Post by Lookout! Boxing on May 26, 2017 18:41:53 GMT -6
Charlize Theron v Karlie Kloss (result Lookout; fight simgrrl)
Theron (242-106-12, 148 KOs, 61%) vs Kloss (7-1-0, 7 KOs, 88%)
Theron, 42yo, 5'9.5”, 130#, 36B-24-36 vs Kloss, 25yo, 5'11”, 122#, 31B-23-34
Before: Kloss exploded on the FCBA scene in 2016, going 6-0 while Theron hung up a modest 3-1 (half being JMDD!). Note that none of the 'common opponents' appear on Theron's record after 2013!
Kloss: Romijn (1-0), Righetti (1-0), Bjorlin (1-0), Lancaster (1-0).
Theron: Romijn (4-4), Righetti (1-1), Bjorlin (2-2), Lancaster (1-0).
Charlize Theron: “Jobs with real gravitas go to people physically right for it; that’s the end of the story. How many roles are there for a f#cking-gorgeous, gown-wearing, eight-foot tall model?”
Theron, again: “I used to be judgmental toward women as they aged. In our society, women are compartmentalized so they start to feel like cut flowers...after a while we wilt. But that’s not the case - we can celebrate every age. That’s my encouragement to 20-year-olds terrified of getting older, don’t have a nervous breakdown, don’t hit the chardonnay too hard. Getting old isn't that bad. What most people don’t realize is, no matter how others see you, you have to wake up and look at yourself every day. I really love myself; I’m comfortable in my skin. But there are mornings when I look in the mirror and go, ‘Not so good.’ Other times, after I've had my hair and makeup done, I stand at the mirror and go, ‘I like it...it’s hot’.”
* * *
Former 'Victoria's Secret Angel' Kloss reacts with a dismissive flip of a hand. "People underestimate me all the time,” she purred cattily, “but it only motivates me to prove them wrong; to beat them at their own game." She grinned, “We'll see what's what - and who's who - when she steps in the ring to face me.”
Asked to talk about her new career as a celebrity boxer, Kloss was frank. “Instead of giving up because I wasn't challenged, I saw an opportunity to use a platform to do other things I'm passionate about...even if they don't have anything to do with fashion,"
She bristled when asked about a quote (attributed to - but denied by - Theron) regarding Kloss' rumored relationship with Taylor Swift. “I know she's been tossing that lie around,” the model hissed venomously. “But there's no truth to it. Theron was just trying to bait Tay into fighting her... why I don't know, but it's obvious Theron has a 'thing' about Taylor. After Tay laid her out in March, the old bat turned her sights to me. I'm looking forward to putting the old witch on her butt too, and maybe not just once!”
* * *
Charlize seemed surprised, and dismayed, about Kloss' reaction. “I have nothing but respect for Taylor,” she said. “I don't know how those kinds of rumors start, but I've been the target of some myself,” she added, deftly positioning herself as another victim of tabloid media. “The reason I wanted to fight Swift was because I respect her as an entertainer...something Kloss clearly isn't! But,” she quickly added, “Kloss has shown some whippy power with that long, lanky, frame. I watched her fight with Righetti twice and still can't figure out how she won, but she did. So I won't be taking her lightly even though it's clear she's not in my class experience-wise.”
* * *
Celebrities at ringside include Taylor Swift prominently seated in Kloss' corner with former Theron stablemate Kat Heigl; whispering and texting during the introductions, pausing to laugh when Theron is called “many time champion.” Heigl tweeting out, “so long ago. #HasBeenTheron.” Plenty of others equally eager to see Theron brought down include Yvonne Strahovski (looking in from her dressing room as she preps for her own fight) and Michelle Trachtenberg (seated on Kloss' side when she's not up nervously pacing as she awaits Straho and Peregrym's bouts). Catherine Zeta-Jones with hubbie Michael are carefully seated halfway between the two corners in neutral territory. And Bella Hadid is on hand to support sister Gigi and fellow model Kloss. Just to name a few glitterati here tonight.
* * * *
Kloss has been well-prepped by the “Fighting Academy” being matched against similar body types to Theron (Hadid, Romijn) as well as experienced big body welters (Bjorlin, Lancaster, Atkinson, Righetti). To her credit, Kloss didn't just survive all six, she put five of the six out with surprisingly whippy, KO power! Karlie spent long nights at Swift's house (fueling unfounded rumors) watching video of Theron's fights and picking Swifts brain about her recent experience with The Golden Goddess. Recently, Karlie's been seen out and about with known “Theron killers” (Cat Bell, Yvonne Strahovski, Jennifer Garner and a former Theron stablemate - long-time Kloss pal and Secret Angel, Candice Swanepoel). So brains have been picked...now we'll see if Kloss retained enough advice to handle wily old veteran Theron who's had something like 85 championship fights in a long and illustrious career.
Charlize, gracefully aging at 42, has lately dined on ingenues, has-beens and never-will-be's in an attempt by her stable to stay credible and preserve her celebrity. Lawrence aside, Theron is the only member of her stable whose guaranteed to sell tickets. Jen Lawrence is a rising star, but she's not yet the box office powerhouse Theron is...even at her age! So Charlize carries the weight of her stable on her broad shoulders tonight, the stable known in the FCBA as “the other Academy.”
Theron's been fishing the 'model end of the gene pool' lately, with too few successes to show for the effort. Plenty of tall, gangly, even slight, opponents have found her easier to hit than ten - or even five - years ago. Losses to smaller opponents like Rihanna, Strahovski, Lima (twice), Daddario, Gena Lee Nolin, and Taylor Swift would never have happened to Charlize Theron in 2007!
Fortunately, there's no concern about exposed bulging JMDDs - or perky JMDs - given the boyish figures of these two. Sharon Stone and Jeri Ryan in Theron's corner assisting Academy Head Trainer Natascha Ragosina. Kelly Hu and Sarah Michelle Gellar with Karlie Kloss.
Referee for the fight is Cat Bell (head trainer #KHAOS) who arrived tonight looking stunning in a low-cut evening gown with a lovely young blonde on her arm replacing Theron who used to have that honor. She's a surprise choice to referee as Cat was, once or twice, rumored to be “hot and heavy” with Theron. But that was years ago and lately she's been seen publicly with a younger version (Theron 2.0?). Neither stable felt a protest was necessary though Bell rarely misses a Theron fight (it's said she still loves to see her one-time bestie on her back!)
Cat's changed into a striped shirt tied up under her impressive bosom and tight black shorts that show off her long legs at their best as she calls the two fighters to center ring. Theron in boy-cut white shorts and sturdy sports bra with blue trim, blue gloves and her golden hair short to her neck. Kloss going monochrome in a lacy red Victoria's Secret bra and panty tap set, red trim on black hi-tops, blood red gloves and her brunette hair pulled back off her face and secured with a red scrunchie.
Bell all business getting them together, not acknowledging Theron while addressing the instructions, cautions and warnings to Kloss who's nonplussed. She slaps gloves with Charlize and returns to her corner. Theron pauses to study Karlie's firm derriere as she catwalks back to her corner, then - with a sigh - heads to hers. Bell leaning on the ropes awaiting the bell, turns and winks at her blonde in the front row who blows her a kiss in return. (ewwww!)
* * * *
During Rd 1: Theron channeling Romijn against Kloss, coming out quickly to mount an all-out assault on the tall, slender model. Like Rebecca, Charlize has success bull rushing the younger woman, using her weight to her advantage, forcing Kloss back up fighting defensively as the aging superstar throws bombs from all angles pressing forward relentlessly. Karlie rocked by a big right, knees buckle briefly and she's forced to clinch; wrapping her long spaghetti string arms around Theron's neck and shoulders, chesting up snug to muffle Charlize's body attack. Both stuffing lefts and rights to the flanks behind elbows, cheeks puffing as the early body work adds up for both.
Kloss showing she won't be bullied, and displaying surprising strength for a long, lean, frame as she time and again, shrugs Charlize off and then straight arms her in the chest, flinging her backward to open room to unleash with looping, whippy-armed hooks to the torso. Theron answering Kloss' flurries with pin-point sticks, letting the youngster throw more punches, but making up for Karlie's volume with power, leaning her heavier body into snapping right hands to the head and lefts to the body.
Kloss ignoring Theron's head, concentrating her attack on the aging blonde's mid-section and upper works (a well-known Theron vulnerability!) At the bell, Theron breathing hard, Kloss smiling, bouncing on her toes to her corner where she's greeted with a hi-five by Kelly Hu. Ragosina pats Charlize on the back as she drops on her stool and gets a sip of water from Ryan as Stone ices down her right side ribs while 'Rags' puts Endswell on her left eye that maybe caught a thumb or lace from KK. No doubt at ringside; Theron's aggressive attack carried the round for her (wide).
Rd 2: Kloss on her feet well before the bell, slapping her gloves, looking eager to get to work. Theron still on her stool at the bell, stands up and steps out, circling behind a stiff left jab. Kloss dancing, dipping, ducking, bobbing and weaving, flashing leather; in constant motion; never giving Charlize a stationary target! Theron cautious, veteran, knowing there's nine long rounds to go and she's not about to waste energy in a calisthenic exhibition to please the rubes in the cheap seats!
Kloss using her reach advantage and her long, lithe, legs to pot-shot from long range, leaning in to pop Charlize in the nose, tits, tummy, then ducks left, right, or leans back juuuuuust tantalizingly out of range of her return fire. Kloss gliding like a 'Secret Angel' around the ring with unexpected - for such a tall, gangly figure - grace around the ring; frustrating Charlize whose 17 year older legs were feeling exactly like what they are, older - after missing far too many training sessions while doing “fun” things like talk shows, location shooting, and relaxing. After last years fun-filled vacation in Australia following her stunning upset win over Yvonne Strahovski she'd taken too much time away from the gym and it had caught up with her. After losses this March to Ryan and Swift her trainer had urged her to get back to work.
“I really should have gone back to the gym after the Swift fight,” she's thinking, her mind wandering just as Karlie throws a 3 punch combo (a left hook pancakes Charlize's right boob; a right overhand slams into her left eye, then as she twists away from that, a second left hook to her belly button!)
Charlize got shocked out of thoughts of “fun filled” Australia when she was uncomfortably snapped back to reality when her butt hit the ropes as she doubled over just as another right hand grazed her jaw! Theron stumbled forward off balance as the ropes behind her rebounded her forward into Karlie. Charlize bear hugged the slender brunette, trapping Karlie's arms as they careened across the ring, nearly falling as their feet tangled. When Karlie's back hit the far ropes, the model reversed their positions and managed to get her right hand free long enough to pound Charlize's belly again, then she pushed off with her left hand on Theron's right shoulder and turned into another right cross to the face, SMAACK!
Theron saw stars and felt the middle rope under her butt supporting her as her knees unhinged ever so briefly. She reached out with her left hand and tried to grab Karlie's right bicep, but Kloss jerked her arm away and drew back to punch again. Charlize ducked and groped blindly for Karlie's waist, grabbing her and holding on as she hid her head under Kloss' right armpit as Karlie beat her fist on Charlize's exposed back in frustration!
Referee Cat Bell leaped in to block Karlie's right hand with her right arm as she got behind Kloss to slap at Charlize's gloved hand behind the model. Managing to break them, Bell pushed the two apart and warned them about holding and hitting, then stepped away to let them resume. Karlie was quicker to restart than Charlize and cuffed her about the head with two or three more blows before Theron escaped back out into the relative safety of the open ring. Kloss pursued and in three long strides once more was within range of her long arms and drove a left hook into Theron's belly once more, stealing what little oxygen remained. Theron was forced to clinch once more and was fortunate the round came to an end as Kloss landed three more hard body shots. Karlie's comeback round earned her the points (wide) and evened the bout after two stanzas.
Between rounds Ragosina working frantically with Endswell on Theron's left eye which has swollen from several flush KK rights; Stone again icing Theron's throbbing abs and ribs. Jeri Ryan, leaning between the ropes, snarks “boxing is a young woman's game” blythly ignoring her own age and recent lack of success against younger foes...or perhaps sharing a hard-earned, new-found wisdom.
Rd 3: Charlize wins round on points (but it's close) Nip-Tuck with KK landing far more often but (as in the 1st round) CT got in the harder punches, rocking Kloss who stubbornly stayed with her game plan and kept chip-chip-chipping away at the Golden Goddesses 42 year old ivory torso.
Theron with a change of tactics this round, foregoing her all-in attack for a defensive shell game; left hand extended, pawing at Kloss' face, right forearm across her lower face, glove high against her left cheek protecting that eye. Every time Karlie advances, Charlize retreats; circling right instead of left; away from the Kloss' right hand that's done damage to her famous face! Karlie easily able to cut off the ring, herding Theron back, back, back, until she's cornered, then Kloss charges in, body slams her against the turnbuckle and bludgeons away to the body; hard, hard, left hooks slam in under that high right elbow, Theron's body buckling under the barrage of leather.
Charlize lunges up out of her stooped posture, catching Kloss with a right uppercut...KLOSS IS HURT! Karlie staggers bowlegged backward. Theron pushes off the ropes with her butt in slow, steady pursuit. Charlize misses another right, but a left glances high off Karlie's right temple, keeping her backing up! Charlize tries to pursue, but Kloss turns and legs away, running in a wide circle around Theron who pivots on her left (front) foot, unable to do more than watch helplessly as the younger woman dances away just out of reach
Charlize trudges forward behind her left; pawing, no longer finding energy to throw it as before; her right back across her face, ever mindful of her swelling left eye. Karlie patient, she's felt the old lionesses power and she respects it; but she felt how diminished it was, and she's in no hurry. Still seven rounds to go, plenty of time to bring the old woman to heel.
Karlie back to her plan, dart in, hit, step back out. And it's working, for the most part. A couple of times she gets hit when Theron anticipates her, or perhaps she just guesses right for a change. Either way, Kloss doesn't like walking into those straight rights or left hooks; even from a woman 42 years old, they still hurt! Closing minute, Karlie puts on a finishing flurry of punching, going to impress the judges with a final explosion. But once more, Theron manages to land an uppercut just as Karlie is leaning into her punch. Kloss' right sails high over Charlize's right shoulder as Theron ducks and brings her own right uppercut up inside of Karlie's right elbow. Kloss' knees buckle and she tumbles into Theron who is almost bowled over by the impact so rubbery are her legs. They clinch and fall onto the ropes where they lean, both too tired to do more than punch each other in the kidneys a few times until Bell breaks them apart just before the bell ends the 3rd round. Charlize wins round on points thanks to landing the harder punches, (but the margin's razor thin at best).
Rd 4: Kloss begins this round the fresher fighter; dictating the pace and using her young, strong, legs to circle so endlessly it's a wonder Theron doesn't get dizzy and fall over! Kloss seems to have figured out how to avoid Charlize's uppercut counters, because Theron tries it two or three times early but all miss badly, Kloss seems to have picked up on it or perhaps Charlize is telegraphing it now. Karlie in an easy rhythm, just gliding so gracefully it's almost like she's floating in the ring, her feet seem to never touch the canvas. Sixty seconds into the round, Karlie swoops in and batters Charlize with a three punch combo, left-right-left, that sends Charlize stutter-stepping back, hands at her sides. Kloss steps with and misses a sweeping “go home” right that comes up inches short of Theron's “off switch.”
Theron slides along the ropes, slapping at Kloss as she patiently walks her down. Theron suddenly moves back into Kloss who is wrong-footed and stumbles over her own feet trying to right herself. Fighting left handed now, her left cocked at her left cheek, Charlize POP hits Karlie in the nose with a right jab, then WHAP, hits her again!
Confused, Karlie backing away waving her left in front of Charlize, her right hand open, palm out, by her right ear. Theron going on offense behind her lead right hand, jab-jab-jab, just steadily walking Kloss back toward the ropes. CRACK! KARLIE'S HURT! A hard left hook by Theron hurts Kloss again and she tries to clinch. Theron bats her hands away and SLAMS A RIGHT TO THE BELLY that doubles Karlie over breathless! Kloss, her head against Charlize's left hip, wraps her arms around Theron's thighs and hangs on as Theron punches down between her shoulder blades. Referee Bell forced to intervene, separates them, then warns both, “keep 'em up.”
Kloss, clearly confused by Theron's switch to lefty, having trouble lining her up and Charlize takes advantage, getting into something of a rhythm as she jabs, hooks and jabs again several times to keep Kloss back on her heels. As soon as Karlie shows the tiniest bit of adjustment, Theron suddenly reverts to form and goes back right handed again. DOWN GOES KLOSS! Kloss reeling back from an overhand right out of the blue, drops on the seat of her pretty red panties! Charlize stands over her admiring her work until Bell pushes her away and sends her to a neutral corner. When Cat Bell returns to pick up the count, Karlie is already on one knee, leaning on the ropes. At “eight” she's up with her gloves in front of her, then earmuffs as she hunkers down trying to figure out what to do and how to weather the unexpected leather barrage suddenly coming her way from a woman she thought was out of the fight.
It's the uppercut! Theron's weapon last round becomes Kloss' salvation. Charlize on a roll, going for the KO, gives Kloss a tiny opening and she goes charging through with both guns blazing! Big uppercut almost rips Theron's head off and a follow-on left hook busts Charlize's nose open, sending a gout of blood down her chin. Her sweaty white sports bra quickly turns pink with her blood! Both women hurt, they spend the last twenty or so seconds clinching, thumping away to the flanks, to the bell. Charlize's late knockdown just enough to win her the round, but Kloss isn't going away!
Between: The 4th round ends with Charlize in trouble, struggling to breath thru her bloody nose, and the left eye is half closed, perhaps more. The eye means Stone will be using Endswell on that, while Ragosina is trying to staunch the bloody nose. Kloss, despite the knockdown, chipper across the ring on her stool holding court with her bestie, Taylor Swift, at ringside. KK still relatively unmarked other than red spots on the left side of her face from Theron's right hand.
Rd 5: Cue comeback Karlie Kloss! Charlize out hoping to finish but Kloss, staying low behind a peek-a-boo shield, doesn't give her much to work with. Action bogs down as Kloss spends the first minute clutching, grabbing and holding Theron who's unable to break away from the long arms wrapping her up. Karlie digs into Charlize's flanks as they writhe belly-to-belly, sweaty torsos rubbing and scrubbing; long legs straining, feet pawing the canvas seeking purchase. Long first minute sees Theron's frustration mounting when she's unable to gain room and is forced to grapple with a taller, younger, apparently stronger, foe.
Suddenly, Taylor Swift appears on the ring apron screaming at referee Bell and gesturing dramatically at Theron who looks stunned by the bizarre scene. “She's holding her, ref!” Tay-Tay screams. “Make her stop!” Bell turns and orders Swift, “Get down offa there or it'll cost yer girlfriend a point!” Swift gives Cat the finger as she's pulled down by Kidman and Benz, then hustled away by an usher and stuffed back in her seat. While Bell's back was turned, something made Theron double over clutching her left breast, her mouth opening and closing in mute protest as tears fill her eyes and run down her flushed cheeks.
Kloss shoves Theron's shoulders up and pins her folded back over the top rope with a forearm under her chin, then hauls off and HAMMERS her right breast twice, then repeats it with her left!! Theron writhes and flails her arms, finally squirming free to stumble away holding her chest in both gloved hands, bent over sucking air as she staggers along the ropes, her mouthpiece dribbling out of her gaping mouth!
Fans in shock; confused; hardly anyone knowing what to make of it. Ringside, a grinning Yvonne Strahovski is using her fists to show Michelle Trachtenberg how Kloss took advantage of Theron who was distracted by Swift and Bell arguing to elbow Charlize's fragile 'puppies.' Yvonne couldn't tell if it was accidental or deliberate, but she couldn't care less because it worked like a charm!
Kloss catches Theron in the corner, grabs her shoulder and turns her around to PANCAKE her proud bosom with a lethal left hook! Charlize sobbing in agony as her knees buckle, sitting on the middle rope as referee Bell arrives to pull Kloss off as she's winding up for more; sending her to the far corner. Cat Bell bends to retrieve Charlize's mouthpiece, then hurriedly rinses it with a water bottle handed up into the ring by Kloss second - Charlize's former Academy teammate Julie Benz, who had a huge smirk on her face.
Bell pushed the mouthguard back in the mouth-breathing Theron's slack jaw, then stepped back and waved Karlie to return. But Kloss has awakened a sleeping giant! Irate at the abuse of her proud prow, Charlize unleashes a furiously mindlessly and reckless, but nevertheless effective onslaught; throwing punches so quickly Kloss doesn't have time to think, let alone throw one of her own! Theron chases Kloss around the ring windmilling her fists, missing most, but landing plenty enough to ensure she has Karlie's attention for the almost one minute left in the round.
At the bell, referee Cat Bell jumps in and grabs Charlize giving a relieved Karlie Kloss a chance to scurry around behind her on her escape to her corner; unhurt, but not unshaken. Theron, out of wind, bent over with hands on her knees, sucking air as Bell stands by to ensure there's no extracurricular stuff after the bell.
All Karlie's early good work, and her near-knockdown bosom busting, won her the points (close but split - the lone scorekeeper who had a clear view of the “foul” and took it upon herself to mark her down accordingly).
Between: Ragosina and Stone, joined by Ryan, work ferociously to once more stop Charlize's bloody nose and try to reduce the swelling of her left eye. Across the ring, Kloss is pantomiming an explanation to Kidman (so it appeared) saying Charlize turned her torso just as Karlie - realizing something was going on behind her that Charlize was looking at - tried to 'pull' her punch. She shrugged as she showed how her elbow 'accidentally' slammed into Charlize's left breast. (After that, she'd have to be a fool not to take advantage of her good fortune, right?)
Rd 6: During the break, Kloss had recovered both her wind and her composure, but Charlize was so busy getting her nose and eye repaired, she couldn't fully catch her breath and at the bell she's still panting heavily as she slowly steps out; guard high; and circles, staying as far away from Kloss' right as she can; her butt slip-sliding along the ropes as she ducks and bobs to avoid being hit while she tries to catch her breath but Karlie doesn't give her the chance! Kloss leaps in with a wild overhand right that lands high on Charlize's forehead, snapping her head back. As she leans into the ropes, Karlie's left hook is already on the way and it crashes in under Theron's right elbow, buckling her knees. As she gropes for the ropes trying to regain her balance, Karlie bodies up and unleashes a thunderous barrage of body blows to the unprotected midsection of the aging blond!
Charlize behind clasped gloves, knees deeply bent, unable to throw any punches, just crouches to receive a furious bludgeoning from the limber limbed brunette model. As Kloss continues to dominate Charlize with little coming back, Ragosina reaches for a towel to throw in. But when she raises her arm, however, Jeri Ryan grabs it and wrestles it away from her!
Ragosina turns on Ryan and holds her clinched fist in Jeri's face, “If you ever lays a hand on me again I will....” But Natascha can't finish her threat because just then Ryan clocks her with a sucker punch to the chin! Natascha goes sprawling onto the lap of a mature redhead sitting with her teen-age blonde daughter in the front row. The old redhead wraps her arms around Natascha's chest to keep her from falling to the floor while the young blonde pulls Natasha's head over on her lap, gently stroking her cheek (trying no doubt, to revive her.)
Stone is left standing there bewildered next to Ryan - neither willing to turn her back on the other. The towel - which was kicked under the ring during the scuffle - now forgotten and they watch with sinking hearts as Theron is 'manhandled' by “big Karlie” Kloss who's gained complete and total control of the fight; carefully picking the spots on Charlize's exposed and vulnerable body to attack.
Slowly battered back across the ring, Charlize is driven to her knees at the ropes where she lands with her right arm draped over the middle rope and her head bowed. Bell arrives as Kloss stands over her, looking unsure whether or not to hit her again. Cat pushes Kloss away, takes Charlize's elbow and helps her to her feet, leaning her against the ropes for a standing eight count.
Cat asks, “You don't want to quit, do you? Not and tarnish that reputation for toughness; for being a battler; for never quitting. You don't want that do you, Golden Goddess?”
Unable to speak without any air in her lungs, Charlize can only numbly shake her head slowly. That's enough for Bell who waves Kloss over and tells her, “She's all yours. Just don't hit her too hard or she might break. Ha-ha-ha.”
Kloss returns to pound Charlize's unprotected belly, the Goddesses gloves hanging limp from her wrists in front of her, offering no defense against the big brunette who drives punches in with both hands, then leans on Theron to pin her limp body on the ropes. Karlie looks over at Bell who, reluctantly it seems, finally comes over to “force” a break.
Kloss steps back and as Charlize starts to slide down and sit on the middle strand, Kloss again quick-steps in to wrap Theron in her arms, holding her up with Charlize's head lolling on Karlie's shoulder. Cat Bell gives Charlize a standing eight count while Kloss is holding her up, but then thinks better of it and (almost with a look of regret) waves off the rest and gives a KO6 to the winner, Karlie Kloss!
* * * *
After: Cat and Karlie each put an arm around Charlize's waist and hold her up as they practically drag her to her corner and set her butt on her stool. Karlie returns to her corner to a chorus of loud boos from boxing (and Theron) fans in the crowd - though others, those less enamored with Theron and/or her poor performance in the ring - applaud and cheer Kloss' effort.
Bell stays behind to help Stone (who's working alone after Ryan disappeared when it looked like Ragosina had began to come to) care for Charlize, readying her for the long trip back to her dressing room where the ring doctor would declare her “unfit” to face the media... most of whom wouldn't be able to think of a question that hadn't been asked of Theron a hundred times before.
Besides, everyone wants to talk to the newest “hot thing” Karlie Kloss, not Theron - who was already being considered as “yesterday's news.”
* * *
Age and conditioning: two big strikes against The Golden Goddess... and too much quickness and a far too much younger opponent... a perfect recipe for disaster! Whenever Theron could control the pace, her vast experience made a difference; but when Kloss could get, and maintain, distance; her long young legs and had no problem eluding Theron's attacks and her long reach kept her safely at bay where Karlie could lean in and do damage, then escape untouched too many times to count. After Theron's big knockdown in the 4th, it looked like she felt she'd accomplished what she came for and after that the action was dominated by the young woman who won the final six minutes of the fight by a wide margin.
Clearly, the days of Theron thinking she can handle top welterweights are gone and many think she can no longer compete with top lightweights either. Tonight, Kloss showed how hard a road Theron has ahead of her if she insists on continuing to fight - as her stable desperately wants and needs her to. It wouldn't surprise experts if she were forced to accept fights with young kids wanting to pad their resume at her expense; or perhaps she could lose some more weight and fight bantams.
More likely, however, it may be time she considered the long-rumored (and oft-denied) speculation that she will - like other 'washed up' ex-boxers and MMA fighters - make the switch to celebrity wrestling and cash in on her fame, her beauty, and her notoriety!
* * *
Kloss appears looking less pleased and happy than one would expect given the magnitude of her victory. But she must know, deep down, it's a hollow victory when her opponent isn't capable of putting up much of a fight. Still, she's got to beat the opponent she's given, not the one she wishes she had. Theron showed up and fought, and Karlie did what she had to; nothing to be ashamed of.
Of course, everyone asked about the “foul” (the elbow). “She turned into me,” Karlie explained, somewhat reluctantly. “It was a foul, yes. But it was an accidental one. Still, I didn't hesitate to take advantage of it. She should have been paying attention, not ogling the referee's butt or boobs, or whatever it was distracted her. She's got to protect herself at all times. I don't apologize for taking advantage, but I do feel bad about the elbow... I know myself how that hurts.”
Asked a follow-up question about when had she received an elbowing foul, Karlie blushed and admitted, “OK, it's wasn't in a fight but on a Victoria's Secret runway at a show.... but still, they hurt the same, that's all I meant.” And she had the good sense to blush as she said it.
Kloss' string of impressive victories against big name opponents continues and sooner or later people are going to start to believe she may be as good as she appears. Karlie can only hope that day doesn't come too soon... she's having too much fun being underestimated!
Theron (242-106-12, 148 KOs, 61%) vs Kloss (7-1-0, 7 KOs, 88%)
Theron, 42yo, 5'9.5”, 130#, 36B-24-36 vs Kloss, 25yo, 5'11”, 122#, 31B-23-34
Before: Kloss exploded on the FCBA scene in 2016, going 6-0 while Theron hung up a modest 3-1 (half being JMDD!). Note that none of the 'common opponents' appear on Theron's record after 2013!
Kloss: Romijn (1-0), Righetti (1-0), Bjorlin (1-0), Lancaster (1-0).
Theron: Romijn (4-4), Righetti (1-1), Bjorlin (2-2), Lancaster (1-0).
Charlize Theron: “Jobs with real gravitas go to people physically right for it; that’s the end of the story. How many roles are there for a f#cking-gorgeous, gown-wearing, eight-foot tall model?”
Theron, again: “I used to be judgmental toward women as they aged. In our society, women are compartmentalized so they start to feel like cut flowers...after a while we wilt. But that’s not the case - we can celebrate every age. That’s my encouragement to 20-year-olds terrified of getting older, don’t have a nervous breakdown, don’t hit the chardonnay too hard. Getting old isn't that bad. What most people don’t realize is, no matter how others see you, you have to wake up and look at yourself every day. I really love myself; I’m comfortable in my skin. But there are mornings when I look in the mirror and go, ‘Not so good.’ Other times, after I've had my hair and makeup done, I stand at the mirror and go, ‘I like it...it’s hot’.”
* * *
Former 'Victoria's Secret Angel' Kloss reacts with a dismissive flip of a hand. "People underestimate me all the time,” she purred cattily, “but it only motivates me to prove them wrong; to beat them at their own game." She grinned, “We'll see what's what - and who's who - when she steps in the ring to face me.”
Asked to talk about her new career as a celebrity boxer, Kloss was frank. “Instead of giving up because I wasn't challenged, I saw an opportunity to use a platform to do other things I'm passionate about...even if they don't have anything to do with fashion,"
She bristled when asked about a quote (attributed to - but denied by - Theron) regarding Kloss' rumored relationship with Taylor Swift. “I know she's been tossing that lie around,” the model hissed venomously. “But there's no truth to it. Theron was just trying to bait Tay into fighting her... why I don't know, but it's obvious Theron has a 'thing' about Taylor. After Tay laid her out in March, the old bat turned her sights to me. I'm looking forward to putting the old witch on her butt too, and maybe not just once!”
* * *
Charlize seemed surprised, and dismayed, about Kloss' reaction. “I have nothing but respect for Taylor,” she said. “I don't know how those kinds of rumors start, but I've been the target of some myself,” she added, deftly positioning herself as another victim of tabloid media. “The reason I wanted to fight Swift was because I respect her as an entertainer...something Kloss clearly isn't! But,” she quickly added, “Kloss has shown some whippy power with that long, lanky, frame. I watched her fight with Righetti twice and still can't figure out how she won, but she did. So I won't be taking her lightly even though it's clear she's not in my class experience-wise.”
* * *
Celebrities at ringside include Taylor Swift prominently seated in Kloss' corner with former Theron stablemate Kat Heigl; whispering and texting during the introductions, pausing to laugh when Theron is called “many time champion.” Heigl tweeting out, “so long ago. #HasBeenTheron.” Plenty of others equally eager to see Theron brought down include Yvonne Strahovski (looking in from her dressing room as she preps for her own fight) and Michelle Trachtenberg (seated on Kloss' side when she's not up nervously pacing as she awaits Straho and Peregrym's bouts). Catherine Zeta-Jones with hubbie Michael are carefully seated halfway between the two corners in neutral territory. And Bella Hadid is on hand to support sister Gigi and fellow model Kloss. Just to name a few glitterati here tonight.
* * * *
Kloss has been well-prepped by the “Fighting Academy” being matched against similar body types to Theron (Hadid, Romijn) as well as experienced big body welters (Bjorlin, Lancaster, Atkinson, Righetti). To her credit, Kloss didn't just survive all six, she put five of the six out with surprisingly whippy, KO power! Karlie spent long nights at Swift's house (fueling unfounded rumors) watching video of Theron's fights and picking Swifts brain about her recent experience with The Golden Goddess. Recently, Karlie's been seen out and about with known “Theron killers” (Cat Bell, Yvonne Strahovski, Jennifer Garner and a former Theron stablemate - long-time Kloss pal and Secret Angel, Candice Swanepoel). So brains have been picked...now we'll see if Kloss retained enough advice to handle wily old veteran Theron who's had something like 85 championship fights in a long and illustrious career.
Charlize, gracefully aging at 42, has lately dined on ingenues, has-beens and never-will-be's in an attempt by her stable to stay credible and preserve her celebrity. Lawrence aside, Theron is the only member of her stable whose guaranteed to sell tickets. Jen Lawrence is a rising star, but she's not yet the box office powerhouse Theron is...even at her age! So Charlize carries the weight of her stable on her broad shoulders tonight, the stable known in the FCBA as “the other Academy.”
Theron's been fishing the 'model end of the gene pool' lately, with too few successes to show for the effort. Plenty of tall, gangly, even slight, opponents have found her easier to hit than ten - or even five - years ago. Losses to smaller opponents like Rihanna, Strahovski, Lima (twice), Daddario, Gena Lee Nolin, and Taylor Swift would never have happened to Charlize Theron in 2007!
Fortunately, there's no concern about exposed bulging JMDDs - or perky JMDs - given the boyish figures of these two. Sharon Stone and Jeri Ryan in Theron's corner assisting Academy Head Trainer Natascha Ragosina. Kelly Hu and Sarah Michelle Gellar with Karlie Kloss.
Referee for the fight is Cat Bell (head trainer #KHAOS) who arrived tonight looking stunning in a low-cut evening gown with a lovely young blonde on her arm replacing Theron who used to have that honor. She's a surprise choice to referee as Cat was, once or twice, rumored to be “hot and heavy” with Theron. But that was years ago and lately she's been seen publicly with a younger version (Theron 2.0?). Neither stable felt a protest was necessary though Bell rarely misses a Theron fight (it's said she still loves to see her one-time bestie on her back!)
Cat's changed into a striped shirt tied up under her impressive bosom and tight black shorts that show off her long legs at their best as she calls the two fighters to center ring. Theron in boy-cut white shorts and sturdy sports bra with blue trim, blue gloves and her golden hair short to her neck. Kloss going monochrome in a lacy red Victoria's Secret bra and panty tap set, red trim on black hi-tops, blood red gloves and her brunette hair pulled back off her face and secured with a red scrunchie.
Bell all business getting them together, not acknowledging Theron while addressing the instructions, cautions and warnings to Kloss who's nonplussed. She slaps gloves with Charlize and returns to her corner. Theron pauses to study Karlie's firm derriere as she catwalks back to her corner, then - with a sigh - heads to hers. Bell leaning on the ropes awaiting the bell, turns and winks at her blonde in the front row who blows her a kiss in return. (ewwww!)
* * * *
During Rd 1: Theron channeling Romijn against Kloss, coming out quickly to mount an all-out assault on the tall, slender model. Like Rebecca, Charlize has success bull rushing the younger woman, using her weight to her advantage, forcing Kloss back up fighting defensively as the aging superstar throws bombs from all angles pressing forward relentlessly. Karlie rocked by a big right, knees buckle briefly and she's forced to clinch; wrapping her long spaghetti string arms around Theron's neck and shoulders, chesting up snug to muffle Charlize's body attack. Both stuffing lefts and rights to the flanks behind elbows, cheeks puffing as the early body work adds up for both.
Kloss showing she won't be bullied, and displaying surprising strength for a long, lean, frame as she time and again, shrugs Charlize off and then straight arms her in the chest, flinging her backward to open room to unleash with looping, whippy-armed hooks to the torso. Theron answering Kloss' flurries with pin-point sticks, letting the youngster throw more punches, but making up for Karlie's volume with power, leaning her heavier body into snapping right hands to the head and lefts to the body.
Kloss ignoring Theron's head, concentrating her attack on the aging blonde's mid-section and upper works (a well-known Theron vulnerability!) At the bell, Theron breathing hard, Kloss smiling, bouncing on her toes to her corner where she's greeted with a hi-five by Kelly Hu. Ragosina pats Charlize on the back as she drops on her stool and gets a sip of water from Ryan as Stone ices down her right side ribs while 'Rags' puts Endswell on her left eye that maybe caught a thumb or lace from KK. No doubt at ringside; Theron's aggressive attack carried the round for her (wide).
Rd 2: Kloss on her feet well before the bell, slapping her gloves, looking eager to get to work. Theron still on her stool at the bell, stands up and steps out, circling behind a stiff left jab. Kloss dancing, dipping, ducking, bobbing and weaving, flashing leather; in constant motion; never giving Charlize a stationary target! Theron cautious, veteran, knowing there's nine long rounds to go and she's not about to waste energy in a calisthenic exhibition to please the rubes in the cheap seats!
Kloss using her reach advantage and her long, lithe, legs to pot-shot from long range, leaning in to pop Charlize in the nose, tits, tummy, then ducks left, right, or leans back juuuuuust tantalizingly out of range of her return fire. Kloss gliding like a 'Secret Angel' around the ring with unexpected - for such a tall, gangly figure - grace around the ring; frustrating Charlize whose 17 year older legs were feeling exactly like what they are, older - after missing far too many training sessions while doing “fun” things like talk shows, location shooting, and relaxing. After last years fun-filled vacation in Australia following her stunning upset win over Yvonne Strahovski she'd taken too much time away from the gym and it had caught up with her. After losses this March to Ryan and Swift her trainer had urged her to get back to work.
“I really should have gone back to the gym after the Swift fight,” she's thinking, her mind wandering just as Karlie throws a 3 punch combo (a left hook pancakes Charlize's right boob; a right overhand slams into her left eye, then as she twists away from that, a second left hook to her belly button!)
Charlize got shocked out of thoughts of “fun filled” Australia when she was uncomfortably snapped back to reality when her butt hit the ropes as she doubled over just as another right hand grazed her jaw! Theron stumbled forward off balance as the ropes behind her rebounded her forward into Karlie. Charlize bear hugged the slender brunette, trapping Karlie's arms as they careened across the ring, nearly falling as their feet tangled. When Karlie's back hit the far ropes, the model reversed their positions and managed to get her right hand free long enough to pound Charlize's belly again, then she pushed off with her left hand on Theron's right shoulder and turned into another right cross to the face, SMAACK!
Theron saw stars and felt the middle rope under her butt supporting her as her knees unhinged ever so briefly. She reached out with her left hand and tried to grab Karlie's right bicep, but Kloss jerked her arm away and drew back to punch again. Charlize ducked and groped blindly for Karlie's waist, grabbing her and holding on as she hid her head under Kloss' right armpit as Karlie beat her fist on Charlize's exposed back in frustration!
Referee Cat Bell leaped in to block Karlie's right hand with her right arm as she got behind Kloss to slap at Charlize's gloved hand behind the model. Managing to break them, Bell pushed the two apart and warned them about holding and hitting, then stepped away to let them resume. Karlie was quicker to restart than Charlize and cuffed her about the head with two or three more blows before Theron escaped back out into the relative safety of the open ring. Kloss pursued and in three long strides once more was within range of her long arms and drove a left hook into Theron's belly once more, stealing what little oxygen remained. Theron was forced to clinch once more and was fortunate the round came to an end as Kloss landed three more hard body shots. Karlie's comeback round earned her the points (wide) and evened the bout after two stanzas.
Between rounds Ragosina working frantically with Endswell on Theron's left eye which has swollen from several flush KK rights; Stone again icing Theron's throbbing abs and ribs. Jeri Ryan, leaning between the ropes, snarks “boxing is a young woman's game” blythly ignoring her own age and recent lack of success against younger foes...or perhaps sharing a hard-earned, new-found wisdom.
Rd 3: Charlize wins round on points (but it's close) Nip-Tuck with KK landing far more often but (as in the 1st round) CT got in the harder punches, rocking Kloss who stubbornly stayed with her game plan and kept chip-chip-chipping away at the Golden Goddesses 42 year old ivory torso.
Theron with a change of tactics this round, foregoing her all-in attack for a defensive shell game; left hand extended, pawing at Kloss' face, right forearm across her lower face, glove high against her left cheek protecting that eye. Every time Karlie advances, Charlize retreats; circling right instead of left; away from the Kloss' right hand that's done damage to her famous face! Karlie easily able to cut off the ring, herding Theron back, back, back, until she's cornered, then Kloss charges in, body slams her against the turnbuckle and bludgeons away to the body; hard, hard, left hooks slam in under that high right elbow, Theron's body buckling under the barrage of leather.
Charlize lunges up out of her stooped posture, catching Kloss with a right uppercut...KLOSS IS HURT! Karlie staggers bowlegged backward. Theron pushes off the ropes with her butt in slow, steady pursuit. Charlize misses another right, but a left glances high off Karlie's right temple, keeping her backing up! Charlize tries to pursue, but Kloss turns and legs away, running in a wide circle around Theron who pivots on her left (front) foot, unable to do more than watch helplessly as the younger woman dances away just out of reach
Charlize trudges forward behind her left; pawing, no longer finding energy to throw it as before; her right back across her face, ever mindful of her swelling left eye. Karlie patient, she's felt the old lionesses power and she respects it; but she felt how diminished it was, and she's in no hurry. Still seven rounds to go, plenty of time to bring the old woman to heel.
Karlie back to her plan, dart in, hit, step back out. And it's working, for the most part. A couple of times she gets hit when Theron anticipates her, or perhaps she just guesses right for a change. Either way, Kloss doesn't like walking into those straight rights or left hooks; even from a woman 42 years old, they still hurt! Closing minute, Karlie puts on a finishing flurry of punching, going to impress the judges with a final explosion. But once more, Theron manages to land an uppercut just as Karlie is leaning into her punch. Kloss' right sails high over Charlize's right shoulder as Theron ducks and brings her own right uppercut up inside of Karlie's right elbow. Kloss' knees buckle and she tumbles into Theron who is almost bowled over by the impact so rubbery are her legs. They clinch and fall onto the ropes where they lean, both too tired to do more than punch each other in the kidneys a few times until Bell breaks them apart just before the bell ends the 3rd round. Charlize wins round on points thanks to landing the harder punches, (but the margin's razor thin at best).
Rd 4: Kloss begins this round the fresher fighter; dictating the pace and using her young, strong, legs to circle so endlessly it's a wonder Theron doesn't get dizzy and fall over! Kloss seems to have figured out how to avoid Charlize's uppercut counters, because Theron tries it two or three times early but all miss badly, Kloss seems to have picked up on it or perhaps Charlize is telegraphing it now. Karlie in an easy rhythm, just gliding so gracefully it's almost like she's floating in the ring, her feet seem to never touch the canvas. Sixty seconds into the round, Karlie swoops in and batters Charlize with a three punch combo, left-right-left, that sends Charlize stutter-stepping back, hands at her sides. Kloss steps with and misses a sweeping “go home” right that comes up inches short of Theron's “off switch.”
Theron slides along the ropes, slapping at Kloss as she patiently walks her down. Theron suddenly moves back into Kloss who is wrong-footed and stumbles over her own feet trying to right herself. Fighting left handed now, her left cocked at her left cheek, Charlize POP hits Karlie in the nose with a right jab, then WHAP, hits her again!
Confused, Karlie backing away waving her left in front of Charlize, her right hand open, palm out, by her right ear. Theron going on offense behind her lead right hand, jab-jab-jab, just steadily walking Kloss back toward the ropes. CRACK! KARLIE'S HURT! A hard left hook by Theron hurts Kloss again and she tries to clinch. Theron bats her hands away and SLAMS A RIGHT TO THE BELLY that doubles Karlie over breathless! Kloss, her head against Charlize's left hip, wraps her arms around Theron's thighs and hangs on as Theron punches down between her shoulder blades. Referee Bell forced to intervene, separates them, then warns both, “keep 'em up.”
Kloss, clearly confused by Theron's switch to lefty, having trouble lining her up and Charlize takes advantage, getting into something of a rhythm as she jabs, hooks and jabs again several times to keep Kloss back on her heels. As soon as Karlie shows the tiniest bit of adjustment, Theron suddenly reverts to form and goes back right handed again. DOWN GOES KLOSS! Kloss reeling back from an overhand right out of the blue, drops on the seat of her pretty red panties! Charlize stands over her admiring her work until Bell pushes her away and sends her to a neutral corner. When Cat Bell returns to pick up the count, Karlie is already on one knee, leaning on the ropes. At “eight” she's up with her gloves in front of her, then earmuffs as she hunkers down trying to figure out what to do and how to weather the unexpected leather barrage suddenly coming her way from a woman she thought was out of the fight.
It's the uppercut! Theron's weapon last round becomes Kloss' salvation. Charlize on a roll, going for the KO, gives Kloss a tiny opening and she goes charging through with both guns blazing! Big uppercut almost rips Theron's head off and a follow-on left hook busts Charlize's nose open, sending a gout of blood down her chin. Her sweaty white sports bra quickly turns pink with her blood! Both women hurt, they spend the last twenty or so seconds clinching, thumping away to the flanks, to the bell. Charlize's late knockdown just enough to win her the round, but Kloss isn't going away!
Between: The 4th round ends with Charlize in trouble, struggling to breath thru her bloody nose, and the left eye is half closed, perhaps more. The eye means Stone will be using Endswell on that, while Ragosina is trying to staunch the bloody nose. Kloss, despite the knockdown, chipper across the ring on her stool holding court with her bestie, Taylor Swift, at ringside. KK still relatively unmarked other than red spots on the left side of her face from Theron's right hand.
Rd 5: Cue comeback Karlie Kloss! Charlize out hoping to finish but Kloss, staying low behind a peek-a-boo shield, doesn't give her much to work with. Action bogs down as Kloss spends the first minute clutching, grabbing and holding Theron who's unable to break away from the long arms wrapping her up. Karlie digs into Charlize's flanks as they writhe belly-to-belly, sweaty torsos rubbing and scrubbing; long legs straining, feet pawing the canvas seeking purchase. Long first minute sees Theron's frustration mounting when she's unable to gain room and is forced to grapple with a taller, younger, apparently stronger, foe.
Suddenly, Taylor Swift appears on the ring apron screaming at referee Bell and gesturing dramatically at Theron who looks stunned by the bizarre scene. “She's holding her, ref!” Tay-Tay screams. “Make her stop!” Bell turns and orders Swift, “Get down offa there or it'll cost yer girlfriend a point!” Swift gives Cat the finger as she's pulled down by Kidman and Benz, then hustled away by an usher and stuffed back in her seat. While Bell's back was turned, something made Theron double over clutching her left breast, her mouth opening and closing in mute protest as tears fill her eyes and run down her flushed cheeks.
Kloss shoves Theron's shoulders up and pins her folded back over the top rope with a forearm under her chin, then hauls off and HAMMERS her right breast twice, then repeats it with her left!! Theron writhes and flails her arms, finally squirming free to stumble away holding her chest in both gloved hands, bent over sucking air as she staggers along the ropes, her mouthpiece dribbling out of her gaping mouth!
Fans in shock; confused; hardly anyone knowing what to make of it. Ringside, a grinning Yvonne Strahovski is using her fists to show Michelle Trachtenberg how Kloss took advantage of Theron who was distracted by Swift and Bell arguing to elbow Charlize's fragile 'puppies.' Yvonne couldn't tell if it was accidental or deliberate, but she couldn't care less because it worked like a charm!
Kloss catches Theron in the corner, grabs her shoulder and turns her around to PANCAKE her proud bosom with a lethal left hook! Charlize sobbing in agony as her knees buckle, sitting on the middle rope as referee Bell arrives to pull Kloss off as she's winding up for more; sending her to the far corner. Cat Bell bends to retrieve Charlize's mouthpiece, then hurriedly rinses it with a water bottle handed up into the ring by Kloss second - Charlize's former Academy teammate Julie Benz, who had a huge smirk on her face.
Bell pushed the mouthguard back in the mouth-breathing Theron's slack jaw, then stepped back and waved Karlie to return. But Kloss has awakened a sleeping giant! Irate at the abuse of her proud prow, Charlize unleashes a furiously mindlessly and reckless, but nevertheless effective onslaught; throwing punches so quickly Kloss doesn't have time to think, let alone throw one of her own! Theron chases Kloss around the ring windmilling her fists, missing most, but landing plenty enough to ensure she has Karlie's attention for the almost one minute left in the round.
At the bell, referee Cat Bell jumps in and grabs Charlize giving a relieved Karlie Kloss a chance to scurry around behind her on her escape to her corner; unhurt, but not unshaken. Theron, out of wind, bent over with hands on her knees, sucking air as Bell stands by to ensure there's no extracurricular stuff after the bell.
All Karlie's early good work, and her near-knockdown bosom busting, won her the points (close but split - the lone scorekeeper who had a clear view of the “foul” and took it upon herself to mark her down accordingly).
Between: Ragosina and Stone, joined by Ryan, work ferociously to once more stop Charlize's bloody nose and try to reduce the swelling of her left eye. Across the ring, Kloss is pantomiming an explanation to Kidman (so it appeared) saying Charlize turned her torso just as Karlie - realizing something was going on behind her that Charlize was looking at - tried to 'pull' her punch. She shrugged as she showed how her elbow 'accidentally' slammed into Charlize's left breast. (After that, she'd have to be a fool not to take advantage of her good fortune, right?)
Rd 6: During the break, Kloss had recovered both her wind and her composure, but Charlize was so busy getting her nose and eye repaired, she couldn't fully catch her breath and at the bell she's still panting heavily as she slowly steps out; guard high; and circles, staying as far away from Kloss' right as she can; her butt slip-sliding along the ropes as she ducks and bobs to avoid being hit while she tries to catch her breath but Karlie doesn't give her the chance! Kloss leaps in with a wild overhand right that lands high on Charlize's forehead, snapping her head back. As she leans into the ropes, Karlie's left hook is already on the way and it crashes in under Theron's right elbow, buckling her knees. As she gropes for the ropes trying to regain her balance, Karlie bodies up and unleashes a thunderous barrage of body blows to the unprotected midsection of the aging blond!
Charlize behind clasped gloves, knees deeply bent, unable to throw any punches, just crouches to receive a furious bludgeoning from the limber limbed brunette model. As Kloss continues to dominate Charlize with little coming back, Ragosina reaches for a towel to throw in. But when she raises her arm, however, Jeri Ryan grabs it and wrestles it away from her!
Ragosina turns on Ryan and holds her clinched fist in Jeri's face, “If you ever lays a hand on me again I will....” But Natascha can't finish her threat because just then Ryan clocks her with a sucker punch to the chin! Natascha goes sprawling onto the lap of a mature redhead sitting with her teen-age blonde daughter in the front row. The old redhead wraps her arms around Natascha's chest to keep her from falling to the floor while the young blonde pulls Natasha's head over on her lap, gently stroking her cheek (trying no doubt, to revive her.)
Stone is left standing there bewildered next to Ryan - neither willing to turn her back on the other. The towel - which was kicked under the ring during the scuffle - now forgotten and they watch with sinking hearts as Theron is 'manhandled' by “big Karlie” Kloss who's gained complete and total control of the fight; carefully picking the spots on Charlize's exposed and vulnerable body to attack.
Slowly battered back across the ring, Charlize is driven to her knees at the ropes where she lands with her right arm draped over the middle rope and her head bowed. Bell arrives as Kloss stands over her, looking unsure whether or not to hit her again. Cat pushes Kloss away, takes Charlize's elbow and helps her to her feet, leaning her against the ropes for a standing eight count.
Cat asks, “You don't want to quit, do you? Not and tarnish that reputation for toughness; for being a battler; for never quitting. You don't want that do you, Golden Goddess?”
Unable to speak without any air in her lungs, Charlize can only numbly shake her head slowly. That's enough for Bell who waves Kloss over and tells her, “She's all yours. Just don't hit her too hard or she might break. Ha-ha-ha.”
Kloss returns to pound Charlize's unprotected belly, the Goddesses gloves hanging limp from her wrists in front of her, offering no defense against the big brunette who drives punches in with both hands, then leans on Theron to pin her limp body on the ropes. Karlie looks over at Bell who, reluctantly it seems, finally comes over to “force” a break.
Kloss steps back and as Charlize starts to slide down and sit on the middle strand, Kloss again quick-steps in to wrap Theron in her arms, holding her up with Charlize's head lolling on Karlie's shoulder. Cat Bell gives Charlize a standing eight count while Kloss is holding her up, but then thinks better of it and (almost with a look of regret) waves off the rest and gives a KO6 to the winner, Karlie Kloss!
* * * *
After: Cat and Karlie each put an arm around Charlize's waist and hold her up as they practically drag her to her corner and set her butt on her stool. Karlie returns to her corner to a chorus of loud boos from boxing (and Theron) fans in the crowd - though others, those less enamored with Theron and/or her poor performance in the ring - applaud and cheer Kloss' effort.
Bell stays behind to help Stone (who's working alone after Ryan disappeared when it looked like Ragosina had began to come to) care for Charlize, readying her for the long trip back to her dressing room where the ring doctor would declare her “unfit” to face the media... most of whom wouldn't be able to think of a question that hadn't been asked of Theron a hundred times before.
Besides, everyone wants to talk to the newest “hot thing” Karlie Kloss, not Theron - who was already being considered as “yesterday's news.”
* * *
Age and conditioning: two big strikes against The Golden Goddess... and too much quickness and a far too much younger opponent... a perfect recipe for disaster! Whenever Theron could control the pace, her vast experience made a difference; but when Kloss could get, and maintain, distance; her long young legs and had no problem eluding Theron's attacks and her long reach kept her safely at bay where Karlie could lean in and do damage, then escape untouched too many times to count. After Theron's big knockdown in the 4th, it looked like she felt she'd accomplished what she came for and after that the action was dominated by the young woman who won the final six minutes of the fight by a wide margin.
Clearly, the days of Theron thinking she can handle top welterweights are gone and many think she can no longer compete with top lightweights either. Tonight, Kloss showed how hard a road Theron has ahead of her if she insists on continuing to fight - as her stable desperately wants and needs her to. It wouldn't surprise experts if she were forced to accept fights with young kids wanting to pad their resume at her expense; or perhaps she could lose some more weight and fight bantams.
More likely, however, it may be time she considered the long-rumored (and oft-denied) speculation that she will - like other 'washed up' ex-boxers and MMA fighters - make the switch to celebrity wrestling and cash in on her fame, her beauty, and her notoriety!
* * *
Kloss appears looking less pleased and happy than one would expect given the magnitude of her victory. But she must know, deep down, it's a hollow victory when her opponent isn't capable of putting up much of a fight. Still, she's got to beat the opponent she's given, not the one she wishes she had. Theron showed up and fought, and Karlie did what she had to; nothing to be ashamed of.
Of course, everyone asked about the “foul” (the elbow). “She turned into me,” Karlie explained, somewhat reluctantly. “It was a foul, yes. But it was an accidental one. Still, I didn't hesitate to take advantage of it. She should have been paying attention, not ogling the referee's butt or boobs, or whatever it was distracted her. She's got to protect herself at all times. I don't apologize for taking advantage, but I do feel bad about the elbow... I know myself how that hurts.”
Asked a follow-up question about when had she received an elbowing foul, Karlie blushed and admitted, “OK, it's wasn't in a fight but on a Victoria's Secret runway at a show.... but still, they hurt the same, that's all I meant.” And she had the good sense to blush as she said it.
Kloss' string of impressive victories against big name opponents continues and sooner or later people are going to start to believe she may be as good as she appears. Karlie can only hope that day doesn't come too soon... she's having too much fun being underestimated!