Posted by Simguy on Thursday, 06-Jul-00 23:42:21

Before: Spears keeping busy, very complimentary in public towards Wright, but privately calling Michelle a "typical one note has-been country singer who's going to get her ass kicked". Wright with some hard won victories over pretty good comp, tends to get ducked by other country luminaries - pop starlet could be overlooking the well travelled brunette. Spears in pink tube top, pink boy cut stretch shorts, Michelle in black sports bra, red adidas terrycloth trunks, new long black locks loose.

During R1: Wright going right at her blonde foe, compact defense, looking to rip short and hard to the stomach. Britney using her legs, clearly the more mobile, hands low outside, circles and drags looping lefts and rights into the brunette, then steps away rather than trading. Spears controlling the round, but Wright not backing down.

R2: Michelle sticking with plan A, comes forward, takes her medicine, but she's working with brisk licks to the youngster's midriff and breasts, pounding a grimace onto Britney's face as the blonde backs out in a hurry. Late in the round, Spears steals it with a crashing right on the temple that has Wright stumbling. Michelle taking Britney's best shot well, but unable to mount any offense as her legs go momentarily stiff.

R3: Britney winning the fight with her feet, stepping around Michelle, slinging in the big shots in sweeping arcs to the hips and head, but Wright won't be discouraged. Michelle not moving her hands much, but she keeps coming forward, taking a lot of Britney's punches on her gloves and forearms, but unable to cut off the ring to drop her third straight.

R4: Spears cruising, slashing in behind big right round punches to the body, stepping out and trying to clip Michelle with the walk away left hook. Wright looking outclassed for the first time, takes a shutout and can't get her mitts on Britney. Michelle puffing up around the cheeks, looks frustrated as she can't close ground again.

R5: Finally, Wright's pressure pays off as Spears can't keep up the high tempo attack. Brit laying in more, and Wright proves the quicker combination puncher, clubbing Britney's belly button, then nipping at the blonde's breasts to force Spears into pained retreat. Brit slugging toe to toe, but it's Michelle's fight - Wright on the board.

R6: Spears fighting more flat footed, but not anxious to close with the brunette, stays loose outside, lifting the jab off her hip and trying to turn into slinging right hands as Wright continues to wade straight in. Michelle banging her girl with both hands, still pounding away on the Spears torso, but late in the round, Brit flicks that pawing jab off her hip and walks Wright into a gorgeous Buster Douglas uppercut. Wright's head snaps straight back, mouthpiece flying, and she is HURT! Spears touching her girl with the left and ripping right hands to the jaw, can't get Michelle out of there, but puts Wright wobbly butt for the first time.

R7: Wright busting up over the eyes, bulls her way in again - Spears almost dumbstruck as she humps shoulder to shoulder, trying to push Wright back with no success. Brunette rolling her shoulders, digging inside, and ripping little uppercuts to the breasts, has Spears collapsing, but midway through the round Brit steps back, walks Michelle into the right uppercut - brunette stumbles past blonde to fall into the ropes. Spears lashing at Wright's body with wide rights, bending back on her hips to evade Michelle's chopping blows and countering viciously in return. Final minute: a badly battered Michelle Wright comes forward behind curling lefts and rights, bouncing her fists off a shocked Britney Spears' body at the bell. Spears steals it with gaudy single shot power, but Wright finishes the round the stronger fighter.

R8: Older girl supposed to get tired at this point, but it's Michelle's best round as she muscles Britney to the ropes, fights off Spears chest to the delight of the crowd. Spears gritting her teeth, laying cheek to sweaty cheek inside and grimly trying to wrap her arms up underneath the brunette's constantly swatting and clubbing attack. Wright on autopilot, just pouring on the hurt and burying Spears under sheer volume this round. At the bell, a happy Michelle Wright peels herself off a stunned Britney Spears - blonde can't seem to comprehend the brunette's resiliency.

R9: Spears back on the outside, slapping and backhanding the jab, swaying away from her girl as Wright comes up short, and tieing Michelle up around the triceps whenever she gets close. Spears boxing smart, apparently giving up on the notion of hurting Michelle and doing just enough to win the round.

R10: Michelle with a gallant effort, gets Britney into many exchanges and comes away the better woman, but Spears bending at the waist, or flat out running does a good job of minimizing the damage. Wright stomping after Britney, constantly calling for the blonde to stand and fight, but it's no use. Brit gives away the round, but wins a closer than expected decision as Wright runs out of time.

After: Michelle showing the wear of Brit's early power on her face, but non-plussed at the decision. Spears visibly relieved as the honky tonk brawling style of her foe proved ill suited for the chase, but Wright showing tenacity and durability in the loss. Britney complimentary in her post fight interview, but fires the manager responsible for making the match only days later.

Thanks to Apollo for this repost.

Archer 10/21/09