Post by Lookout! Boxing on Dec 29, 2017 23:02:45 GMT -6
AMANDA RIGHETTI (34 y/o, 5 ft 8, W: 73, L: 27) vs HILARY RHODA (30 y/o, 5 ft 11, W: 14, L: 2)
(Results: Lookout!, Words: Bonzo)
Before: Welterweight’s volatile territory these days – gone are the times of Bridget Regan and Amanda Righetti alternating title runs in the division among themselves. Instead, a new generation has swept past the league across 2016 and 2017, stirring up the mix in explosive fashion. There are other participants, too (Karlie Kloss, Bo Krsmanovic, Tahnee Atkinson), but the revolution’s mostly boiled down to three women: Kate Upton, Hannah Ferguson and Hilary Rhoda. Since Upton dethroned a then-dominant Righetti in September 2016, Kate’s mostly been followed by other first-time champions (Gemma Atkinson beating Upton, Ferguson beating Atkinson, Upton returning to beat Ferguson, Rhoda beating Upton), with no one racking up more than two title defenses. Rhoda’s performances these past two years have been stunning (14 – 2), beating Kloss and (twice) Law among others, culminating in a debut KO win over Upton for the title in August. In fact, Rhoda’s only ever lost to a single woman in the league, that being Ferguson, both in title bouts. With Upton neutralizing a seldom seen Bridget Regan and Rhoda pounding out Cassidy freeman in November, some feel like the revolution has by now almost been completed, with a new model generation sweeping aside the well-known “old” guard. In Boxing World’s recent rankings, models have taken the first three ranking spots plus the champion’s throne, with past champions falling down the list (Righetti at #4, Regan an #6, freeman at #10, Moore at #11). Righetti’s suffered devastating setbacks against the model generation, losing to Upton via knockout in consecutive battles, then falling to Ferguson in a bitter KO loss in September. Can Big Rigs – now a hall of famer with one hundred bouts – still compete for the pound-for-pound straps? Certainly, the pressure’s immense on her – with Rhoda forming the third part of the model triumvirate, this is must-win territory for Righetti’s ego and reputation. “I’ve struggled against these girls. I can’t trivialize this,” Amanda speaks out pre-fight. “They are a whole different branch of girls than I’m used to fighting around here. We’ve had VS and other models before, think Rebecca Romijn, but none of them has ever been as good as these chicks. They’re so tall, lanky, strong in that lean, rugged sense – it’s a big challenge and I need to adapt fast. But then again, I’m most dangerous when I’m under pressure. The counter revolution begins here. Step one, Hilary.” – Rhoda’s a calm, composed fighter in response, articulating her self-assurance. “I have huge respect for Amanda,” she says with a shrug, clearly not intending to enter this fight exuding the air of a challenger. “The welter landscape has changed dramatically in the past year or so and I can understand how frustrating that must be for her. Still, if I want to dominate the division, as I do, there’s just no way past Amanda Righetti. She needs to be clobbered, brushed aside with an iron fist, so that she can face reality in 2018. I need to be up to the task. I need to be dominant. I will be.”
R1: Girls tuckin’ chins, right hands held tight, pumping ‘em jabs to chests in circular motions, pumping ‘em nice and thick, hoping to steer the opponent backward, blunt force style. Rigs in compressed posture, a-weavin’, applying both hands to Hilary’s flanks/gut, attempting to overbear the slighter built Rhoda via body punches, always hopping, stepping, stalking forward…Rhod sliding back on her heels, hoping to walk a greedy Rigs into shock and awe counters with the right hand via the gap between their bodies, extending ring space. Amanda forms steady pressure early, moving her head well, but Rhoda’s legs slowly meet the expectations, as she’s sliding, stepping out, pivoting into sloshing hands to Righetti’s guard/skull, yielding her points against an aggressive, but increasingly out-finessed redhead. Rhoda working strong via the left hooks to chest/gut, her pak-pak punches grazing ‘Manda’s ribs/tits in sumptuous fashion, catching out Amanda’s aggressive hop, step approach via wide-reaching hooks across either side, detaining Rigs for more of those violent little cuffs, making good use of those long, bending arms, hoping Amanda will fold up forward, walk straight into the deferred right hand. Solid last two minutes, Hilary…she’s got Amanda increasingly curtaining via guard, her hands tucked tight, with Righetti’s own, solid jab slightly kept out of the game this round as Rhoda veers around, steering the smaller redhead her way via slappin’ wide hooks, dictating range n’ space against the shorter Righetti, dousing some redhead fire early. Bell: Rhoda winning praise from corner – “Hil, you need to punish her via the left hook, boss her around…girl will step into your righty for sure!”
R2: Rhoda pre-empts Righetti with the jab…she’s all planted strongly mid-ring, sticking speedy, solid jabs to a pivoting Amanda: she’ll be retaining Rigs with the wide, sideway jabs, the left hand on right shoulder, leaning in, routing the right uppercut up top, smack to jaw! Amanda more circumspect early in the round as a result, keeping tempo high but working from outside, slowly working to side-step leggy Hil herself…by mid-round, she’s weaving her torso better, belting out straight rights down to Rhoda’s ribcage, hurting brunette via short, stubby jabs inside, outpacing Rhoda in delivery. Some brutal ribcage punches got Hilary dizzy…she’s having trouble clearing away in time, as ‘Manda pounds off Hilary’s chest, grubbing deep into the brunette’s gut/flanks. Rhoda still dangerous off the side, her particularly effective, blowing right hook banging to Rigs’s skull/jaw, chop, chop, but Amanda still walks her down, powers her way inside effectively…there, Righetti’s relentless, forcing brunette to ropes, pullin’ arms down, chippin’ punches to Hilary’s tits/arms/biceps in workwoman fashion, out-punching her foe on tempo/thickness this round, jolting Hil’s slimmer body in the grasp. Corner to Rhoda at bell: “Step away from her girl, extend via the left, walk her into the right…who’s the six-footer here, Hil?”
R3: Rhoda extends the lefty jab, loping clockwise around ‘Manda by loose-limbed, elegant footwork…she’s a-lickin’ supple, sleek lefts to the front of Righetti’s guard, bending in for smooth hooks to Righetti’s ears/temple. Righetti: dukes at temple, working from a firmer, more rigid stance, her guard high, stomping-with the fast, leggy Hil, but getting buzzed in spots – Amanda’s blocking, answering short, flat jabs up top to guard/neck as Rhoda penetrates downstairs, scrubbing redhead tummy meat via her wiry, sinewy power. Minute mark – Righetti’s strong behind her brawny guard, stepping-with, out-worked, but a-counterin’, bendin’ forward into short, drifting rights across Rhoda’s tits, gut, arms. Hilary cruisin’ more around ‘Manda, the sturdy strength behind her punches almost imperceptible…she’s stroking Rigs via slick body punches, gradually imposing her own will here. Mid-round: Righetti sliding onto heels, her mouth slightly open…she’s getting bruised here! Rhoda lashes out more rhythmic hooks, scoring across Amanda’s sides and lower back as Righetti’s getting turned, bending a little forward, giving up more of her flanks to Hil’s spinning hooks. Down the stretch, Righetti’s forced to clinch around Hil’s hips, using crude strength to drive back Rhoda, thwarting brunette’s leggy forward drive as Rhoda struggles, separates, grappling to get back into that comfort zone, where she can wallop her hooks home. Bell: Rhoda’s round on the scorecards persuasively, reminding ringside pundits of classic Tricia Helfer-esque bendy power – meanwhile, Righetti’s corner apprehensive, Amanda’s tummy showing wealth of pink-ish spots where Hil’s hands let rip…”Impose your will, ‘Manda, you can’t let this girl out-punch you.”
R4: Righetti’s jab explodes with effort early…as girl start exchanging circular punches, Amanda’s humming left pitches to brunette mouth/jawline…Hilary’s stung, she’s hurt! Amanda snarls, stretching out via the left, forming her stance now…Rhoda skippin’, dancin’, pullin’ out wide uppercuts on the sides, but Rigs wades in, bobbin’, weavin’, punishing her brunette across the flanks/ribs. Righetti, Rhoda scrubbing bodies – Rigs more dominant via the lefty, pushing back, extending space via the left, then measuring her brunette for rights…thick, thumping contact erupting on Rhoda’s jaw here! Hil’s trooping now as she’s forced to sponge up the wallop, has her oscillating the punches, a little sluggish in her reactions, only slowly stabilizing via legs, resilience. Second, third minute: Righetti’s planted firm, confident, BASHING them punches to Rhod’s waistline/tits, digging in behind her elbows n’ tummy. Rhoda’s butt-slumped into ropes at one point, then slowly claws back in the third – off-rope counters, Hilary Rhoda…muscular hooks, clipping uppercuts force Rigs into bigger distances…Amanda’s still controlling via the straight left, but no longer allowed to pummel Hilary’s flanks/tummy at will. Down the stretch, Rhoda’s formed a tight “v” stance, working with ‘em ropes to lean, bend into dangerous rising uppercuts…she’s got Rigs spooked a bit, still snatching out per jabs but reluctant to stay inside too long. Corner to Rhoda: “Chick’s getting weak-kneed at your power…prove it to her now!”
R5: Girls shift into body-to-body positions, torsos weavin’, chests heavin’, not much legs early in the fifth, just power, thickness, fists thudding to guard, blocking, answering…’Manda shreds hooks across the gut, churning Rhoda’s robust tummy as big girls go rogue, swap punches, both stepping-with the other in counterclockwise fashion. Rigs lashes out via the left, loosening up Hil’s right hand guard, the power sweeping thru to Hil Rhod’s face…brunette intercepts attempted combo per slingin’ left uppercut, bending in and down, rippin’ it to the right of Righetti’s face just as Rigs’ right haymaker hisses past…Amanda’s huurrrrt! Righetti covers up, stooping forward, her lips parted, fists at temple, blocking: Hilary takes a step off her foe, arching her back to unhinge a rising lefty uppercut off the right foot to ‘Manda’s skull! Redhead’s in a wobble, straightening to slip, totter backward outta range – Hilary hops-to, poppin’ punches from her hips, strappin’ her punches across Amanda’s midriff as Righetti’s butt caves into ropes…proud Rigs getting mauled. Rhoda mobs Rigs upon the lower back, open flanks, whipping ‘em hooks to Righetti’s strong body. Leggy Rhoda turns into siege master, her feet planted fixed, punishing Rigs as action moves from ropeside to ropeside. Amanda’s robust, sturdy torso sponges up damage as she stoops off ropes, blocking instead of countering, grasping for clinches – late second minute: BEATDOWN, Hilary Rhoda…extensive shots upside ‘Manda’s waistline, one particular VICIOUS ripping gut hook STAGGERS Righetti, folding her forward limp-ish as her knees collapse, sloshing her TO ALL fOURS, chest all heaving in pain as she’s holding her tummy! Rhoda takes a step off with a grin, eyes blazing, as ref starts counting Amanda out, her back muscles shiny with sweat, bent over near ropes. Righetti beats the count – cumulative body damage too much for proud ‘Manda, coughing up the knockdown…but she ain’t finished here, taking her time, struggling, rising…Righetti’s ready to operate, beating the count at five, six, a-hoppin’, a-jogglin’, then already extending via the left, moving well, leggy, rangy against Rhoda’s lashing hooks. Down the stretch, Rhoda dictates, but it’s no pervasive beatdown any more as Rigs stabilizes behind active, pumping jab, holding Rhod at bay ‘cept for the occasional rising hook into gut, right hand to guard, with ‘Manda wresting taller Hil into more messy clinches, her eyes hard, grim, just pressing her sturdy body forward relentlessly. Corner dialogue: “That sweet gut punch, Hil! Chick’s vulnerable – you need to get her into the ropes again, pound her body into quit.”
R6: Rhoda stalking, hammering…she’s extending per lean, long jabs, those looonng arms putting immediate pressure on Righetti as she’s leaning in and under Amanda’s arms to back up redhead into ropeside positions…all clockwise mid-ring pressure from lanky six-footer against her foe at this point. Righetti shut out, lingering out of range, only cautiously hoppin’, steppin’, still losing the battle of effective jabs here against Rhoda’s longer, assertive reach. Rhoda’s right hand under her chin, left across tummy or bullyin’ inside to Amanda’s midriff up close, as she’s draping the front of ‘Manda’s tight guard via lefts, digging them nice and thick into Righetti’s tummy meat, her dangerous right uppercuts forcing redhead to spin, weave her skull/torso out of range as brunette dictates space/range behind her driving lead. Passing mid-round, late second, third minute: Righetti’s stamina reasserts itself, allows her to do a better job of sliding, tacking more effectively out of Hil’s wiry jabwork, answering via slick left jabs/uppercuts upside Rhoda’s chest/chin, slowing brunette down along the way, blocking her punches more effectively, erupting into stout, stubby, fast counters all across Hil’s front. Rigs more proactive now, upping the tempo, stocking up on opponent via left, right hooks across tits, neck…she’s still walking into the occasional walloping hook to guard/jaw, but starts to manage taller Rhoda’s range supremacy now. Not enough to steal the round, but Righetti’s moving leggier here, reading Hil’s jabwork rhythm better…down the stretch, she’s finally able to extend via her own left again, thrumming Rhoda’s bod via series of powerful straight lefts, sliding Hils onto her heels per buzzing activity…Amanda recaptures mid-ring territory, forming a more familiar stance late. Bell, corner to Rhoda: “You ain’t bringing the right hand, Hil. Girl’s figuring out your left, you need to make her stop now via the right.”
R7: Pressure from both now – fight’s on the rocks here as girls exchange, set against via opposing jabs, struggling for range, ring supremacy along the way. Righetti’s weight of shot making Rhoda’s legs, knee buzz…brunette sliding back, not holding her stance…more little set-piece battles, shifting tactics follow. Righetti’s planted in that familiar thick-legged siege position, rollin’, ploppin’ her jabs to Hil’s guard, upper torso as taller Rhoda bends, twists, smacking back nimble, dangerous off-ropes counters. Swooshing right hand uppercuts battering Amanda’s jawline, Rhoda’s bod pushed violently into top rope per brutal body hooks – rowdy stop n’ go, instant response punching from both as the crowd oooh’s, aaahh’s, awed by a seventh-round welterweight big girl stamina contest…it’s all buttocks shuddering, torsos tottering from impact as both girls hold, batter on, ramming ‘em punches back. Rigs leading on activity, those sharp, stinging lefts holding Rhoda in fixed positions, allow her to manage the ring now as ‘Manda hops, steps and punches, stalkin’ her brunette behind firepower now…Hil’s counter-aggressive, pin-pointing Righetti’s jaw, mouth, cheeks for sloshing, non-rhythmic, hard-to-read counters from the ropes, bending her whole loooonng torso into these massive, encompassing haymakers on the left and right. Righetti’s sweaty back glistening under the effort, shoulders rolling into chop, chop, chop, lefts to tits, arms, neck, rights to guard/skull, shuddering home…but Rhoda’s always stepping-to, rolling-with, exploding. Girls want to punch, not clinch…both willing to take, trusting legs, chins to hold – Rightti’s jab frenzy, activity and Rhoda’s exact, shuttling counters cancel each other out in seventh round draw down the stretch. Corner to Rigs: “Keep hurtin’ her via the left, be patient, thorough, take her body down brick by brick!” – corner to Rhod: “Don’t let her drive you into the ropes…don’t counter, you need to dominate this fight, girl, bring the long jab!”
R8: Righetti stationed mid-ring, hacking away via a pump, pump jab, not yielding an inch as she turns, moves in a circle, all anchored in her stiff, sturdy stance, choppin’ Hil across her upper torso, arms, neck, upper torso, arms, neck, tits. First minute sees taller Rhoda slipping, gliding back onto her heels on occasion, still muscling in via instant receipts to body/skull, but her counters no longer work as effectively, no longer matching Rigs punch for punch…lanky brunette’s getting shut out here! Rigs so belligerent now, so determined, baring her teeth as she hacks Rhoda all across her flanks. Hil Rhod getting dictated, forced with shuddering buttocks into ropes against her will, as ‘Manda’s planted on top, choppin’ short punches in, choppin’ them in. Rhoda’s in a solid, rugged defense: she’s active via side hooks to the flanks/elbows/lower back, forcing some clinches now, but clearly out-punched at this point, outpaced. Rigs keeps her shots short, succinct, bringin’ mitts back fast as Rhoda starts leaning, wilting forward into redhead shoulder by mid-round, getting stabilized by Amanda’s thick, brutal short-jab body punches. Third minute: Righetti shoves in right hands to the Rhoda gut now, massive, ample punches…Rhoda’s mouth slowly punched open, her eyes wide, she’s getting a little sluggish, a little tottering…she’s rallying, her counter activity fizzling down as she struggles to hold her stance! Down the stretch, Rhoda’s a slumping beauty, soakin’ them up nice and thick…jab punches always have her wilting a bit forward, until she’s propped up again by ‘Manda’s rights to the gut/shoulders, saggin’ back in pain. Bell sees a pleased Righetti marching to her corner, all no-nonsense, “Work her now, ‘Manda, girl’s ready for quit!”
R9: Rhoda’s conditioning solid, impressive tonight – leggy, tall brunette’s strides still as sweeping, elegant as in the first round, but with an added sense of stumble, hurry now…nevertheless she’s attempting to re-conquer mid-ring battleground, driving long, lanky cross hooks over Righetti’s outstretched left arm to redhead neck/tits/head, exploding into straight-jabs whenever ‘Manda’s right flinches to punch. Hil’s still bendy, nimble, stepping in and out of Rigs’s substantial, hunnntiiiinng left jab, clobbering ‘Manda solid, timed uppercuts to left jawline/mouth as Rigs opens the right hand guard, returning into default guard, chopping more jabs to Rigs’s guard/skull herself. Rhoda suspends the chase via some of those sloppin’ counters, but cannot stop Righetti’s short, hammering lefts from HURTING her, though, chop/chop/guard, chop/chop/guard…always the same, clockwork pressure punching Hil’s legs into a buzz as ‘Manda’s jab grinds into brunette tummy, chest, arms, flanks, battering, bossing her backward in semi circles. Rhoda yields in compliance after competitive first minute, now just trying to slide, step out of Rigs’s punching range…she’s concerned with keeping her guard water-tight, every time she twitches to counter, Righetti’s jab’s there to pounce, slam thru…Hilary’s butt hits ropes as her legs turn wobbly, with Rigs setting up turnbuckle sieges across the ring! Scene, mid second minute: Rhoda stoops forward off ropes, right clutched to protect her face, left dangling across tummy…standing just slightly off her, Amanda’s jab rules here, not allowing Rhoda to clinch…she’s just heartlessly wrecking her to the body. Ref edges closer, but Hilary’s not yet helpless, just getting pummeled…‘Manda – composed, patient, professional – MEATGRINDS those brunette ribs, sloshes more jabs to Hil’s jaw line, slap, slap, slap, her head always following her weavin’ torso left and right, then POUNDS a right uppercut to the left of Rhoda’s mouth! Oh, Hilary’s head starts to loll, her torso jolting on impact…Rigs shifts closer, her right at chin, slinnnnggs that left hand hook to Rhoda’s tummy again, one, two, three, as brunette body trembles, jerking up, then Righetti pulls out a huge, SHATTERING right hand blast to Hilary’s left jaw line that just flattens Rhoda’s face, hoists her six-footer’s body first upward, then has it tilting off to the side. Rhoda’s torso simply SLOSHES to the ground, lands on her side positioned in right angle to ropes, one leg over the other, one arm trapped beneath, mouth quivering, eyelashes batting in confusion as the count passes by – the victim of a peak form KO9 Amanda Righetti!
After: A groaning, rickety Rhoda’s getting set upright against the ropes by her corner’s team, still too weak after the count’s finished…flittering, bewildered looks she’s giving prove she’s not quite here again yet. Meanwhile, an exulted Amanda Righetti’s still rushing around the ring in giant strides, celebrating, pumping up the crowd…it’s a triumph, mixed with an air of relief. Both game plans have worked tonight, up to a point: Rhoda sublime in the fifth – when was the last time Amanda Righetti was brought to her knees from a body hit? – until she slowly lost control. Girls tense, tight-drawn in the ring post-fight…mutual respect’s there, but no small talk: this is a rivalry from the beginning. Final two rounds: classic Righetti, her finishing mode simply relentless tonight. “Hilary’s for real, no doubt. She’ll be a challenge every time, just as I’ll be looking forward to beating her, every time. As for the coming year…okay, 2017 might have been the year of Hannah Ferguson, but don’t get too excited, folks…next year ain’t going to be such a good year for blondes at welterweight, I can promise you that.”
(Results: Lookout!, Words: Bonzo)
Before: Welterweight’s volatile territory these days – gone are the times of Bridget Regan and Amanda Righetti alternating title runs in the division among themselves. Instead, a new generation has swept past the league across 2016 and 2017, stirring up the mix in explosive fashion. There are other participants, too (Karlie Kloss, Bo Krsmanovic, Tahnee Atkinson), but the revolution’s mostly boiled down to three women: Kate Upton, Hannah Ferguson and Hilary Rhoda. Since Upton dethroned a then-dominant Righetti in September 2016, Kate’s mostly been followed by other first-time champions (Gemma Atkinson beating Upton, Ferguson beating Atkinson, Upton returning to beat Ferguson, Rhoda beating Upton), with no one racking up more than two title defenses. Rhoda’s performances these past two years have been stunning (14 – 2), beating Kloss and (twice) Law among others, culminating in a debut KO win over Upton for the title in August. In fact, Rhoda’s only ever lost to a single woman in the league, that being Ferguson, both in title bouts. With Upton neutralizing a seldom seen Bridget Regan and Rhoda pounding out Cassidy freeman in November, some feel like the revolution has by now almost been completed, with a new model generation sweeping aside the well-known “old” guard. In Boxing World’s recent rankings, models have taken the first three ranking spots plus the champion’s throne, with past champions falling down the list (Righetti at #4, Regan an #6, freeman at #10, Moore at #11). Righetti’s suffered devastating setbacks against the model generation, losing to Upton via knockout in consecutive battles, then falling to Ferguson in a bitter KO loss in September. Can Big Rigs – now a hall of famer with one hundred bouts – still compete for the pound-for-pound straps? Certainly, the pressure’s immense on her – with Rhoda forming the third part of the model triumvirate, this is must-win territory for Righetti’s ego and reputation. “I’ve struggled against these girls. I can’t trivialize this,” Amanda speaks out pre-fight. “They are a whole different branch of girls than I’m used to fighting around here. We’ve had VS and other models before, think Rebecca Romijn, but none of them has ever been as good as these chicks. They’re so tall, lanky, strong in that lean, rugged sense – it’s a big challenge and I need to adapt fast. But then again, I’m most dangerous when I’m under pressure. The counter revolution begins here. Step one, Hilary.” – Rhoda’s a calm, composed fighter in response, articulating her self-assurance. “I have huge respect for Amanda,” she says with a shrug, clearly not intending to enter this fight exuding the air of a challenger. “The welter landscape has changed dramatically in the past year or so and I can understand how frustrating that must be for her. Still, if I want to dominate the division, as I do, there’s just no way past Amanda Righetti. She needs to be clobbered, brushed aside with an iron fist, so that she can face reality in 2018. I need to be up to the task. I need to be dominant. I will be.”
R1: Girls tuckin’ chins, right hands held tight, pumping ‘em jabs to chests in circular motions, pumping ‘em nice and thick, hoping to steer the opponent backward, blunt force style. Rigs in compressed posture, a-weavin’, applying both hands to Hilary’s flanks/gut, attempting to overbear the slighter built Rhoda via body punches, always hopping, stepping, stalking forward…Rhod sliding back on her heels, hoping to walk a greedy Rigs into shock and awe counters with the right hand via the gap between their bodies, extending ring space. Amanda forms steady pressure early, moving her head well, but Rhoda’s legs slowly meet the expectations, as she’s sliding, stepping out, pivoting into sloshing hands to Righetti’s guard/skull, yielding her points against an aggressive, but increasingly out-finessed redhead. Rhoda working strong via the left hooks to chest/gut, her pak-pak punches grazing ‘Manda’s ribs/tits in sumptuous fashion, catching out Amanda’s aggressive hop, step approach via wide-reaching hooks across either side, detaining Rigs for more of those violent little cuffs, making good use of those long, bending arms, hoping Amanda will fold up forward, walk straight into the deferred right hand. Solid last two minutes, Hilary…she’s got Amanda increasingly curtaining via guard, her hands tucked tight, with Righetti’s own, solid jab slightly kept out of the game this round as Rhoda veers around, steering the smaller redhead her way via slappin’ wide hooks, dictating range n’ space against the shorter Righetti, dousing some redhead fire early. Bell: Rhoda winning praise from corner – “Hil, you need to punish her via the left hook, boss her around…girl will step into your righty for sure!”
R2: Rhoda pre-empts Righetti with the jab…she’s all planted strongly mid-ring, sticking speedy, solid jabs to a pivoting Amanda: she’ll be retaining Rigs with the wide, sideway jabs, the left hand on right shoulder, leaning in, routing the right uppercut up top, smack to jaw! Amanda more circumspect early in the round as a result, keeping tempo high but working from outside, slowly working to side-step leggy Hil herself…by mid-round, she’s weaving her torso better, belting out straight rights down to Rhoda’s ribcage, hurting brunette via short, stubby jabs inside, outpacing Rhoda in delivery. Some brutal ribcage punches got Hilary dizzy…she’s having trouble clearing away in time, as ‘Manda pounds off Hilary’s chest, grubbing deep into the brunette’s gut/flanks. Rhoda still dangerous off the side, her particularly effective, blowing right hook banging to Rigs’s skull/jaw, chop, chop, but Amanda still walks her down, powers her way inside effectively…there, Righetti’s relentless, forcing brunette to ropes, pullin’ arms down, chippin’ punches to Hilary’s tits/arms/biceps in workwoman fashion, out-punching her foe on tempo/thickness this round, jolting Hil’s slimmer body in the grasp. Corner to Rhoda at bell: “Step away from her girl, extend via the left, walk her into the right…who’s the six-footer here, Hil?”
R3: Rhoda extends the lefty jab, loping clockwise around ‘Manda by loose-limbed, elegant footwork…she’s a-lickin’ supple, sleek lefts to the front of Righetti’s guard, bending in for smooth hooks to Righetti’s ears/temple. Righetti: dukes at temple, working from a firmer, more rigid stance, her guard high, stomping-with the fast, leggy Hil, but getting buzzed in spots – Amanda’s blocking, answering short, flat jabs up top to guard/neck as Rhoda penetrates downstairs, scrubbing redhead tummy meat via her wiry, sinewy power. Minute mark – Righetti’s strong behind her brawny guard, stepping-with, out-worked, but a-counterin’, bendin’ forward into short, drifting rights across Rhoda’s tits, gut, arms. Hilary cruisin’ more around ‘Manda, the sturdy strength behind her punches almost imperceptible…she’s stroking Rigs via slick body punches, gradually imposing her own will here. Mid-round: Righetti sliding onto heels, her mouth slightly open…she’s getting bruised here! Rhoda lashes out more rhythmic hooks, scoring across Amanda’s sides and lower back as Righetti’s getting turned, bending a little forward, giving up more of her flanks to Hil’s spinning hooks. Down the stretch, Righetti’s forced to clinch around Hil’s hips, using crude strength to drive back Rhoda, thwarting brunette’s leggy forward drive as Rhoda struggles, separates, grappling to get back into that comfort zone, where she can wallop her hooks home. Bell: Rhoda’s round on the scorecards persuasively, reminding ringside pundits of classic Tricia Helfer-esque bendy power – meanwhile, Righetti’s corner apprehensive, Amanda’s tummy showing wealth of pink-ish spots where Hil’s hands let rip…”Impose your will, ‘Manda, you can’t let this girl out-punch you.”
R4: Righetti’s jab explodes with effort early…as girl start exchanging circular punches, Amanda’s humming left pitches to brunette mouth/jawline…Hilary’s stung, she’s hurt! Amanda snarls, stretching out via the left, forming her stance now…Rhoda skippin’, dancin’, pullin’ out wide uppercuts on the sides, but Rigs wades in, bobbin’, weavin’, punishing her brunette across the flanks/ribs. Righetti, Rhoda scrubbing bodies – Rigs more dominant via the lefty, pushing back, extending space via the left, then measuring her brunette for rights…thick, thumping contact erupting on Rhoda’s jaw here! Hil’s trooping now as she’s forced to sponge up the wallop, has her oscillating the punches, a little sluggish in her reactions, only slowly stabilizing via legs, resilience. Second, third minute: Righetti’s planted firm, confident, BASHING them punches to Rhod’s waistline/tits, digging in behind her elbows n’ tummy. Rhoda’s butt-slumped into ropes at one point, then slowly claws back in the third – off-rope counters, Hilary Rhoda…muscular hooks, clipping uppercuts force Rigs into bigger distances…Amanda’s still controlling via the straight left, but no longer allowed to pummel Hilary’s flanks/tummy at will. Down the stretch, Rhoda’s formed a tight “v” stance, working with ‘em ropes to lean, bend into dangerous rising uppercuts…she’s got Rigs spooked a bit, still snatching out per jabs but reluctant to stay inside too long. Corner to Rhoda: “Chick’s getting weak-kneed at your power…prove it to her now!”
R5: Girls shift into body-to-body positions, torsos weavin’, chests heavin’, not much legs early in the fifth, just power, thickness, fists thudding to guard, blocking, answering…’Manda shreds hooks across the gut, churning Rhoda’s robust tummy as big girls go rogue, swap punches, both stepping-with the other in counterclockwise fashion. Rigs lashes out via the left, loosening up Hil’s right hand guard, the power sweeping thru to Hil Rhod’s face…brunette intercepts attempted combo per slingin’ left uppercut, bending in and down, rippin’ it to the right of Righetti’s face just as Rigs’ right haymaker hisses past…Amanda’s huurrrrt! Righetti covers up, stooping forward, her lips parted, fists at temple, blocking: Hilary takes a step off her foe, arching her back to unhinge a rising lefty uppercut off the right foot to ‘Manda’s skull! Redhead’s in a wobble, straightening to slip, totter backward outta range – Hilary hops-to, poppin’ punches from her hips, strappin’ her punches across Amanda’s midriff as Righetti’s butt caves into ropes…proud Rigs getting mauled. Rhoda mobs Rigs upon the lower back, open flanks, whipping ‘em hooks to Righetti’s strong body. Leggy Rhoda turns into siege master, her feet planted fixed, punishing Rigs as action moves from ropeside to ropeside. Amanda’s robust, sturdy torso sponges up damage as she stoops off ropes, blocking instead of countering, grasping for clinches – late second minute: BEATDOWN, Hilary Rhoda…extensive shots upside ‘Manda’s waistline, one particular VICIOUS ripping gut hook STAGGERS Righetti, folding her forward limp-ish as her knees collapse, sloshing her TO ALL fOURS, chest all heaving in pain as she’s holding her tummy! Rhoda takes a step off with a grin, eyes blazing, as ref starts counting Amanda out, her back muscles shiny with sweat, bent over near ropes. Righetti beats the count – cumulative body damage too much for proud ‘Manda, coughing up the knockdown…but she ain’t finished here, taking her time, struggling, rising…Righetti’s ready to operate, beating the count at five, six, a-hoppin’, a-jogglin’, then already extending via the left, moving well, leggy, rangy against Rhoda’s lashing hooks. Down the stretch, Rhoda dictates, but it’s no pervasive beatdown any more as Rigs stabilizes behind active, pumping jab, holding Rhod at bay ‘cept for the occasional rising hook into gut, right hand to guard, with ‘Manda wresting taller Hil into more messy clinches, her eyes hard, grim, just pressing her sturdy body forward relentlessly. Corner dialogue: “That sweet gut punch, Hil! Chick’s vulnerable – you need to get her into the ropes again, pound her body into quit.”
R6: Rhoda stalking, hammering…she’s extending per lean, long jabs, those looonng arms putting immediate pressure on Righetti as she’s leaning in and under Amanda’s arms to back up redhead into ropeside positions…all clockwise mid-ring pressure from lanky six-footer against her foe at this point. Righetti shut out, lingering out of range, only cautiously hoppin’, steppin’, still losing the battle of effective jabs here against Rhoda’s longer, assertive reach. Rhoda’s right hand under her chin, left across tummy or bullyin’ inside to Amanda’s midriff up close, as she’s draping the front of ‘Manda’s tight guard via lefts, digging them nice and thick into Righetti’s tummy meat, her dangerous right uppercuts forcing redhead to spin, weave her skull/torso out of range as brunette dictates space/range behind her driving lead. Passing mid-round, late second, third minute: Righetti’s stamina reasserts itself, allows her to do a better job of sliding, tacking more effectively out of Hil’s wiry jabwork, answering via slick left jabs/uppercuts upside Rhoda’s chest/chin, slowing brunette down along the way, blocking her punches more effectively, erupting into stout, stubby, fast counters all across Hil’s front. Rigs more proactive now, upping the tempo, stocking up on opponent via left, right hooks across tits, neck…she’s still walking into the occasional walloping hook to guard/jaw, but starts to manage taller Rhoda’s range supremacy now. Not enough to steal the round, but Righetti’s moving leggier here, reading Hil’s jabwork rhythm better…down the stretch, she’s finally able to extend via her own left again, thrumming Rhoda’s bod via series of powerful straight lefts, sliding Hils onto her heels per buzzing activity…Amanda recaptures mid-ring territory, forming a more familiar stance late. Bell, corner to Rhoda: “You ain’t bringing the right hand, Hil. Girl’s figuring out your left, you need to make her stop now via the right.”
R7: Pressure from both now – fight’s on the rocks here as girls exchange, set against via opposing jabs, struggling for range, ring supremacy along the way. Righetti’s weight of shot making Rhoda’s legs, knee buzz…brunette sliding back, not holding her stance…more little set-piece battles, shifting tactics follow. Righetti’s planted in that familiar thick-legged siege position, rollin’, ploppin’ her jabs to Hil’s guard, upper torso as taller Rhoda bends, twists, smacking back nimble, dangerous off-ropes counters. Swooshing right hand uppercuts battering Amanda’s jawline, Rhoda’s bod pushed violently into top rope per brutal body hooks – rowdy stop n’ go, instant response punching from both as the crowd oooh’s, aaahh’s, awed by a seventh-round welterweight big girl stamina contest…it’s all buttocks shuddering, torsos tottering from impact as both girls hold, batter on, ramming ‘em punches back. Rigs leading on activity, those sharp, stinging lefts holding Rhoda in fixed positions, allow her to manage the ring now as ‘Manda hops, steps and punches, stalkin’ her brunette behind firepower now…Hil’s counter-aggressive, pin-pointing Righetti’s jaw, mouth, cheeks for sloshing, non-rhythmic, hard-to-read counters from the ropes, bending her whole loooonng torso into these massive, encompassing haymakers on the left and right. Righetti’s sweaty back glistening under the effort, shoulders rolling into chop, chop, chop, lefts to tits, arms, neck, rights to guard/skull, shuddering home…but Rhoda’s always stepping-to, rolling-with, exploding. Girls want to punch, not clinch…both willing to take, trusting legs, chins to hold – Rightti’s jab frenzy, activity and Rhoda’s exact, shuttling counters cancel each other out in seventh round draw down the stretch. Corner to Rigs: “Keep hurtin’ her via the left, be patient, thorough, take her body down brick by brick!” – corner to Rhod: “Don’t let her drive you into the ropes…don’t counter, you need to dominate this fight, girl, bring the long jab!”
R8: Righetti stationed mid-ring, hacking away via a pump, pump jab, not yielding an inch as she turns, moves in a circle, all anchored in her stiff, sturdy stance, choppin’ Hil across her upper torso, arms, neck, upper torso, arms, neck, tits. First minute sees taller Rhoda slipping, gliding back onto her heels on occasion, still muscling in via instant receipts to body/skull, but her counters no longer work as effectively, no longer matching Rigs punch for punch…lanky brunette’s getting shut out here! Rigs so belligerent now, so determined, baring her teeth as she hacks Rhoda all across her flanks. Hil Rhod getting dictated, forced with shuddering buttocks into ropes against her will, as ‘Manda’s planted on top, choppin’ short punches in, choppin’ them in. Rhoda’s in a solid, rugged defense: she’s active via side hooks to the flanks/elbows/lower back, forcing some clinches now, but clearly out-punched at this point, outpaced. Rigs keeps her shots short, succinct, bringin’ mitts back fast as Rhoda starts leaning, wilting forward into redhead shoulder by mid-round, getting stabilized by Amanda’s thick, brutal short-jab body punches. Third minute: Righetti shoves in right hands to the Rhoda gut now, massive, ample punches…Rhoda’s mouth slowly punched open, her eyes wide, she’s getting a little sluggish, a little tottering…she’s rallying, her counter activity fizzling down as she struggles to hold her stance! Down the stretch, Rhoda’s a slumping beauty, soakin’ them up nice and thick…jab punches always have her wilting a bit forward, until she’s propped up again by ‘Manda’s rights to the gut/shoulders, saggin’ back in pain. Bell sees a pleased Righetti marching to her corner, all no-nonsense, “Work her now, ‘Manda, girl’s ready for quit!”
R9: Rhoda’s conditioning solid, impressive tonight – leggy, tall brunette’s strides still as sweeping, elegant as in the first round, but with an added sense of stumble, hurry now…nevertheless she’s attempting to re-conquer mid-ring battleground, driving long, lanky cross hooks over Righetti’s outstretched left arm to redhead neck/tits/head, exploding into straight-jabs whenever ‘Manda’s right flinches to punch. Hil’s still bendy, nimble, stepping in and out of Rigs’s substantial, hunnntiiiinng left jab, clobbering ‘Manda solid, timed uppercuts to left jawline/mouth as Rigs opens the right hand guard, returning into default guard, chopping more jabs to Rigs’s guard/skull herself. Rhoda suspends the chase via some of those sloppin’ counters, but cannot stop Righetti’s short, hammering lefts from HURTING her, though, chop/chop/guard, chop/chop/guard…always the same, clockwork pressure punching Hil’s legs into a buzz as ‘Manda’s jab grinds into brunette tummy, chest, arms, flanks, battering, bossing her backward in semi circles. Rhoda yields in compliance after competitive first minute, now just trying to slide, step out of Rigs’s punching range…she’s concerned with keeping her guard water-tight, every time she twitches to counter, Righetti’s jab’s there to pounce, slam thru…Hilary’s butt hits ropes as her legs turn wobbly, with Rigs setting up turnbuckle sieges across the ring! Scene, mid second minute: Rhoda stoops forward off ropes, right clutched to protect her face, left dangling across tummy…standing just slightly off her, Amanda’s jab rules here, not allowing Rhoda to clinch…she’s just heartlessly wrecking her to the body. Ref edges closer, but Hilary’s not yet helpless, just getting pummeled…‘Manda – composed, patient, professional – MEATGRINDS those brunette ribs, sloshes more jabs to Hil’s jaw line, slap, slap, slap, her head always following her weavin’ torso left and right, then POUNDS a right uppercut to the left of Rhoda’s mouth! Oh, Hilary’s head starts to loll, her torso jolting on impact…Rigs shifts closer, her right at chin, slinnnnggs that left hand hook to Rhoda’s tummy again, one, two, three, as brunette body trembles, jerking up, then Righetti pulls out a huge, SHATTERING right hand blast to Hilary’s left jaw line that just flattens Rhoda’s face, hoists her six-footer’s body first upward, then has it tilting off to the side. Rhoda’s torso simply SLOSHES to the ground, lands on her side positioned in right angle to ropes, one leg over the other, one arm trapped beneath, mouth quivering, eyelashes batting in confusion as the count passes by – the victim of a peak form KO9 Amanda Righetti!
After: A groaning, rickety Rhoda’s getting set upright against the ropes by her corner’s team, still too weak after the count’s finished…flittering, bewildered looks she’s giving prove she’s not quite here again yet. Meanwhile, an exulted Amanda Righetti’s still rushing around the ring in giant strides, celebrating, pumping up the crowd…it’s a triumph, mixed with an air of relief. Both game plans have worked tonight, up to a point: Rhoda sublime in the fifth – when was the last time Amanda Righetti was brought to her knees from a body hit? – until she slowly lost control. Girls tense, tight-drawn in the ring post-fight…mutual respect’s there, but no small talk: this is a rivalry from the beginning. Final two rounds: classic Righetti, her finishing mode simply relentless tonight. “Hilary’s for real, no doubt. She’ll be a challenge every time, just as I’ll be looking forward to beating her, every time. As for the coming year…okay, 2017 might have been the year of Hannah Ferguson, but don’t get too excited, folks…next year ain’t going to be such a good year for blondes at welterweight, I can promise you that.”
