Post by girlsfriday on Oct 5, 2023 10:04:24 GMT -6
Hannah Ferguson vs. Hilary Rhoda III
(Results: Lookout!, Words: Caspian)
Hannah:
(30, 5’10, 130, 91:24 FCBA, VIXENs)
Hilary:
(36, 5’11, 52:21 FCBA, Girls Friday)
BEFORE:
And now, it’s time for the sixth fight in this stable war! Hilary Rhoda, with her imposing 5'11" frame, steps up to the podium first. She's dressed in a stylish tracksuit, her dark hair slicked back in a tight ponytail. Even before speaking, there's an intense determination in her eyes. She takes a deep breath and begins:
"You all know what this fight means. Girls Friday is just one win away from taking the stable war. And I'm determined to make sure that win happens right here, right now. Hannah's a great competitor and a friend. But make no mistake, when we step into that ring, friendship takes a backseat. We've danced twice before, and yes, she's gotten the better of me. But third time's the charm, right?”
She offers a sly grin and winks at Hannah. Hannah Ferguson, the younger yet more experienced fighter in terms of matches, then takes her turn. Her tall frame, contrasting blonde hair, and striking blue eyes offer a stark contrast to Hilary's. With a casual confidence, she starts:
"Hilary's right. We've faced off twice, and both times I came out on top. But every fight's a new game, and I'm not taking anything for granted. She's tough, and I know she's coming with everything she's got. But so am I. The VIXENs are not about to let this stable war slip away. And as for our friendly history? Well, it's going to be a fun night, exchanging punches with a friend."
She smirks, looking directly at Hilary. "Just remember, Hil. You asked for this rematch!"
Both fighters then pose for the cameras, fist-bumping instead of the traditional face-off, a small nod to their unique friendly rivalry amidst the intensity of the stable war. Hours later, the overhead lights dim, signaling the arrival of the first contestant into the arena.
Hilary’s entrance music begins, a pulsating beat that gets the crowd's adrenaline flowing. Then, she emerges, wearing a shimmering, metallic blue robe that compliments her dark hair and emphasizes her tall frame. The robe is adorned with the "Girls Friday" logo prominently displayed on the back. Underneath, she sports a blue and silver two-piece boxing ensemble that shines under the spotlight, complete with matching high-top boxing boots.
As Hilary strides down the ramp, she high-fives some fans while maintaining a determined focus. There's an undeniable air of confidence about her, even though she's been on the losing end in her previous encounters with Hannah. Reaching the ring, she climbs up the steps, takes a moment to salute the crowd, and then slips between the ropes, moving to her corner and beginning her warm-up routine.
Then, the lights dim again, and after a moment's pause, a new song hits the arena's sound system, signaling Hannah Ferguson's arrival. White strobes flash in rhythm with the music. When Hannah emerges, she's draped in a long, white robe, trimmed with gold. The VIXENs logo is beautifully embroidered on the back in golden threads. Beneath the robe, Hannah dons a white and gold boxing bikini, which contrasts beautifully with her tan and her blonde hair. Her attire is finished off with white boxing shoes with golden laces.
Hannah's entrance is full of energy and charisma. As she walks down the ramp, she blows kisses to the crowd and playfully shadowboxes, teasing a glimpse of what's to come. Upon reaching the ring, she smoothly hops onto the apron, winks at Hilary as a playful nod to their friendly rivalry, and then ducks into the ring.
As the referee beckons them to the center of the ring, both women stride forward with grace and confidence. Standing toe-to-toe, the height difference between them is barely noticeable. The referee goes over the final instructions, reminding them of the rules and urging them to keep the bout clean.
With the formalities out of the way, they lean in, eyes locked in mutual respect. Hannah grins first, "Ready to make it three in a row?" she teases, her tone light.
Hilary chuckles, arching an eyebrow, "Better brace yourself Hannah, sweetie. Not just fighting for myself tonight…"
They tap gloves in a sign of sportsmanship and then pivot, making their way back to their respective corners. Referee signals for the start of this most cordial stable war match to date, and with the opening bell, HERE WE GO with ten rounds of Welterweight action!
ROUND 1:
And Hilary wastes no time, bounding forward and immediately going on the offensive! And Hannah, though having won their previous encounters, looks momentarily taken aback by the intensity of Rhoda's approach. Using her reach advantage, Hilary starts peppering Ferguson with sharp, snappy jabs. The punches find their mark on Hannah's face and chest, forcing her to shell up and move backward. And Hilary is relentless, her determination to overturn her past results evident in the rhythm of her punches. Hannah tries to respond, aiming for countershots to her friendly foe’s face, but Hilary blocks easily or swerves out of the way to negate their impact. Midway through the round, a particularly stiff jab from Hilary snaps into the nose and Hannah’s head back, drawing an appreciative roar from the crowd. Ferguson, showing her fighting spirit, tries to rally back, throwing a counter combination that catches Rhoda on the arms and side, but Hilary makes her pay with another one-two number that rocks her badly, forcing Hannah to clinch up briefly. But the two are separated by the referee and as they continue, it's clear that Rhoda’s hunger to win is giving her a distinct advantage in the opening stanza. The round concludes with Hilary catching Hannah with another strong hook to the body, making Ferguson grimace and fall back. When the bell rings, it's clear to all in attendance that Hilary has claimed the first round quite decisively. As they return to their corners, Hannah's cornermen are quick to give her advice, reminding her not to underestimate her friendly foe, while Hilary, with a nod of acknowledgment to her team, looks eager to maintain her momentum going into the next round.
ROUND 2:
Rhoda still appears confident, building on the momentum from her dominant performance in the first. Her punches are sharp as she marches in, and her movement agile, making it difficult for Hannah to find a clear opening to fight back. But Hannah ALSO starts the round with more aggression, throwing jabs and hooks with intent. Several of her punches find their mark, catching Hilary on the arms and torso. A particularly impressive combination to the body has Rhoda backpedaling momentarily, earning a cheer from the crowd at the back-and-forth action. However, Hilary quickly recomposes herself. Then, using her range, she starts landing heavy punches, aiming for Hannah’s head and body, taking advantage of Hannah’s own eagerness to swing at her. Mid-round, a quick sidestep by Rhoda allows her to avoid a powerful right cross from Ferguson, and then she counters with a beautifully executed uppercut down the middle, that snaps Hannah’s head back when it cuts through the arms and into the base of her chin. Ferguson, though visibly stunned, continues to lock her arms and move, but looks a little shaken by how much her friend has improved over the years. As the round progresses, Hilary uses this newfound experience, keeping her distance when needed and lunging inwards with powerful combinations that rock Hannah to her arms. Towards the end of the round, a final flurry to the tummy has Ferguson on the ropes, covering up to absorb the barrage. Soon, the bell rings, and once again, it's evident that while Hannah put up a commendable effort and landed solid punches, the round belonged to Hilary in terms of volume and impact. Even with the lopsided result so far, both fighters nod at each other with mutual respect before heading to their corners, knowing that there are still many rounds left in this fight. One thing’s for sure, though: Hannah is NOT fighting the same Hilary in the ring any longer!
ROUND 3:
Hannah, clearly aware that she's down on points, comes out with a newfound fire in her eyes. With a determined step, she immediately starts pushing Hilary back with rapid combos to the arms, eager to re-establish herself. Thus, Hannah takes the center of the ring, using her jab effectively to overwhelm her friendly foe. She’s soon connecting with a clean one-two to the forehead, then lower body, forcing Hilary to reset with a grunt. But Ferguson doesn’t let up, soon after surprising Rhoda with a swift left hook to the jawline, followed by a crunching body shot the other way, that makes Hilary grimace and waver for the first time in the fight. Hilary, however, remains composed after establishing distance. She blocks another flurry from Ferguson before circling in and using her reach, landing a couple of jabs to the face to keep Hannah at bay. But tonight, in this round, Ferguson seems to be reading her friend’s every move. No doubt these two have sparred plenty of times outside of the ring, and now, anticipating Hilary’s punches, Hannah masterfully dodges them with slips of her head, then counters with punishing hooks to her rival’s body, each blow audibly thudding against Rhoda's ribs and sides. As the round progresses, a sudden, powerful uppercut from Ferguson catches Hilary square on the chin, making her knees buckle momentarily in turn! AND HERE COMES HANNAH, pressING her advantage, pinning Hilary to the ropes with a downpour of punches, some sinking deep into Hilary’s midsection, others hammering away at her drawn arms, drawing muffled groans with each impact. Hilary tries to clinch, aiming to halt the onslaught, but Ferguson continues to muscle her to the ropes, banging more mitts off her sides. And by the time the bell sounds, it's evident that the momentum has swung. While Hilary did have her moments, the round was dominated by Ferguson's power and aggression. As they’re separated by the referee, both fighters share a nod and smirk, a testament to their friendly rivalry.
ROUND 4:
However, as soon as the bell rings to commence the fourth round, Hilary’s demeanor shifts drastically. Any semblance of friendliness vanishes from the Girls Friday starlet’s face, and is replaced with a ferocious intensity. Perhaps feeling the pressure of their past encounters or the stakes of this stable war, she aggressively goes to work, probing Hannah's defenses early with a bevy of jabs and powerful shots straight to the center of the Vixen’s arms. Shooting punches high and low, she forces Ferguson to keep guessing, and then, spotting an opening, she quickly pummels a fierce right into Hannah's tummy, causing her to gasp audibly. Hannah's eyes briefly flash with indignation as Hilary then proceeds to target her exposed chest with a series of hard, calculated shots, and some of those shouts of outrage can be heard echoing throughout the arena. Hannah, thrown off by this aggressive tactic, attempts to counter and cover, throwing a feint with her left hand before trying to launch a heavier swing towards Hilary's own body. But in her eagerness, she leaves herself wide open, and Hilary simply fires back with a devastating blow across the alpha blonde’s face! The impact stuns Ferguson and whips her head to the side, making her stagger awkwardly towards the ropes, her hands involuntarily moving to shield her throbbing jawline. And with Hannah on the back foot, Rhoda presses in, determined to put her away! She corners Ferguson against the ropes and unloads on her with an unceasing barrage to her midsection and chest, each thud and groan becoming music to her ears. Hannah's attempts to guard herself are admirable, her arms locked and mainly favoring her head, but she is clearly getting out-punched this round, her efforts reduced to mere defensive blocks and dodges. Every time Hannah tries to mount a counter-attack and shove Rhoda off, one of Rhoda’s vicious hooks to her belly or an uppercut to her chest halt her in her tracks, making her grimace further in pain. The domination is evident here, with Hannah’s body wearing the marks and welts from the brutal assault, and if one didn’t know these two were friends outside the ring, you’d be hard pressed to not think they hate each other’s guts… But finally, Aas the round nears its end, Hannah musters the strength to wrap up and clinch, holding Hilary’s punches back with a few wrestling moves along the ropes. But it's too little, too late. The bell sounds, and the round clearly belongs to a determined Hilary Rhoda. Despite the aggression, once they're separated, Hilary does offer Hannah a helping hand back to her corner, a brief rekindling of their friendliness amidst the competitive heat.
ROUND 5:
Round 5, and while Hilary came out dominant in the last, this round is characterized by its ebb and flow, neither fighter truly dominating for long stretches. Hilary, riding the momentum of the last round, starts with a burst of energy, looking to carry forward her assault on Hannah and try and finish her off. Quick jabs to the face, interspersed with deeper punches to the belly, are Rhoda's weapons of choice, as Ferguson struggles to keep up in the first minute. The Vixen, however, is somehow quicker on her feet this round, slipping out of the way of some, absorbing others, but constantly looking for her own chance to strike. And midway through, she springs to life, sidestepping a particularly aggressive straight hand from Hilary, before capitalizing with rapid three-punch combo: a right hand to the ribs, another left to the jawline, before a vicious right hook jolts Rhoda’s head to the side to stun her back. However, Hilary shakes off the effects and fires back her own jab combination, landing two out of three to the face in turn, making Hannah's head rock back. For every punch Ferguson dodges, another two from Rhoda seem to connect, be it to the arms, the head, or the midsection, with the Vixen’s attempts to rush in too early met with its own punishment. The two women continue to move gracefully yet aggressively around the ring, in a dance of jabs, hooks, and sudden lunges. As the seconds wind down, Hilary manages to get in a particularly punishing blow to Hannah's side, causing her to double over with a groan. But before Hilary can wind back to deliver a follow-up blow, Ferguson shoots her own hard cross to the cheek just as the bell sounds, forcing Rhoda to collapse into the nearby ropes with a pained expression on her face as well. Though closely contested, it's Rhoda who narrowly manages to edge out her friend in terms of points.
ROUND 6:
It’s been one of the worst fights of Ferguson’s career so far, having only won one out of the past five rounds. And if things don’t change for the better soon, she’s well aware that she might suffer her first loss to her friend, but also, lose the stable war for the rest of her fellow stablemates. Hannah looks invigorated out of the gate, marching out both aggressive and strategic; it’s clear she's looking for an opening, for that decisive strike to turn the tide. The first minute is a high-speed chess match, with both fighters weaving, ducking, and trading jabs. Hilary is more cautious now, respecting Hannah's power after having been KO’ed by her twice in a row before, but she’s still attempting to maintain her earlier momentum by constantly striking with jabs to stun and surprise. But then, in the second minute, Ferguson spies an opening: she feints a left jab to the face, making Rhoda instinctively guard upwards. Then, Hannah drives a thunderous right hook to Hilary’s midsection! The impact is immediate and devastating; Hilary's legs suddenly buckle beneath her, her face filled with shock! This might be the opening she needs!! With Rhoda in disarray, Ferguson ups the ante, aggressively pushing forward with a series of power punches: a straight punch smashes into Hilary's guard, followed by a sweeping left that thumps into her ribs, each punch driving Hilary backwards, her heels tapping out a desperate retreat towards the ropes. But Hannah keeps up the pressure, expertly varying between jabs to the face and brutal hooks to the body. Hilary, now pinned against the ropes, struggles to mount a defense. Her gloves rise and fall, attempting to parry the onslaught, but the sheer quantity is too much. And then, with a speed belying the bout's duration, Hannah draws back and unleashes a thunderous overhand right. The punch arcs beautifully in the air before crashing square into Hilary's face, sending shockwaves down the rest of her frame!! OUCH!! Rhoda's legs, already shaky from the barrage, give way completely. Her tall frame collapses backward, and she hits the canvas hard, her arms sprawled out at her sides! The crowd ROARS as the once-dominant Hilary Rhoda is now floored by a resurgent Ferguson, in the first KNOCKDOWN of the evening!
With Hilary splayed out on the canvas, all eyes turn to the fallen fighter, searching for signs of recovery. The sharp thud of her body's collision with the floor still resonates, and the referee quickly moves to initiate the count. "One!" His voice cuts through the roaring crowd. From her corner, Hannah stands poised but not entirely composed. There's a flicker of concern in her eyes as they track her friend's fallen form. The two have shared countless moments, both in and out of the ring. However, a quick memory of the painful strikes Hilary had unleashed on her chest makes that concern swiftly evaporate. Hannah's jaw tightens, and she waits, her breathing steady and ready for anything. "Two!... Three!" Hilary's fingers twitch, her chest heaving as she wills air into her lungs. "Four!... Five!" With great effort, Rhoda begins to shift, her left arm pushing against the canvas. "Six!... Seven!" Hilary's legs tremble as she manages to get to one knee. "Eight!" Defying the odds, Rhoda pushes herself up, her back straightening, and she stands tall. The referee moves in close, examining her gaze for signs of coherence, holding up fingers for her to count, and asking her if she wishes to continue. Hannah, from her corner, watches intently. The concern she had masked earlier makes a fleeting reappearance as their eyes meet briefly. But with the referee's nod indicating Hilary is fit to proceed, Hannah's competitive edge sharpens once more!
The bell's chime signals the continuation of the round, and the two fighters circle each other cautiously. Hilary, albeit up on her feet, is clearly looking shaken from the knockdown. The damage she's sustained is evident in her slightly wobbly stance, the wary look in her eyes, and the deep breaths she takes. However, there's no quitting in the Girls Friday starlet, and she raises her gloves, ready to continue the fight. Hannah, observing her friend's state, advances with a measured approach. Her first few jabs are probing ones, testing Hilary's remaining reflexes and defenses. And though Rhoda attempts to block, parry, and evade, her movements are slower, less precise than before. And as the seconds tick by, Hannah's confidence surges. A one-two combo glances off Hilary's gloves, but the following hook slams hard into her side, drawing a pained grunt from her lips. The Vixen's pace escalates, and Rhoda finds herself retreating step by step, each punch pushing her back, each defensive maneuver becoming more desperate as the seconds tick down. And by the time Rhoda's back touches the corner turnbuckle, her defenses are all but shattered! Her eyes are glazed, her breath ragged, her body swaying from accumulated fatigue and punishment. Hannah, sensing her friend's imminent collapse, hesitates for a split second - a brief moment of compassion in a brutal fight. But the competitive drive, the need to secure the win for her stable, spurs her to finish this. With ruthless efficiency, Ferguson lets loose a brutal barrage: a left hook crashes against Hilary's guard, followed by a right uppercut that snaps her head back with a dull groan, before a swift three-punch combination to the midsection forces Rhoda to bend forward, gasping for lost breath. Sensing the end, Hannah loads up for one final strike – a monstrous overhand right to the temple… The punch connects flush, and Rhoda's eyes roll, and she starts to fall forward, her legs immediately giving way yet again. Instinctively, Hannah reaches out, catching her friend in her arms, before the referee quickly steps in, waving his hands above his head, signaling the end of the fight via TKO! Silence fills the arena for a moment, followed by an explosion of cheers and applause, as Ferguson gently lowers Rhoda onto the canvas, her victory in this rematch bittersweet indeed!
Official Result: Hannah Ferguson defeats Hilary Rhoda via TKO6!
AFTER
The roaring applause and tumultuous cheers slowly begin to fade into the background, as the bright overhead lights of the arena only focus on the two figures at its center.
Hannah, her hands shaking and heart pounding, stands over her friend for a moment, her victory overshadowed by genuine concern. The referee, having made his decision, turns his attention to Rhoda, calling for the medical team. Seconds feel like minutes as they rush to the ring, their gear and equipment at the ready
Amidst the flurry of activity, Hannah drops to her knees beside Hilary, a gloved hand gently touching her friend's face. Hilary's eyelids flutter, showing signs of consciousness, which brings a wave of relief over Hannah's face. A weak smile creeps onto Hilary's lips as she murmurs, "You got me good there."
Hannah chuckles softly, tears forming in her eyes. "You scared me, Hil. Promise me you'll never do that again."
Hilary, still dazed but regaining her faculties, jests, "Guess I shouldn't have punched your boob, huh?" The two women share a quiet laugh, their bond evident, even in the aftermath of a grueling fight.
As the medics assess Hilary, ensuring she's stable and fit for transport to a medical facility for a full evaluation, Hannah rises to her feet. The crowd, recognizing the sportsmanship and camaraderie on display, erupts into a fresh round of cheers.
While the stable war's significance looms large, tonight the fight between Hannah Ferguson and Hilary Rhoda will be remembered for something more profound: the testament of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit.
Later that evening, posts from both fighters would appear on social media, thanking their fans for their support, and assuring everyone of Hilary's swift recovery. A photo surfaces of the two fighters, in a hospital room together, with Rhoda giving a thumbs-up and Hannah playfully applying an ice pack to her friend's forehead. The caption reads, "Warriors in the ring, sisters outside of it. #Respect #VixensVsGirlsFriday."
And if only we could say the same for some of tonight’s other competitors, perhaps we could solve most of the world’s problems, after all…
Girls Friday 3-3 Vixens
(Results: Lookout!, Words: Caspian)
Hannah:
(30, 5’10, 130, 91:24 FCBA, VIXENs)
Hilary:
(36, 5’11, 52:21 FCBA, Girls Friday)
BEFORE:
And now, it’s time for the sixth fight in this stable war! Hilary Rhoda, with her imposing 5'11" frame, steps up to the podium first. She's dressed in a stylish tracksuit, her dark hair slicked back in a tight ponytail. Even before speaking, there's an intense determination in her eyes. She takes a deep breath and begins:
"You all know what this fight means. Girls Friday is just one win away from taking the stable war. And I'm determined to make sure that win happens right here, right now. Hannah's a great competitor and a friend. But make no mistake, when we step into that ring, friendship takes a backseat. We've danced twice before, and yes, she's gotten the better of me. But third time's the charm, right?”
She offers a sly grin and winks at Hannah. Hannah Ferguson, the younger yet more experienced fighter in terms of matches, then takes her turn. Her tall frame, contrasting blonde hair, and striking blue eyes offer a stark contrast to Hilary's. With a casual confidence, she starts:
"Hilary's right. We've faced off twice, and both times I came out on top. But every fight's a new game, and I'm not taking anything for granted. She's tough, and I know she's coming with everything she's got. But so am I. The VIXENs are not about to let this stable war slip away. And as for our friendly history? Well, it's going to be a fun night, exchanging punches with a friend."
She smirks, looking directly at Hilary. "Just remember, Hil. You asked for this rematch!"
Both fighters then pose for the cameras, fist-bumping instead of the traditional face-off, a small nod to their unique friendly rivalry amidst the intensity of the stable war. Hours later, the overhead lights dim, signaling the arrival of the first contestant into the arena.
Hilary’s entrance music begins, a pulsating beat that gets the crowd's adrenaline flowing. Then, she emerges, wearing a shimmering, metallic blue robe that compliments her dark hair and emphasizes her tall frame. The robe is adorned with the "Girls Friday" logo prominently displayed on the back. Underneath, she sports a blue and silver two-piece boxing ensemble that shines under the spotlight, complete with matching high-top boxing boots.
As Hilary strides down the ramp, she high-fives some fans while maintaining a determined focus. There's an undeniable air of confidence about her, even though she's been on the losing end in her previous encounters with Hannah. Reaching the ring, she climbs up the steps, takes a moment to salute the crowd, and then slips between the ropes, moving to her corner and beginning her warm-up routine.
Then, the lights dim again, and after a moment's pause, a new song hits the arena's sound system, signaling Hannah Ferguson's arrival. White strobes flash in rhythm with the music. When Hannah emerges, she's draped in a long, white robe, trimmed with gold. The VIXENs logo is beautifully embroidered on the back in golden threads. Beneath the robe, Hannah dons a white and gold boxing bikini, which contrasts beautifully with her tan and her blonde hair. Her attire is finished off with white boxing shoes with golden laces.
Hannah's entrance is full of energy and charisma. As she walks down the ramp, she blows kisses to the crowd and playfully shadowboxes, teasing a glimpse of what's to come. Upon reaching the ring, she smoothly hops onto the apron, winks at Hilary as a playful nod to their friendly rivalry, and then ducks into the ring.
As the referee beckons them to the center of the ring, both women stride forward with grace and confidence. Standing toe-to-toe, the height difference between them is barely noticeable. The referee goes over the final instructions, reminding them of the rules and urging them to keep the bout clean.
With the formalities out of the way, they lean in, eyes locked in mutual respect. Hannah grins first, "Ready to make it three in a row?" she teases, her tone light.
Hilary chuckles, arching an eyebrow, "Better brace yourself Hannah, sweetie. Not just fighting for myself tonight…"
They tap gloves in a sign of sportsmanship and then pivot, making their way back to their respective corners. Referee signals for the start of this most cordial stable war match to date, and with the opening bell, HERE WE GO with ten rounds of Welterweight action!
ROUND 1:
And Hilary wastes no time, bounding forward and immediately going on the offensive! And Hannah, though having won their previous encounters, looks momentarily taken aback by the intensity of Rhoda's approach. Using her reach advantage, Hilary starts peppering Ferguson with sharp, snappy jabs. The punches find their mark on Hannah's face and chest, forcing her to shell up and move backward. And Hilary is relentless, her determination to overturn her past results evident in the rhythm of her punches. Hannah tries to respond, aiming for countershots to her friendly foe’s face, but Hilary blocks easily or swerves out of the way to negate their impact. Midway through the round, a particularly stiff jab from Hilary snaps into the nose and Hannah’s head back, drawing an appreciative roar from the crowd. Ferguson, showing her fighting spirit, tries to rally back, throwing a counter combination that catches Rhoda on the arms and side, but Hilary makes her pay with another one-two number that rocks her badly, forcing Hannah to clinch up briefly. But the two are separated by the referee and as they continue, it's clear that Rhoda’s hunger to win is giving her a distinct advantage in the opening stanza. The round concludes with Hilary catching Hannah with another strong hook to the body, making Ferguson grimace and fall back. When the bell rings, it's clear to all in attendance that Hilary has claimed the first round quite decisively. As they return to their corners, Hannah's cornermen are quick to give her advice, reminding her not to underestimate her friendly foe, while Hilary, with a nod of acknowledgment to her team, looks eager to maintain her momentum going into the next round.
ROUND 2:
Rhoda still appears confident, building on the momentum from her dominant performance in the first. Her punches are sharp as she marches in, and her movement agile, making it difficult for Hannah to find a clear opening to fight back. But Hannah ALSO starts the round with more aggression, throwing jabs and hooks with intent. Several of her punches find their mark, catching Hilary on the arms and torso. A particularly impressive combination to the body has Rhoda backpedaling momentarily, earning a cheer from the crowd at the back-and-forth action. However, Hilary quickly recomposes herself. Then, using her range, she starts landing heavy punches, aiming for Hannah’s head and body, taking advantage of Hannah’s own eagerness to swing at her. Mid-round, a quick sidestep by Rhoda allows her to avoid a powerful right cross from Ferguson, and then she counters with a beautifully executed uppercut down the middle, that snaps Hannah’s head back when it cuts through the arms and into the base of her chin. Ferguson, though visibly stunned, continues to lock her arms and move, but looks a little shaken by how much her friend has improved over the years. As the round progresses, Hilary uses this newfound experience, keeping her distance when needed and lunging inwards with powerful combinations that rock Hannah to her arms. Towards the end of the round, a final flurry to the tummy has Ferguson on the ropes, covering up to absorb the barrage. Soon, the bell rings, and once again, it's evident that while Hannah put up a commendable effort and landed solid punches, the round belonged to Hilary in terms of volume and impact. Even with the lopsided result so far, both fighters nod at each other with mutual respect before heading to their corners, knowing that there are still many rounds left in this fight. One thing’s for sure, though: Hannah is NOT fighting the same Hilary in the ring any longer!
ROUND 3:
Hannah, clearly aware that she's down on points, comes out with a newfound fire in her eyes. With a determined step, she immediately starts pushing Hilary back with rapid combos to the arms, eager to re-establish herself. Thus, Hannah takes the center of the ring, using her jab effectively to overwhelm her friendly foe. She’s soon connecting with a clean one-two to the forehead, then lower body, forcing Hilary to reset with a grunt. But Ferguson doesn’t let up, soon after surprising Rhoda with a swift left hook to the jawline, followed by a crunching body shot the other way, that makes Hilary grimace and waver for the first time in the fight. Hilary, however, remains composed after establishing distance. She blocks another flurry from Ferguson before circling in and using her reach, landing a couple of jabs to the face to keep Hannah at bay. But tonight, in this round, Ferguson seems to be reading her friend’s every move. No doubt these two have sparred plenty of times outside of the ring, and now, anticipating Hilary’s punches, Hannah masterfully dodges them with slips of her head, then counters with punishing hooks to her rival’s body, each blow audibly thudding against Rhoda's ribs and sides. As the round progresses, a sudden, powerful uppercut from Ferguson catches Hilary square on the chin, making her knees buckle momentarily in turn! AND HERE COMES HANNAH, pressING her advantage, pinning Hilary to the ropes with a downpour of punches, some sinking deep into Hilary’s midsection, others hammering away at her drawn arms, drawing muffled groans with each impact. Hilary tries to clinch, aiming to halt the onslaught, but Ferguson continues to muscle her to the ropes, banging more mitts off her sides. And by the time the bell sounds, it's evident that the momentum has swung. While Hilary did have her moments, the round was dominated by Ferguson's power and aggression. As they’re separated by the referee, both fighters share a nod and smirk, a testament to their friendly rivalry.
ROUND 4:
However, as soon as the bell rings to commence the fourth round, Hilary’s demeanor shifts drastically. Any semblance of friendliness vanishes from the Girls Friday starlet’s face, and is replaced with a ferocious intensity. Perhaps feeling the pressure of their past encounters or the stakes of this stable war, she aggressively goes to work, probing Hannah's defenses early with a bevy of jabs and powerful shots straight to the center of the Vixen’s arms. Shooting punches high and low, she forces Ferguson to keep guessing, and then, spotting an opening, she quickly pummels a fierce right into Hannah's tummy, causing her to gasp audibly. Hannah's eyes briefly flash with indignation as Hilary then proceeds to target her exposed chest with a series of hard, calculated shots, and some of those shouts of outrage can be heard echoing throughout the arena. Hannah, thrown off by this aggressive tactic, attempts to counter and cover, throwing a feint with her left hand before trying to launch a heavier swing towards Hilary's own body. But in her eagerness, she leaves herself wide open, and Hilary simply fires back with a devastating blow across the alpha blonde’s face! The impact stuns Ferguson and whips her head to the side, making her stagger awkwardly towards the ropes, her hands involuntarily moving to shield her throbbing jawline. And with Hannah on the back foot, Rhoda presses in, determined to put her away! She corners Ferguson against the ropes and unloads on her with an unceasing barrage to her midsection and chest, each thud and groan becoming music to her ears. Hannah's attempts to guard herself are admirable, her arms locked and mainly favoring her head, but she is clearly getting out-punched this round, her efforts reduced to mere defensive blocks and dodges. Every time Hannah tries to mount a counter-attack and shove Rhoda off, one of Rhoda’s vicious hooks to her belly or an uppercut to her chest halt her in her tracks, making her grimace further in pain. The domination is evident here, with Hannah’s body wearing the marks and welts from the brutal assault, and if one didn’t know these two were friends outside the ring, you’d be hard pressed to not think they hate each other’s guts… But finally, Aas the round nears its end, Hannah musters the strength to wrap up and clinch, holding Hilary’s punches back with a few wrestling moves along the ropes. But it's too little, too late. The bell sounds, and the round clearly belongs to a determined Hilary Rhoda. Despite the aggression, once they're separated, Hilary does offer Hannah a helping hand back to her corner, a brief rekindling of their friendliness amidst the competitive heat.
ROUND 5:
Round 5, and while Hilary came out dominant in the last, this round is characterized by its ebb and flow, neither fighter truly dominating for long stretches. Hilary, riding the momentum of the last round, starts with a burst of energy, looking to carry forward her assault on Hannah and try and finish her off. Quick jabs to the face, interspersed with deeper punches to the belly, are Rhoda's weapons of choice, as Ferguson struggles to keep up in the first minute. The Vixen, however, is somehow quicker on her feet this round, slipping out of the way of some, absorbing others, but constantly looking for her own chance to strike. And midway through, she springs to life, sidestepping a particularly aggressive straight hand from Hilary, before capitalizing with rapid three-punch combo: a right hand to the ribs, another left to the jawline, before a vicious right hook jolts Rhoda’s head to the side to stun her back. However, Hilary shakes off the effects and fires back her own jab combination, landing two out of three to the face in turn, making Hannah's head rock back. For every punch Ferguson dodges, another two from Rhoda seem to connect, be it to the arms, the head, or the midsection, with the Vixen’s attempts to rush in too early met with its own punishment. The two women continue to move gracefully yet aggressively around the ring, in a dance of jabs, hooks, and sudden lunges. As the seconds wind down, Hilary manages to get in a particularly punishing blow to Hannah's side, causing her to double over with a groan. But before Hilary can wind back to deliver a follow-up blow, Ferguson shoots her own hard cross to the cheek just as the bell sounds, forcing Rhoda to collapse into the nearby ropes with a pained expression on her face as well. Though closely contested, it's Rhoda who narrowly manages to edge out her friend in terms of points.
ROUND 6:
It’s been one of the worst fights of Ferguson’s career so far, having only won one out of the past five rounds. And if things don’t change for the better soon, she’s well aware that she might suffer her first loss to her friend, but also, lose the stable war for the rest of her fellow stablemates. Hannah looks invigorated out of the gate, marching out both aggressive and strategic; it’s clear she's looking for an opening, for that decisive strike to turn the tide. The first minute is a high-speed chess match, with both fighters weaving, ducking, and trading jabs. Hilary is more cautious now, respecting Hannah's power after having been KO’ed by her twice in a row before, but she’s still attempting to maintain her earlier momentum by constantly striking with jabs to stun and surprise. But then, in the second minute, Ferguson spies an opening: she feints a left jab to the face, making Rhoda instinctively guard upwards. Then, Hannah drives a thunderous right hook to Hilary’s midsection! The impact is immediate and devastating; Hilary's legs suddenly buckle beneath her, her face filled with shock! This might be the opening she needs!! With Rhoda in disarray, Ferguson ups the ante, aggressively pushing forward with a series of power punches: a straight punch smashes into Hilary's guard, followed by a sweeping left that thumps into her ribs, each punch driving Hilary backwards, her heels tapping out a desperate retreat towards the ropes. But Hannah keeps up the pressure, expertly varying between jabs to the face and brutal hooks to the body. Hilary, now pinned against the ropes, struggles to mount a defense. Her gloves rise and fall, attempting to parry the onslaught, but the sheer quantity is too much. And then, with a speed belying the bout's duration, Hannah draws back and unleashes a thunderous overhand right. The punch arcs beautifully in the air before crashing square into Hilary's face, sending shockwaves down the rest of her frame!! OUCH!! Rhoda's legs, already shaky from the barrage, give way completely. Her tall frame collapses backward, and she hits the canvas hard, her arms sprawled out at her sides! The crowd ROARS as the once-dominant Hilary Rhoda is now floored by a resurgent Ferguson, in the first KNOCKDOWN of the evening!
With Hilary splayed out on the canvas, all eyes turn to the fallen fighter, searching for signs of recovery. The sharp thud of her body's collision with the floor still resonates, and the referee quickly moves to initiate the count. "One!" His voice cuts through the roaring crowd. From her corner, Hannah stands poised but not entirely composed. There's a flicker of concern in her eyes as they track her friend's fallen form. The two have shared countless moments, both in and out of the ring. However, a quick memory of the painful strikes Hilary had unleashed on her chest makes that concern swiftly evaporate. Hannah's jaw tightens, and she waits, her breathing steady and ready for anything. "Two!... Three!" Hilary's fingers twitch, her chest heaving as she wills air into her lungs. "Four!... Five!" With great effort, Rhoda begins to shift, her left arm pushing against the canvas. "Six!... Seven!" Hilary's legs tremble as she manages to get to one knee. "Eight!" Defying the odds, Rhoda pushes herself up, her back straightening, and she stands tall. The referee moves in close, examining her gaze for signs of coherence, holding up fingers for her to count, and asking her if she wishes to continue. Hannah, from her corner, watches intently. The concern she had masked earlier makes a fleeting reappearance as their eyes meet briefly. But with the referee's nod indicating Hilary is fit to proceed, Hannah's competitive edge sharpens once more!
The bell's chime signals the continuation of the round, and the two fighters circle each other cautiously. Hilary, albeit up on her feet, is clearly looking shaken from the knockdown. The damage she's sustained is evident in her slightly wobbly stance, the wary look in her eyes, and the deep breaths she takes. However, there's no quitting in the Girls Friday starlet, and she raises her gloves, ready to continue the fight. Hannah, observing her friend's state, advances with a measured approach. Her first few jabs are probing ones, testing Hilary's remaining reflexes and defenses. And though Rhoda attempts to block, parry, and evade, her movements are slower, less precise than before. And as the seconds tick by, Hannah's confidence surges. A one-two combo glances off Hilary's gloves, but the following hook slams hard into her side, drawing a pained grunt from her lips. The Vixen's pace escalates, and Rhoda finds herself retreating step by step, each punch pushing her back, each defensive maneuver becoming more desperate as the seconds tick down. And by the time Rhoda's back touches the corner turnbuckle, her defenses are all but shattered! Her eyes are glazed, her breath ragged, her body swaying from accumulated fatigue and punishment. Hannah, sensing her friend's imminent collapse, hesitates for a split second - a brief moment of compassion in a brutal fight. But the competitive drive, the need to secure the win for her stable, spurs her to finish this. With ruthless efficiency, Ferguson lets loose a brutal barrage: a left hook crashes against Hilary's guard, followed by a right uppercut that snaps her head back with a dull groan, before a swift three-punch combination to the midsection forces Rhoda to bend forward, gasping for lost breath. Sensing the end, Hannah loads up for one final strike – a monstrous overhand right to the temple… The punch connects flush, and Rhoda's eyes roll, and she starts to fall forward, her legs immediately giving way yet again. Instinctively, Hannah reaches out, catching her friend in her arms, before the referee quickly steps in, waving his hands above his head, signaling the end of the fight via TKO! Silence fills the arena for a moment, followed by an explosion of cheers and applause, as Ferguson gently lowers Rhoda onto the canvas, her victory in this rematch bittersweet indeed!
Official Result: Hannah Ferguson defeats Hilary Rhoda via TKO6!
AFTER
The roaring applause and tumultuous cheers slowly begin to fade into the background, as the bright overhead lights of the arena only focus on the two figures at its center.
Hannah, her hands shaking and heart pounding, stands over her friend for a moment, her victory overshadowed by genuine concern. The referee, having made his decision, turns his attention to Rhoda, calling for the medical team. Seconds feel like minutes as they rush to the ring, their gear and equipment at the ready
Amidst the flurry of activity, Hannah drops to her knees beside Hilary, a gloved hand gently touching her friend's face. Hilary's eyelids flutter, showing signs of consciousness, which brings a wave of relief over Hannah's face. A weak smile creeps onto Hilary's lips as she murmurs, "You got me good there."
Hannah chuckles softly, tears forming in her eyes. "You scared me, Hil. Promise me you'll never do that again."
Hilary, still dazed but regaining her faculties, jests, "Guess I shouldn't have punched your boob, huh?" The two women share a quiet laugh, their bond evident, even in the aftermath of a grueling fight.
As the medics assess Hilary, ensuring she's stable and fit for transport to a medical facility for a full evaluation, Hannah rises to her feet. The crowd, recognizing the sportsmanship and camaraderie on display, erupts into a fresh round of cheers.
While the stable war's significance looms large, tonight the fight between Hannah Ferguson and Hilary Rhoda will be remembered for something more profound: the testament of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit.
Later that evening, posts from both fighters would appear on social media, thanking their fans for their support, and assuring everyone of Hilary's swift recovery. A photo surfaces of the two fighters, in a hospital room together, with Rhoda giving a thumbs-up and Hannah playfully applying an ice pack to her friend's forehead. The caption reads, "Warriors in the ring, sisters outside of it. #Respect #VixensVsGirlsFriday."
And if only we could say the same for some of tonight’s other competitors, perhaps we could solve most of the world’s problems, after all…
Girls Friday 3-3 Vixens