Posted by Simguy on 2/15/2003, 8:23 am.

Before: Jolene stepping up in class--young blonde on the doorstep of a championship fight has that number one contender’s feel to it. “She’s obviously the quickest girl I’ve faced,” assesses Jolene, “but I’m quick too and I can punch. I think Kelly will be shocked at how much I hit her in this fight, and when she gets contact, she tends to circle the wagons, I see me stalking her round after round and maybe stopping her late.” Hu on Blalock: “I’ve got to chop this tree down to size (gesturing with a little axe-motion from her left hand), get after that thin body of hers. Body punching will also suck some of the power out of that right hand of hers--I don’t think she’ll be a threat much past 3, then I can roll her up at my leisure.” Blalock in camouflage thin strap sports bra and boy cut trunks, Kelly in black thin strap sports bra, red high cut aerobics bottoms, slick ponytail.

During R1: Hu on the perimeter, hopping and keeping her distance--she’s troubled by Jolene’s reach early. Blalock cutting down the ring, spearing the jab to chest, slinging over the right hand as she bends forward, then lashing the hook as she leans back onto her right foot. Hu closing up, pointing the left shoulder at Jolene and rolling punches, takes only glancing punishment, but she’s unable to answer back. Blalock brazen at the bell, left hand on Kelly’s shoulder, holding her for swinging rights up underneath--Kelly doubled over and taking it at the break.

R2: Kelly more constructive this round, circling left, doubling up the jab belly and chest--she startles Blalock with an early hook off the stick that gets Jolene’s long legs buzzing. Blalock patient with her long jab, keeping it on Kelly, moving her to ropes--blonde has a nice lashing flurry midway through, stroking Kelly across the back and up underneath as Hu bobs madly to evade the incoming. Hu regains the initiative in the final minute, pivoting left off the jab to Jolene’s belly, then seeking biting hooks up top as Blalock turns to pursue.

R3: Kelly’s quickness starting to show. Hu keeping off the ropes, dictating the pace, She’s pivoting clockwise, getting off first, sticking Blalock in the stomach with a reach jab, mopping her up with indefensible hooks on the cheek and the sudden, sneaky lead right hand starts snap back Blalock’s face. Kelly not sticking around to trade--getting off and moving before Blalock can get set.

R4: Kelly settling into control of the match--legs, punching working in effortless tandem as she circles, picks away at her foe. Darting, precision lead right hands stamp into Jolene’s solar plexus, face--merciless hooks off the jab turn Jolene’s face with increasing ease. Blalock coming forward, sill stroking away, but clearly not comfortable, usually late to react. Hu snatching at Jolene’s packed bra with greedy swiping hooks while sliding to the left--Blalock showing signs of discouragement as Kelly takes what she wants.

R5: Hu jumps in, gets her body behind a slamming right to the stomach--Blalock doubling over hurt for the first time in the bout, and Kelly goes to work. Hu immediately leaning over to scoop hooks at Jolene’s right flank, then turning them up underneath to work the jugs and chin. Jolene faltering forward--Kelly stepping back, picking Jolene up with sharp, rising lefts and rights. Blalock suddenly rares back, legs trembling, hands down--Kelly darts in with a poking lead right on the mouth to get the gangly blonde toppling backwards. Jolene in disarray to the ropes and Kelly is ON her=Asian fists tearing away in blazing arc as Jolene leans back into the strands, hands at her face. Hu pumping away straight lefts and rights, occasionally dropping a right into Jolene’s jugs just because she can and the ref’s seen enough. Blalock rescued from further punishment--Hu jumping away all smiles--TKO5 Kelly Hu.

After: Blalock crying quietly while her gloves are removed, but this was more of a learning experience than a setback. Hu taking the measure of her girl in the opening minutes, undressed Blalock with lateral movement and hand speed. “The kid’s got potential,” breezes Kelly, “she just needs to realize that the step-up from where she was playing, to where Kelly Hu plays, is a skyscraper. She knows that now--she’ll be better next time.”

Reposted by Archer 4/6/11.