-to-wall with journalists, photographers, and boxing enthusiasts. The front stage displays a vast backdrop featuring the promo poster of the night – a juxtaposition of Nell Tiger Free and Joey King, both in fighting stances, looking fierce and ready.
Nell steps up to the microphone first. In a fittingly vibrant, royal blue tracksuit, she exudes confidence. Her 21:9 record might be on everyone’s mind, but her demeanor doesn’t hint at any pressure.
“I’ve had 30 fights in the FCBA. That’s ten more than Joey. Experience will be the deciding factor in this match. Joey’s a formidable opponent, no doubt. But I've been through the wringer more times, and I’ve come out on top.”
The crowd murmurs in agreement, capturing the essence of her confidence. The cameras flash as she steps back, making way for Joey.
Joey, slightly shorter but not lacking in spirit, sports a crimson tracksuit, signaling her fiery intent. The 10:10 record may not be as sterling, but her eyes tell a different story – a story of someone who's faced equal amounts of victory and defeat and is hungry for more of the former.
“You’re right, Nell. I might not have as many fights as you. But let’s talk quality over quantity,” Joey retorts with a sly grin. “I’ve faced some of the toughest the FCBA has to offer. And every time I step into that ring, it's a new Joey. You've never faced someone like me.”
The journalists can't get enough of this. Pens scribble away as the verbal jabs get more intense.
“Tomorrow, we’ll see who’s the better fighter. Numbers don’t lie, Joey,” Nell shoots back, smirking.
“True,” Joey nods, “and tomorrow, the numbers will say 11:10 in my favor.”
With the press questions winding down, it’s time for the face-off. Nell and Joey approach each other. Joey has to look up slightly, but there's no intimidation in her gaze. Their noses almost touching, eyes locked in an unwavering stare, as the camera shutters go wild.
The Staples Centre is now alive with lights, music, and the anticipation of thousands. Fans wave banners, and the atmosphere is electric with the promise of the impending bout. The large screens in the arena display highlights from both fighters’ previous matches, with statistics and brief interviews from earlier in their careers.
As the opening beats of "Tiger" by Survivor pump through the speakers, smoke fills the entranceway. From the midst of the haze, Nell Tiger Free emerges, her royal blue robe with its silver trim catching the light. The word 'TIGER' is emblazoned across the back in bold, sparkling letters. She looks focused, her strides purposeful. Behind her, her entourage holds up the VIXENs banner high, proclaiming their allegiance.
Halfway to the ring, she pauses, shadowboxes briefly, giving the audience a taste of what’s to come. With a deep breath, she then continues her march, climbs the stairs, and steps over the top rope into the ring. Her corner team immediately tends to her, helping her off with the robe and preparing her for the fight.
The mood shifts as the beats transition into “King” by Years & Years. A golden hue lights up the entrance area, and Joey King steps into the spotlight, her crimson robe reflecting the golden rays, making her look like she's on fire. The back of her robe proudly displays 'KING OF THE RING.' Though shorter in stature, her die-hard followers shout and cheer, chanting "Joey! Joey!"
Reaching the ring, Joey takes a moment, absorbing the energy of the crowd. She then agilely slips between the ropes and into her corner, where her team quickly gets to work. The robe comes off, revealing her toned form, ready for combat.
Nell's wearing a sleek, form-fitting royal blue ensemble that complements the color of her entrance robe. Her sports bra, with a deep V-neck, is accented with thin silver stripes on the sides, and her trunks are high-waisted, cinching at her waist and flaring slightly at her hips. Her hair is pulled back into a tight ponytail.
In stark contrast, Joey sports a fiery sports bra that is crimson red, a shade darker than her entrance robe, with gold trimmings outlining the hem. Her trunks are a matching red, with a gold waistband that has 'KING' imprinted in bold, capital letters. Joey's brown hair is braided tightly, hanging down her back, preventing any distractions during the fight.
Both fighters, now in their respective corners, undergo final checks. The referee steps forward, and the match is about to commence. With a wave of his hand, HERE WE GO with ten rounds of Flyweight action!
ROUND 1:
Nell and Joey move cautiously, circling each other, respecting their opponent's dangerous capabilities. But it’s Nell who initiates with a quick jab first, testing Joey's defenses with pik pak spattering of the arms. Instead of falling back, Joey responds with a hook sent high, hoping to stun and surprise the Vixen, but Nell deflects it effortlessly with a raised arm. The two exchange a few more exploratory punches, each fighter gauging the other's rhythm and speed. Joey, with her slightly shorter reach, struggles initially to find an opening in Nell's defense, most of her punches landing on the guard. However, her agility allows her to duck and weave around Nell’s attacks as well, and midway through the round, Joey lands a clean right cross to Nell's cheek, making the latter stagger slightly. The crowd gasps, seeing the underdog make her mark! Not to be outdone, Nell retaliates with purpose, leveraging her height and reach advantage to deliver a combination of lefts and rights that push Joey steadily towards the ropes. Joey, however, manages to pivot out of danger, landing another counterpunch to the side of Nell's midsection. And in the final minute, Nell's strategy becomes evident. She aims to wear Joey down with a consistent barrage of body shots, with Joey doing her best to block and parry. As the bell sounds, both fighters return to their corners, breathing heavily. The round was closely contested, but Nell's strategic approach and slight edge in connecting punches give her the edge on points, though Joey's corner works on boosting her confidence, reminding her of the moments she had Nell on the back foot.
ROUND 2:
Rejuvenated by her corner's advice and pep talk, Joey emerges with renewed vigor, using her agility and speed to her advantage. Instead of waiting for Nell to bring the fight to her, she starts as the aggressor, rushing the Vixen down at the bell. Joey swerves in, feinting a right to the head but then delivering a swift left hook to her side, which catches Nell off-guard. The momentum pushes Nell slightly off-balance, and Joey capitalizes on it, launching more jabs and crosses that catch Nell further on her face and body. Nell tries to reestablish her rhythm, keeping Joey at bay with her longer reach, that left hand jabbing outwards at her opponent. But Joey, now brimming with confidence, dances around these punches, getting inside Nell's guard repeatedly before rocking the Brit with a swift uppercut to the chin, making her head snap back with a groan! The crowd roars in approval, sensing a shift in the fight's direction! Nell finds herself on the defensive for the rest of the round, struggling to find an answer to Joey's relentless onslaught. The few punches she sneak through lack their earlier power, and by contrast, Joey’s swings are herding the taller, leaner blonde against the ropes, where the GBS girl delivers another flurry of body shots, each punch thudding into her waistline and forcing Nell to clinch up, the Vixen trying to buy herself a few precious seconds to recover. The referee breaks them apart just as the bell rings, and Joey, having clearly dominated this round, returns to her corner with a triumphant smirk. Her corner praises her for the fantastic comeback, and advises her to maintain this momentum going forward. On the other side, Nell's team is trying to calm her down, urging her to refocus and reminding her of the strategies that have worked for her in the past.
ROUND 3:
Both fighters emerge cautiously this time, with Nell, having felt the sting of Joey's punches in the previous round, showing signs of hesitation but glimmers of determination to also regain her footing in this match. The early part of the round sees both fighters trading punches from a distance, with neither able to land a decisive blow off the other. They circle, feint, and jab, trying to find openings to squeeze leather through and into the face and body. Joey's confidence, however, is clearly on the rise, using her shorter stature to duck and weave around Nell's jabs at her head, before getting in close and landing several short but sharp hooks to either side of Nell's ribs. Tiger Free hasn’t found an effective counter just yet to girls who are smaller than her but packing more of a punch. The Vixen counters later with a power hook of her own, slammed into the side of King’s head, aiming to punish as well. Joey looks a little stunned from the Brit’s own strength, but quickly covers up again to intercept another from Nell. Midway through the round, Joey’s paying better attention, ducking to the side to avoid another before slamming a strong right cross straight into Nell's jaw, which causes her to stagger back with her eyes wincing. And HERE COMES JOEY, hoping to mop up early! She walks the blonde Brit down, lunging under the arms and snagging another stiff shot off her torso, but Nell, also drawing on her resilience, manages to fend off the worst of it, clinching up with the more inexperienced Joey against the ropes in order to slow her momentum. And as they separate, Nell catches Joey with a surprise left hook, causing Joey to momentarily falter as the punch connects high to the temple! OUCH! Tiger Free’s got some bite of her own, and isn’t afraid to brawl right back! At the sound of the bell, it’s a closely contested round. While Joey might have edged it based on her aggression and the number of punches landed, it was clear that Nell wasn't going to be an easy opponent to put away. Both fighters return to their corners, taking deep breaths and gearing up for the next round.
ROUND 4:
Joey King quickly closes the distance, no doubt trying to shake off the late attack and reclaim control of the fight. Nell is still trying to jab at her head as she comes in, hoping to keep her at bay and sap her off her long-term stamina. But Joey, undeterred, ducks under a wide arcing swing from Nell before landing a devastating right hook to Nell's temple. The unexpected punch catches Nell completely off-guard, jolting her head to the side, with the rest of her body stumbling awkwardly after. Suddenly, she LOSES her balance and falls, a look of shock etched across her face as she DROPS TO HER KNEES by the ropes! It’s an early KNOCKDOWN for Joey King, who is circling one fist in the air and then kissing her glove, surely boasting about her firepower! The crowd itself erupts in excitement as Joey strides back to a neutral corner, her chest heaving, watching intently as Nell attempts to steady herself on all fours. Meanwhile, the referee has started the count, "One... Two... Three..." And Nell, still dazed, tries to shake off the cobwebs and push her way upwards. "Six... Seven..." By the count of seven, the Vixen finally steadies herself on her feet, her legs slightly shaky but that determination on her face evident in the form of knitted brows and twisted lips. She’s not ready to go down just yet!
The referee checks on her, and after ensuring she's fit to continue, signals for the fight to resume! There’s still TWO minutes left on the clock, and Joey has a dangerous glint in her eyes, no doubt sensing blood after having tasted it on the tongue! The GBS starlet pounces in immediately, attempting to finish what she started! Nell’s forced to cover up as a flurry of lefts and rights first slam into the British girl’s arms, King then reaching high for more hook after hook to the head in the hopes of landing another decisive blow this round! But Nell, showing incredible heart, manages to parry and evade most of them. She slips out of range repeatedly, forcing King to lumber after her, growing more and tired. And soon, Nell starts to find her rhythm again. She lands a couple of crisp jabs that momentarily halt Joey's advance to her face, further drawing the hope to end this fight this round out of existence. By the final moments of the round, Nell has Joey on the defensive, pushing her back with a series of punches that remind everyone why she has such a solid record. The bell sounds, and both women return to their corners, sweat dripping from their foreheads.
ROUND 5:
And now, there's a visible change in Nell's demeanor - the knockdown from the previous round seems to have lit a fire within her! She starts the round with a quick bound and leap forward, immediately forcing King’s arms up with an overhand slammed into the center of her guard. Joey, however, is not one to back down either, fully aware that she might have lost her previous advantage and wanting to meet Nell in the center of the ring herself, both fighters briefly sizing each other up from several paces away, before mutually DIVING into the fray! They trade jabs to the nose and lips, before escalating to mighty swings and squared shoulders, each girl slamming leather into faces and bodies. They're both aware that this round could be pivotal in the outcome of the match, and aren’t willing to give an inch! Nell, using her reach advantage, manages to snap Joey's head back with a couple of stiff jabs, even as she leans to the side to avoid some of King’s return fire. But Joey responds in kind, soon growing wiser and slipping under Nell's punches before shoving a fist into her tummy, causing Nell to momentarily guard her midsection after a low grunt. The round progresses with both fighters having their moments, with Nell showcasing her technical prowess and landing a beautiful three-punch combination clean to the face that forces Joey to take a step back. However, Joey, using her compact frame and agility, scaring Nell momentarily before scoring a straight cross to her body, folding her over and further pushing her back. Soon enough, King has the Vixen on the ropes, unloading a barrage of blows to her torso that has the taller girl defending herself vigorously. But the bell rings too soon, and King is forced to relinquish her advantageous perch, leaving Tiger Free bent over and breathing heavily. Judges score the round still in Nell’s slight favor, the British actress having done enough in the first two minutes to win them over!
ROUND 6:
King, having felt the momentum shift in the previous round, emerges with a keen focus, her eyes locked onto Nell as she marches forth. Both fighters know that this round could very well decide the outcome of the match, and they meet in the center, circling each other cautiously, before exchanging jabs again, looking for an opening. Joey’s first to close the distance, using her agility to dodge Nell's punches before landing a hook to the Vixen’s side. But another flurry is taken on the arms, and Nell dodges the rest, moving fluidly backwards, making it harder for Joey to land those power shots. By the second minute, Nell is effectively using her reach advantage to stun King to the face with a constantly raised left jab. However, as the clock ticks toward the end of the third minute, Joey perhaps gets a bit too aggressive, lunging in with a wild right swing. However, Nell side steps, unleashes a devastating right cross of her own that lands flush on Joey's jaw! OUCH! Joey's eyes briefly glaze over as her body involuntarily staggers back, her feet shuffling in a desperate attempt to find balance. AND NELL SMELLS BLOOD, trapping King against the ropes and firing off a series of hooks and uppercuts into her frame! Each punch landed drives Joey further into the ropes, which acts almost like a slingshot, bouncing her back into the path of Nell’s relentless assault! Joey, even in her dazed state, tries to put her gloves up, attempting to shield herself from the onslaught. But Nell finds those gaps in Joey's defense, crunching a particularly nasty hook high into Joey's temple, followed by another straight glove to the solar plexus, which winds the younger boxer and sends her lurching forward! King’s in trouble, her arms wavering and lips parted in shock! And then, the final blow arrives: a fierce uppercut slips under Joey’s lowered guard and slams into the base of her chin! King's head SNAPS back, her eyes rolling into their sockets, and then her legs give way! DOWN KING GOES, and the crowd lets out a collective gasp! It’s a KNOCKDOWN for Nell Tiger Free!
The referee immediately steps in, starting the count, as Nell retreats to her corner, her chest heaving but her right hand half-raised in victory. Joey lies sprawled on the mat, her chest rising and falling in labored breaths even as the count continues. The GBS starlet makes a valiant effort to recover, her fingers clawing at the nearby ropes, but the damage appears to be done. The bright lights of the Staples Centre blur and the echoing count of the referee overhead seems too distant and ethereal. FInally, at the count of 10, King slumps back down to all fours, unable to rise in time! It’s OVER!
Official Result: Nell Tiger Free defeats Joey King via KO6!
AFTER:
This well-earned victory resonates in Nell's veins. There's a glow on her face as she celebrates, a mix of exhaustion and euphoria flooding her features. In her corner, she raises her arms triumphantly, her gloves still on, her lips parting in a smile. The crowd responds with rapturous applause, some even standing to show their admiration.
Nell soaks in the applause, tilting her head back and breaking into a grin. But as the initial euphoria begins to wane, she remembers the vanquished opponent still trying to gather her senses on the canvas. With determination in her steps, Nell moves toward Joey King.
Removing her gloves and letting them drop beside her, she reaches down and takes a handful of Joey’s blonde hair, tugging upward and eliciting a groan. The motion causes Joey's head to rise, and with some effort, Nell hoists the dazed boxer to her knees. Joey's hands instinctively move to hold onto Nell's thighs for balance, her face resting against Nell's lower tummy. Her breaths come out in ragged bursts, warming Nell’s sweat-glistened skin.
Looking down at Joey with a mix of pity and defiance, Nell smirks. "What do the numbers say now, huh?" she taunts, her voice playful. "Looks like you’ve still got some catching up to do."
Joey's eyes, still clouded from the knockdown, show a mix of humiliation and defiance. Then, Nell releases her hair suddenly, causing the blonde fighter to collapse back to the canvas without resistance. Joey groans softly from the sudden drop, her chest heaving as she tries to steady her breaths.
Moments later, backstage and facing a barrage of flashlights and microphones, Nell steps forward confidently. "First off, Joey put up one hell of a fight tonight. We both knew the stakes, and neither of us backed down. Tonight was my night, and I've shown that even against the odds, I can dominate. This win stands as proof of my dedication, my training, and the amazing team behind me. Joey's a formidable opponent, but tonight, I was the victor."
Joey, now with hints of bruises forming on her face, speaks up with spirit. "Tonight might not have been my night, but this loss won't define me. Nell had the edge this evening, and she earned her victory. But remember this: I’m far from finished. This setback will only push me to train harder, come back stronger, and beat her in the future."
(Results: Lookout!, Words: Caspian)
Nell:
(23, 5’5, 21:9 FCBA, VIXENs)
Joey:
(24, 5’3, 10:10 FCBA, Global Boxing Syndicate)
BEFORE:
The vast room at the Staples Centre is abuzz, packed wall-to-wall with journalists, photographers, and boxing enthusiasts. The front stage displays a vast backdrop featuring the promo poster of the night – a juxtaposition of Nell Tiger Free and Joey King, both in fighting stances, looking fierce and ready.
Nell steps up to the microphone first. In a fittingly vibrant, royal blue tracksuit, she exudes confidence. Her 21:9 record might be on everyone’s mind, but her demeanor doesn’t hint at any pressure.
“I’ve had 30 fights in the FCBA. That’s ten more than Joey. Experience will be the deciding factor in this match. Joey’s a formidable opponent, no doubt. But I've been through the wringer more times, and I’ve come out on top.”
The crowd murmurs in agreement, capturing the essence of her confidence. The cameras flash as she steps back, making way for Joey.
Joey, slightly shorter but not lacking in spirit, sports a crimson tracksuit, signaling her fiery intent. The 10:10 record may not be as sterling, but her eyes tell a different story – a story of someone who's faced equal amounts of victory and defeat and is hungry for more of the former.
“You’re right, Nell. I might not have as many fights as you. But let’s talk quality over quantity,” Joey retorts with a sly grin. “I’ve faced some of the toughest the FCBA has to offer. And every time I step into that ring, it's a new Joey. You've never faced someone like me.”
The journalists can't get enough of this. Pens scribble away as the verbal jabs get more intense.
“Tomorrow, we’ll see who’s the better fighter. Numbers don’t lie, Joey,” Nell shoots back, smirking.
“True,” Joey nods, “and tomorrow, the numbers will say 11:10 in my favor.”
With the press questions winding down, it’s time for the face-off. Nell and Joey approach each other. Joey has to look up slightly, but there's no intimidation in her gaze. Their noses almost touching, eyes locked in an unwavering stare, as the camera shutters go wild.
The Staples Centre is now alive with lights, music, and the anticipation of thousands. Fans wave banners, and the atmosphere is electric with the promise of the impending bout. The large screens in the arena display highlights from both fighters’ previous matches, with statistics and brief interviews from earlier in their careers.
As the opening beats of "Tiger" by Survivor pump through the speakers, smoke fills the entranceway. From the midst of the haze, Nell Tiger Free emerges, her royal blue robe with its silver trim catching the light. The word 'TIGER' is emblazoned across the back in bold, sparkling letters. She looks focused, her strides purposeful. Behind her, her entourage holds up the VIXENs banner high, proclaiming their allegiance.
Halfway to the ring, she pauses, shadowboxes briefly, giving the audience a taste of what’s to come. With a deep breath, she then continues her march, climbs the stairs, and steps over the top rope into the ring. Her corner team immediately tends to her, helping her off with the robe and preparing her for the fight.
The mood shifts as the beats transition into “King” by Years & Years. A golden hue lights up the entrance area, and Joey King steps into the spotlight, her crimson robe reflecting the golden rays, making her look like she's on fire. The back of her robe proudly displays 'KING OF THE RING.' Though shorter in stature, her die-hard followers shout and cheer, chanting "Joey! Joey!"
Reaching the ring, Joey takes a moment, absorbing the energy of the crowd. She then agilely slips between the ropes and into her corner, where her team quickly gets to work. The robe comes off, revealing her toned form, ready for combat.
Nell's wearing a sleek, form-fitting royal blue ensemble that complements the color of her entrance robe. Her sports bra, with a deep V-neck, is accented with thin silver stripes on the sides, and her trunks are high-waisted, cinching at her waist and flaring slightly at her hips. Her hair is pulled back into a tight ponytail.
In stark contrast, Joey sports a fiery sports bra that is crimson red, a shade darker than her entrance robe, with gold trimmings outlining the hem. Her trunks are a matching red, with a gold waistband that has 'KING' imprinted in bold, capital letters. Joey's brown hair is braided tightly, hanging down her back, preventing any distractions during the fight.
Both fighters, now in their respective corners, undergo final checks. The referee steps forward, and the match is about to commence. With a wave of his hand, HERE WE GO with ten rounds of Flyweight action!
ROUND 1:
Nell and Joey move cautiously, circling each other, respecting their opponent's dangerous capabilities. But it’s Nell who initiates with a quick jab first, testing Joey's defenses with pik pak spattering of the arms. Instead of falling back, Joey responds with a hook sent high, hoping to stun and surprise the Vixen, but Nell deflects it effortlessly with a raised arm. The two exchange a few more exploratory punches, each fighter gauging the other's rhythm and speed. Joey, with her slightly shorter reach, struggles initially to find an opening in Nell's defense, most of her punches landing on the guard. However, her agility allows her to duck and weave around Nell’s attacks as well, and midway through the round, Joey lands a clean right cross to Nell's cheek, making the latter stagger slightly. The crowd gasps, seeing the underdog make her mark! Not to be outdone, Nell retaliates with purpose, leveraging her height and reach advantage to deliver a combination of lefts and rights that push Joey steadily towards the ropes. Joey, however, manages to pivot out of danger, landing another counterpunch to the side of Nell's midsection. And in the final minute, Nell's strategy becomes evident. She aims to wear Joey down with a consistent barrage of body shots, with Joey doing her best to block and parry. As the bell sounds, both fighters return to their corners, breathing heavily. The round was closely contested, but Nell's strategic approach and slight edge in connecting punches give her the edge on points, though Joey's corner works on boosting her confidence, reminding her of the moments she had Nell on the back foot.
ROUND 2:
Rejuvenated by her corner's advice and pep talk, Joey emerges with renewed vigor, using her agility and speed to her advantage. Instead of waiting for Nell to bring the fight to her, she starts as the aggressor, rushing the Vixen down at the bell. Joey swerves in, feinting a right to the head but then delivering a swift left hook to her side, which catches Nell off-guard. The momentum pushes Nell slightly off-balance, and Joey capitalizes on it, launching more jabs and crosses that catch Nell further on her face and body. Nell tries to reestablish her rhythm, keeping Joey at bay with her longer reach, that left hand jabbing outwards at her opponent. But Joey, now brimming with confidence, dances around these punches, getting inside Nell's guard repeatedly before rocking the Brit with a swift uppercut to the chin, making her head snap back with a groan! The crowd roars in approval, sensing a shift in the fight's direction! Nell finds herself on the defensive for the rest of the round, struggling to find an answer to Joey's relentless onslaught. The few punches she sneak through lack their earlier power, and by contrast, Joey’s swings are herding the taller, leaner blonde against the ropes, where the GBS girl delivers another flurry of body shots, each punch thudding into her waistline and forcing Nell to clinch up, the Vixen trying to buy herself a few precious seconds to recover. The referee breaks them apart just as the bell rings, and Joey, having clearly dominated this round, returns to her corner with a triumphant smirk. Her corner praises her for the fantastic comeback, and advises her to maintain this momentum going forward. On the other side, Nell's team is trying to calm her down, urging her to refocus and reminding her of the strategies that have worked for her in the past.
ROUND 3:
Both fighters emerge cautiously this time, with Nell, having felt the sting of Joey's punches in the previous round, showing signs of hesitation but glimmers of determination to also regain her footing in this match. The early part of the round sees both fighters trading punches from a distance, with neither able to land a decisive blow off the other. They circle, feint, and jab, trying to find openings to squeeze leather through and into the face and body. Joey's confidence, however, is clearly on the rise, using her shorter stature to duck and weave around Nell's jabs at her head, before getting in close and landing several short but sharp hooks to either side of Nell's ribs. Tiger Free hasn’t found an effective counter just yet to girls who are smaller than her but packing more of a punch. The Vixen counters later with a power hook of her own, slammed into the side of King’s head, aiming to punish as well. Joey looks a little stunned from the Brit’s own strength, but quickly covers up again to intercept another from Nell. Midway through the round, Joey’s paying better attention, ducking to the side to avoid another before slamming a strong right cross straight into Nell's jaw, which causes her to stagger back with her eyes wincing. And HERE COMES JOEY, hoping to mop up early! She walks the blonde Brit down, lunging under the arms and snagging another stiff shot off her torso, but Nell, also drawing on her resilience, manages to fend off the worst of it, clinching up with the more inexperienced Joey against the ropes in order to slow her momentum. And as they separate, Nell catches Joey with a surprise left hook, causing Joey to momentarily falter as the punch connects high to the temple! OUCH! Tiger Free’s got some bite of her own, and isn’t afraid to brawl right back! At the sound of the bell, it’s a closely contested round. While Joey might have edged it based on her aggression and the number of punches landed, it was clear that Nell wasn't going to be an easy opponent to put away. Both fighters return to their corners, taking deep breaths and gearing up for the next round.
ROUND 4:
Joey King quickly closes the distance, no doubt trying to shake off the late attack and reclaim control of the fight. Nell is still trying to jab at her head as she comes in, hoping to keep her at bay and sap her off her long-term stamina. But Joey, undeterred, ducks under a wide arcing swing from Nell before landing a devastating right hook to Nell's temple. The unexpected punch catches Nell completely off-guard, jolting her head to the side, with the rest of her body stumbling awkwardly after. Suddenly, she LOSES her balance and falls, a look of shock etched across her face as she DROPS TO HER KNEES by the ropes! It’s an early KNOCKDOWN for Joey King, who is circling one fist in the air and then kissing her glove, surely boasting about her firepower! The crowd itself erupts in excitement as Joey strides back to a neutral corner, her chest heaving, watching intently as Nell attempts to steady herself on all fours. Meanwhile, the referee has started the count, "One... Two... Three..." And Nell, still dazed, tries to shake off the cobwebs and push her way upwards. "Six... Seven..." By the count of seven, the Vixen finally steadies herself on her feet, her legs slightly shaky but that determination on her face evident in the form of knitted brows and twisted lips. She’s not ready to go down just yet!
The referee checks on her, and after ensuring she's fit to continue, signals for the fight to resume! There’s still TWO minutes left on the clock, and Joey has a dangerous glint in her eyes, no doubt sensing blood after having tasted it on the tongue! The GBS starlet pounces in immediately, attempting to finish what she started! Nell’s forced to cover up as a flurry of lefts and rights first slam into the British girl’s arms, King then reaching high for more hook after hook to the head in the hopes of landing another decisive blow this round! But Nell, showing incredible heart, manages to parry and evade most of them. She slips out of range repeatedly, forcing King to lumber after her, growing more and tired. And soon, Nell starts to find her rhythm again. She lands a couple of crisp jabs that momentarily halt Joey's advance to her face, further drawing the hope to end this fight this round out of existence. By the final moments of the round, Nell has Joey on the defensive, pushing her back with a series of punches that remind everyone why she has such a solid record. The bell sounds, and both women return to their corners, sweat dripping from their foreheads.
ROUND 5:
And now, there's a visible change in Nell's demeanor - the knockdown from the previous round seems to have lit a fire within her! She starts the round with a quick bound and leap forward, immediately forcing King’s arms up with an overhand slammed into the center of her guard. Joey, however, is not one to back down either, fully aware that she might have lost her previous advantage and wanting to meet Nell in the center of the ring herself, both fighters briefly sizing each other up from several paces away, before mutually DIVING into the fray! They trade jabs to the nose and lips, before escalating to mighty swings and squared shoulders, each girl slamming leather into faces and bodies. They're both aware that this round could be pivotal in the outcome of the match, and aren’t willing to give an inch! Nell, using her reach advantage, manages to snap Joey's head back with a couple of stiff jabs, even as she leans to the side to avoid some of King’s return fire. But Joey responds in kind, soon growing wiser and slipping under Nell's punches before shoving a fist into her tummy, causing Nell to momentarily guard her midsection after a low grunt. The round progresses with both fighters having their moments, with Nell showcasing her technical prowess and landing a beautiful three-punch combination clean to the face that forces Joey to take a step back. However, Joey, using her compact frame and agility, scaring Nell momentarily before scoring a straight cross to her body, folding her over and further pushing her back. Soon enough, King has the Vixen on the ropes, unloading a barrage of blows to her torso that has the taller girl defending herself vigorously. But the bell rings too soon, and King is forced to relinquish her advantageous perch, leaving Tiger Free bent over and breathing heavily. Judges score the round still in Nell’s slight favor, the British actress having done enough in the first two minutes to win them over!
ROUND 6:
King, having felt the momentum shift in the previous round, emerges with a keen focus, her eyes locked onto Nell as she marches forth. Both fighters know that this round could very well decide the outcome of the match, and they meet in the center, circling each other cautiously, before exchanging jabs again, looking for an opening. Joey’s first to close the distance, using her agility to dodge Nell's punches before landing a hook to the Vixen’s side. But another flurry is taken on the arms, and Nell dodges the rest, moving fluidly backwards, making it harder for Joey to land those power shots. By the second minute, Nell is effectively using her reach advantage to stun King to the face with a constantly raised left jab. However, as the clock ticks toward the end of the third minute, Joey perhaps gets a bit too aggressive, lunging in with a wild right swing. However, Nell side steps, unleashes a devastating right cross of her own that lands flush on Joey's jaw! OUCH! Joey's eyes briefly glaze over as her body involuntarily staggers back, her feet shuffling in a desperate attempt to find balance. AND NELL SMELLS BLOOD, trapping King against the ropes and firing off a series of hooks and uppercuts into her frame! Each punch landed drives Joey further into the ropes, which acts almost like a slingshot, bouncing her back into the path of Nell’s relentless assault! Joey, even in her dazed state, tries to put her gloves up, attempting to shield herself from the onslaught. But Nell finds those gaps in Joey's defense, crunching a particularly nasty hook high into Joey's temple, followed by another straight glove to the solar plexus, which winds the younger boxer and sends her lurching forward! King’s in trouble, her arms wavering and lips parted in shock! And then, the final blow arrives: a fierce uppercut slips under Joey’s lowered guard and slams into the base of her chin! King's head SNAPS back, her eyes rolling into their sockets, and then her legs give way! DOWN KING GOES, and the crowd lets out a collective gasp! It’s a KNOCKDOWN for Nell Tiger Free!
The referee immediately steps in, starting the count, as Nell retreats to her corner, her chest heaving but her right hand half-raised in victory. Joey lies sprawled on the mat, her chest rising and falling in labored breaths even as the count continues. The GBS starlet makes a valiant effort to recover, her fingers clawing at the nearby ropes, but the damage appears to be done. The bright lights of the Staples Centre blur and the echoing count of the referee overhead seems too distant and ethereal. FInally, at the count of 10, King slumps back down to all fours, unable to rise in time! It’s OVER!
Official Result: Nell Tiger Free defeats Joey King via KO6!
AFTER:
This well-earned victory resonates in Nell's veins. There's a glow on her face as she celebrates, a mix of exhaustion and euphoria flooding her features. In her corner, she raises her arms triumphantly, her gloves still on, her lips parting in a smile. The crowd responds with rapturous applause, some even standing to show their admiration.
Nell soaks in the applause, tilting her head back and breaking into a grin. But as the initial euphoria begins to wane, she remembers the vanquished opponent still trying to gather her senses on the canvas. With determination in her steps, Nell moves toward Joey King.
Removing her gloves and letting them drop beside her, she reaches down and takes a handful of Joey’s blonde hair, tugging upward and eliciting a groan. The motion causes Joey's head to rise, and with some effort, Nell hoists the dazed boxer to her knees. Joey's hands instinctively move to hold onto Nell's thighs for balance, her face resting against Nell's lower tummy. Her breaths come out in ragged bursts, warming Nell’s sweat-glistened skin.
Looking down at Joey with a mix of pity and defiance, Nell smirks. "What do the numbers say now, huh?" she taunts, her voice playful. "Looks like you’ve still got some catching up to do."
Joey's eyes, still clouded from the knockdown, show a mix of humiliation and defiance. Then, Nell releases her hair suddenly, causing the blonde fighter to collapse back to the canvas without resistance. Joey groans softly from the sudden drop, her chest heaving as she tries to steady her breaths.
Moments later, backstage and facing a barrage of flashlights and microphones, Nell steps forward confidently. "First off, Joey put up one hell of a fight tonight. We both knew the stakes, and neither of us backed down. Tonight was my night, and I've shown that even against the odds, I can dominate. This win stands as proof of my dedication, my training, and the amazing team behind me. Joey's a formidable opponent, but tonight, I was the victor."
Joey, now with hints of bruises forming on her face, speaks up with spirit. "Tonight might not have been my night, but this loss won't define me. Nell had the edge this evening, and she earned her victory. But remember this: I’m far from finished. This setback will only push me to train harder, come back stronger, and beat her in the future."