Posted by Simguy on 5/27/2005, 7:20 am

Before: Erika pulling off one of the upsets of the year last time out against Dani, boldly looking to answer the critics and Fishel herself with an immediate rematch. "After I saw what everyone was writing, and heard Dani on her website trying to diminish what happened," says a serious Erika in prefight. "I knew I had to fight and beat her again. I know the first stoppage was a little premature, but for anyone to say that I didn't batter her fair and square - that's just wrong. I'm pounding Dani again, and when I do, there's gonna be no doubt that I'm the better girl." Fishel trying to stay in control, but it's hard for proud little dynamo. "I know Erika's just starting out, she's excited, she got the gift of a lifetime in her debut and she doesn't have a lot of perspective, but enough is enough. I have nothing against this kid, but I'm gonna give her a royal beating because you don't catch Dani Fishel with a lucky uppercut and go around saying you're better. I've earned my reputation in this sport - Erika's done NOTHING yet. I was beating her senseless in that first fight, and in this one, I'm gonna finish what I started." Dani in navy bandeau bikini, large baby blue polka-dots - Erika in white bikini top, navy bottoms with large white polka-dots.

During R1: Erika off to a quick start - she gets Dani ducking/retreating with a series of slicing one-twos, then hooks Dani's ribs loud as Fishel backs to ropes. Erika pummelling away - great strapping lefts and rights wide to the flanks - Dani crossing her arms, bobbing at the waist and finally clinching to walk Christensen to midring for a break. Fishel gets it going late, jabbing stubby to Erika's chest, stopping the blonde's forward momentum, then smartening up her midsection some tasty, swinging sidearm rights.

R2: Dani out of the blocks better - bobbing, weaving, crossing and uncrossing her arms - she's giving Erika bewildering head movement. Dani jabbing/hooking as she bobs out of the crouch, stepping her girl back - Christensen's back hits ropes and Dani sets up wide stance to deliver. Shattering blasts on the arms, hips - Fishel really twisting her hips into smoking shots, drawing oohs from the crowd - Erika covering up, tilting forward looks a little stunned. Midway through, Dani off the body with a ROBUST right uppercut - Erika straightened up and dropped to her back as Fishel spanks her mitts together in satisfaction. Wonky 8 Erika - she's staring, bewildered: ON COMES DANI! Fishel workmanlike, knuckling Erika back into the ropes, then SAVAGING her to the body hooks and double-thumping right hands. Christening cringing, turning her torso, trying to minimize her profile, but Dani too strong, bodying her flat and pounding away - it's vintage Fishel at her sledgehammer best. Pure attrition beats Erika into a sliding, gradual descent - blonde head bowed as she trembles on all fours, trying to suck it up at the bell. Fishel crowing in her corner - Syren having to rein little juggernaut's enthusiasm in, focus her with a harsh reminder of "last time".

R3: Dani on fast, but smart - spitting stubby jabs, scooting to her right - she's got Erika covering up, retreating in confusion. Christensen at the ropes: butt back, torso forward, dukes at temples - she's trying to use her shoulder on Dani, ease her back then hook her midsection. Fishel taking body shots in order to give - she works to get in underneath with HER shoulder - constantly struggling to stack Erika up. Midway through, CRASHING hook swivels Christensen's head, sends mouthpiece flying 3 rows deep. Erika sits in ropes, hands dropping into her lap, head lolling - she's tragically available for Dani Fishel punching! Dani's eyes lighting up as she belts away for free - rising rights and lefts hammering helpless chin, ping-ponging Erika's head on a limp neck - Christensen sent to the canvas in a fog as rampaging Fishel is bodied back by concerned ref. It's over - ringside physicians rush in to tend to Erika as she's gently moved to her back - KO3 in frightening fashion, Dani Fishel.

After: No mistakes this time - Fishel ruthless, blunt, efficient - she dominates about as much as she did the first time around, but puts the finishing touch on much earlier. "After the first knockdown," Dani asserts, "you could tell by her eyes she didn't want any more. I think she was basically out on her feet when she came out for the third, but what can you do? Girl's still standing, I gotta get in there!"

Thanks to Apollo for this repost.

Archer 10/19/09