Jessica Biel versus Gigi Hadid

Interesting matchup featuring Hall of Famer Jessica coming out of retirement to fight a girl who was once one of the hottest big girl prospects in the FCBA. Was it really just two and a half years ago that Hadid, coming off a huge upset win over Bianca Kajlich, took Kate Upton to the tenth round in a battle for the welterweight gold? Since then, the supermodel has won only four fights and lost eight, including her last six. Her most recent win was over eighteen months ago, in October, 2017. So, yeah. Gigi needs to get things back on the rails tonight, and, she knows it.

"Yes, I've been in a slump," the supermodel says with a figurative shrug. "But. I am just 24 years old. I've got a long career ahead of me. I can beat any lightweight or welterweight in the FCBA. I've proven it in the past, and I'll prove it again tonight."

"No doubt she has plenty of ability," says Jessica with a nod. "But. She's stepping into the ring tonight with the best pure lightweight in FCBA history. As she's about to find out."

ROUND ONE:

Plenty of familiarity here, as these two fought less than a year ago, with Jessica stopping Gigi in the sixth round last May. But, that doesn't mean the ladies are going to dispense with the feeling out process. Both have understandable respect for the other's power, so there's plenty of working the jab, moving head and feet, and probing defenses at range. Biel giving up some reach here, but the veteran knows exactly how to deal with that, and does so effectively, angling and getting to positions where she can get her offense going. Gigi on the other hand, knows how to USE the reach, and she does THAT effectively. Result is a closely-fought stanza without very much in it. Both fighters are able to score effectively, but neither is able to take control. When the bell rings, it's close, but it's Gigi who grabs the 10-9 lead.

ROUND TWO:

Second verse, simliar to the first. Not quite the same. Less "feeling out" and more aggression, but, the same result. Both fighters working their advantages, Gigi her reach and Jessica that athleticism which is still second to none. Even the much-younger Hadid can't match her. Biel just so SMOOTH no matter what she does. Everything looks effortless. Nothing ever looks clumsy. She doesn't move so much as GLIDE, and, despite Gigi's best efforts, Jessica gets to spots. And, when she does, well. Those punches don't glide, they DETONATE with power that still matches anyone in the division. All of that, though, doesn't allow Biel to run and hide with the round. Gigi's got skills and she's got that range, and that combination allows her to stay right with the Hall of Famer. At the bell, though, while it's another close one, this time it's Biel, and we're even at 19.

ROUND THREE:

More of the same early, both fighters getting some of what they want, but not nearly enough for either to be able to take control of the proceedings. Instead, it's two way stuff. Until. BOOM! Right hand, GIGI and JESSICA IS HURT! Biel steppin' in fence post holes after a nasty punch from the supermodel! And Hadid all about breaking that losing streak RIGHT NOW. She's tossing everything she has at Jessica, backing up the Hall of Famer, pinning her to the ropes, and then punishing her to both head and body. Gigi not investing much in the latter, just doing enough to try to bring down the guard. The main effort is upstairs, as the supermodel looks to find the 'off' switch. No such luck, however. Biel both stays afloat and keeps the referee at bay, but, when the bell rings, Hadid has it wide and is back on the lead, 29-28.

ROUND FOUR:

Hadid pressing the advantage and Jessica retreating, but not for long. Biel firms up in the opening thirty seconds, forcing Gigi to make a decision. She decided to keep up the pressure. FIREFIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING! Ladies hot-tossing as the crowd explodes. BOMBS being thrown back and forth as Hadid tries to recapture the initiative and Biel refuses to give it up. BOOM! Right hand, JESSICA and GIGI is GOBSMACKED! Hadid stumbles backward, saved from going down by the ropes. Biel letting the hands go in a big way, THUMPING the younger woman, looking to take her out of there. Hadid hanging on, doing just enough to keep the referee from stopping the thing, but she's taking a licking. Supermodel shows plenty of guts, though, holding on to the bell. It's Jessica wide, of course, but Hadid's survived it and we're all even at 38.

ROUND FIVE:

Biel on a mission now. Jessica aiming to finish this thing, stepping to Hadid, backing her up, sitting down on everything. Gigi trying to manage, slow Biel down with her jab, but the veteran's seen this game before. And, she's very, very good at playing it. Supermodel's getting touched up, taking ALL kinds of heavy fire to head and body. Biel looking like her best self, the girl who was once as good and as feared as anyone in the FCBA. And, poor Gigi just happens to be in front of that machine when it all working perfectly. BOOM! Overhand right. DOWN. GOES. GIGI! Hadid POLEAXED, crashes to the canvas on her back and bounces once before settling, arms and legs flung out wildly, over and OUT. Referee counts, because that's what referee's do, but there's no point. Gigi isn't getting up any time soon. It's OVER. And your winner by KO5 in absolutely BRUTAL fashion is Jessica Biel!

AFTER:

Biel takes some time to check on Gigi before the post-fight interview. "Don't think this girl can't be a champion," the Hall of Famer stresses. "She's been in a slump, sure, but she can fight. And, before you ask, yes. I'm retired and I'm staying retired. But, it was fun to get back in there again and prove to folks who don't think I still can that I still can."