Hailee Steinfeld versus Elodie Di Patrizi

BEFORE:

A pair of rangy, athletic, bantam brunettes square off in this one, and, while Hailee's the girl with the title on her resume, and, as such, the favorite coming in, Elodie is far from cowed, as the Italian beauty makes clear in the pre-fight. "I keep hearing she's the favorite," says Di Patrizi with a shake of the head. "Well, SOME people are going to be surprised by what happens tonight."

"Surprises?" Hailee says with a smile. "I've got one for Elodie, and I don't think she's going to like it."

ROUND ONE:

Both fighters have length and are plenty athletic, so it's no surprise that the brunettes want to work at range, extend on punches, and give themselves room to move. Result is a ROLLICKING first round that sees action in almost every inch of the ring, as the ladies work the jabs and the feet, probing, attacking in spots, working for position, all while gathering info that will certainly be important as this one goes along. No one really gains any control as the proceedings continue, but it's the Italian who's getting more done, despite the best efforts of the former champion. At the bell, it's close, but Di Patrizi has taken the points and the 10-9 lead.

ROUND TWO:

More of the same in what's already becoming quite the crowd pleaser. Both fighters are plenty active in the second frame, and, once again, the battle rages all around the ring, with plenty of movement and lots of leather being exchanged. There's a bit less caution from both brunettes this time, as they put to use the lessons of the first round, but, once again, no one really gains control, as both fighters are able to put together punches and score points despite some nice, slick defense being played, especially by the younger American. Final seconds see Hailee put together a pair of nice flurries that throw the Italian to the defensive, and they're enough to clinch the points for Steinfeld, who evens things at 19.

ROUND THREE:

Di Patrizi out quickly, looking to cut off any momentum Steinfeld might try to build off her late surge in the second, and it works...and very well indeed. Quickly enough, the American finds herself on the back foot as the Italian gets off in combination, landing solid shot again and again. All of a sudden, Hailee's playing defense and giving ground as everything comes together for the Italian. Steinfeld's never hurt, but she's getting touched up and touched often as an in-rhythm Elodie maintains control through volume and rarely lets the younger woman get out of reverse. For the first time in the bout, there's no doubt at the bell. It's Di Patrizi wide, and Elodie's back on top 29-28.

ROUND FOUR:

Elodie out fast again, backing up the American with sharp flurries of heavy leather. For the second round in a row, the younger brunette finds herself on the defen...BOOM! Right hand counter, HAILEE and ELODIE IS HURT! Di Patrizi ALL WOBBLY BUTT as Steinfeld goes over to the offensive in a BIG way, backing up the older woman with a barrage of heavy leather, forcing her to the ropes and then TEEING OFF WITH BOTH HANDS! Ref looking in as the Italian hangs on in a tight guard, blocking, rolling with, jabbing back in spots. Steinfeld determined to end this thing, but the clock is her enemy, and the final seconds tick away with the referee still at bay and the Italian still standing. It's Hailee wide and we're even at 38, but a big opportunity has gone wanting.

ROUND FIVE:

Steinfeld all in off the bell! American determined to press her advantage and becomes even more so as she realizes the Italian is still buzzed. Younger brunette sitting down on punches, throwing VOLUMES of hard leather. Di Patrizi trying to manage, giving ground, countering here and there, but taking quite the pasting as Hailee lines her up again and again for hard right hands and BOOM! DOWN GOES DI PATRIZI! A straight right does the trick and the Italian is blown to her back. Former champ quickly to a neutral corner. Ref counting down on a stunned Elodie. Di Patrizi sits up at six, tries to stand at seven, and crumples back to the canvas! And the ref waves it off! It's OVER! And your winner by KO5 is Hailee Steinfeld!

AFTER:

Steinfeld looking a little scuffed, but she's smiling broadly in the post. "Give her credit," Hailee says. "She's game and she's also pretty good. Thing is, I'M the best bantam in the FCBA. I proved it once, and I'll prove it again!"