Posted by Simguy on 1/9/2004, 7:00 am.

Before: Flyweights jostling for position, Portman/Gellar an important springboard bout for one of them as both are top-drawer stylists. “I really feel like I’m due,” says a confident Gellar in prefight, “I’m just as skilled as anyone in the division, but I just haven’t had my moment, you know? I think if I put Portman down, Claire has to look my way, so that’s what’s got to happen.” Natalie similarly opportunistic, “To me, Gellar’s a more dangerous opponent than Claire,” says Portman to the surprise of collected journalists. “Sarah’s a terrific tune-up for a fighter like Claire. I know Gellar’s thinking the same thing, and I do respect her—but I’m not letting her finish this fight if I can help it,” Portman in white sports bra, white high cut aerobics bottoms; Gellar in low cut white satin draw string pajama bottoms, white bikini top, blonde ponytail.

During R1: Gellar looking awfully Danes like as she outs her lead foot in a bucket, pivots to her left, slapping Portman’s side a nibbling hook, chipping away at her a busy jab, looking to spot straight rights up the middle. Portman gliding back when she gets touched too much, hands up, legging left and taking a look see. During the engagements—Sarah’s getting the better of it, beating Nat to the punch, but it’s a tactical first, not a lot of leather.

R2: Both girls more committed to mayhem this round—good brisk two way scrubbing, Fighters edging in close, slicing and swatting punches, bending at the waist, covering up the block, countering almost immediately—hard to follow as quick mitted girls take turns. Portman getting slightly the better of it—when anyone backs away, it’s Gellar—Natalie not a big puncher, but she’s weathering it better, showing stronger as blonde gives ground.

R3: Busy, lathering back and forth continues—both girls treating themselves to the other’s body, clawing at her ribs, then seeking chin with uppies and hooks. Furious, crowd pleasing pace, shins proving stout, neither seems able to hurt the other when a late trade in hooks goes Natalie’s way! Gellar knees bending, then she staggers wounded to the ropes, eyes shining with an “I’m hurt” sheen. Portman: jab/right hand up top, then hook to tummy, hook to tummy—prop ‘er up with the elbow—hook to tummy, left uppercut on the mouth. Gellar falling part at this point, helpless at the ropes—Portman squares up, pounds straight up the middle with a torrent of crisscross lefts and rights. Ref steps in, cuddling a dazed SMG to his chest—TKO3 Nat Portman.

After: Very business like outing—Portman taking a round to size up the comp, stepping to her girl and making Gellar fight in the second—6 minutes later, blonde’s in tatters, out on her feet. “I needed the big performance tonight,” reasons Natalie. “Claire’s said she doesn’t need to fight me again any time soon—me putting boot to Gellar’s ass like this says differently.” Time will tell.

Reposted by Archer 10/18/09.