BOXING AFTER DARK
(based on Simguy's results and notes)

BEFORE: Natasha Henstridge just knocked and pounded out Amanda Righetti in R2 (Righetti’s earliest KO loss since 2008), got ranked No. 1 contender for the title by Boxing World Online - why the heck is she showing up for an immediate rematch, risking to lose all the momentum? That’s the kind of question Nat Henny doesn’t want to hear at all, ‘Geez, folks, I just knocked that chick out hard and rough in less than five minutes and now you’re asking ME whether I should be afraid of a rematch? Did you SEE that fight? You should be asking her why the heck she’s lining up for another beat-up and three week headache? She couldn’t deal with me back in that tournament last spring, taking a one-point decision that was just completely ridiculous – and she just proved she can’t handle my punching power. I know a lot of folks think she’s this all-powerful badass, but she got lucky with her streak. Now reality will set in. God, didn’t I tell you all this last time? But if last time wasn’t friggin’ enough – okay, no problem, I can do it again’. This isn’t an act – Henstridge genuinely puzzled at the reporters’ questions.

Righetti a little subdued, fully aware that immediate rematches are only a good idea when you win them – losing two in a row against an ageing Henstridge would be catastrophic by all means. Last time Righetti tried to avenge a loss back-to-back? September 2009, Sarah Lancaster. ‘This is a risk, I know. And I agree with Natasha that it’s more risky for me than for her. I don’t quite feel good about calling Natasha’s win a lucky punch – because she is a good dangerous fighter, very experienced, very strong. But I also know that if I’m fully concentrated, fully focused, I’m the better fighter. Not to take anything away from her win: but if I’m at my best, losses like that don’t happen to me, period.’ Henstridge shaking her head, muttering cusses while Righetti’s talking – this is all a case of reality loss as far as Nat’s concerned.

Strong women of nearly similar height, bikini-clad – an air of aggression is there, high stakes: woman-vs-woman welter at its best. Nat all hefty, even thick, but in good shape, Amanda slimmer but more athletic.

FIGHT:
R1: The usual Righetti start, systemic behind her powerful jab, poking Nat in strong, rhythmic fashion from outside. Henstridge occasionally stepping close to fight in spots, but Amanda dictates pace. Some thick right hands when the opportunity arises to batter Henny’s paunch/ribs – mostly jabs shutting Nat out.

R2: Change in style Henstridge – taking the initiative. Natasha takes out her strongest, most rhythmic jab: strong, beefy upper body rotating as she circles Amanda, churning out a muscular succession of thick body-bashing whacks. Henstridge all muscular to the body, putting all her heaviness into this. Righetti driven backwards from all the power, losing momentum, pretty impressed by Henny’s middleweight poke. Nat pushes off, walks Righetti down! Powerful stuff – Righetti’s strong legs tested as Henny employs big-girl strength like she were chopping wood. Amanda wincing from some of the body punching – Henstridge bell to bell.

R3: Henstridge behind her middleweight jabbing - same again – spooking Righetti with her power as Nat enjoys hammering her backwards. Henny's thumping jab paves the way to bruising right crosses and slamming body work. Nat pushing Righetti off to walk her down - big girls step around the ring muscularly, but it’s Henny pursuing Righetti. Henstridge’s muscular shoulders bulging, rough-and-tumble fists bunching up Righetti’s strong body. Amanda shows some defensive qualities, covering up well, but clearly getting outworked/outpunched. Henstridge bell to bell again, working her big-girl weight into pumping, thick/flat-footed punches. One right to the ribs late in the round finally has Righetti staggering around, tumbling, hurt.

R4: Two straight rounds for Henstridge, some body damage – there’s at least mild concern in the Righetti corner. Henstridge’s not getting tired, as big blonde pumps out her jab and loves it. Righetti’s now slowly getting used to Henstridge throwing her body weight around, refusing to let Henny own the canvas like she did for the last two rounds. Amanda gets her own jab going – competing with Nat as big girls step into each other getting all banged up in the middle of the ring. Push-off/walk-down Henstridge again after a while– big blonde battering Righetti nicely. Redhead answering to the body – quick fists focusing on Nat’s mid-section, bruising her, have Nat breathing hard. Competitive punching at the bell – Righetti looks more athletic as Nat wins the round, but stumbles to her corner hurt at last.

R5: Righetti’s slowed Henny's advance in the fourth: Amanda counterattacks in the fifth. Brutal poking jab in fast tempo - redhead power getting to Henstridge who’s slowing down. Amanda working the body, whacking forever at Henstridge’s stomach, ribs, hips as big blonde grimaces trying to take the punches. Redhead on top – now forcing her strength on blonde. Action turned around sees Righetti pushing Henstridge off, swinging lusty behind her muscular jab and spearing rights – overpowering Henny, walking her down. Heavy blows to Nat’s body – blonde breathing hard, face puffy. More volume Amanda: Henstridge relegated to defending herself, covering up. Henstridge’s strong body suffering, but not wilting, engaging Amanda in more close action nevertheless. Proud Henstridge – but she’s absorbing more and more damage in battles around the ring. Nat hurt at the bell, bleak/dim look as Amanda’s eyes search for contact, search for quit.

R6: Big girls step into each other, almost falling into each other’s punches, just grimly whacking away to lay out destruction. But these early exchanges go Righetti's way: pulverizing body-punching has Nat hurt, wincing, backpedalling, giving way under Amanda’s barrage of fists. Henny backs off to ropes - Righetti follows, sets up big girl siege. Big blonde defends herself, slugging off the ropes, but getting outpunched. The rhythm Righetti’s setting up’s just killer – incredible work rate, stunning Nat with every blow. Henstridge’s starting to blink – survival instincts coming up, as she’s just trying to defend herself, punching back in a hazy fog. Thick right hands bunching up Nat’s ribs, dismantling her body, picking her apart with swinging crosses and hooks to the face. Henstridge just battered – wincing and gasping pitiful noises of pain. NAT’S HANDS DROP – she’s out on her feet, right cross to mouth has her plunging backwards, slumping into the ropes open-mouthed, starring into punishment. Nat’s helpless! The ref jumps in to protect her – TKO6 Amanda Righetti!

AFTER: That’s it – big Natasha Henstridge collapsing in the ref’s arms, barely held up on her feet as her entourage rushes in to save her, carrying her away all groggy and humbled, crying tears of disappointment. Righetti seething with punch lust, not getting the one-punch KO she was hoping for, but seeing Nat’s tormented body and Henstridge all but refusing to look her in the eyes will do.
‘That’s how I should have fought last time out’, Amanda later explains, ‘Beating Nat is a task that needs a couple of rounds. She’s very strong, so you’ve got to be able to take some damage, while you slowly break her apart. She doesn’t have ten rounds left in her, so around the middle mark an increased amount of pressure will work well with her. If you don’t let her punch you big early – as I was stupid enough to let happen last time – you can get the job done. Nat’s strong, but those extra pounds aren’t helping her once you’ve survived her early aggression.’
Henstridge proved her KO win wasn’t a fluke, doing pretty well for a few rounds, but if that early winning-punch ain’t coming, 36-year old blonde increasingly more vulnerable when the minutes are passing by.