X-MAS BOXING AFTER DARK
Part 1
Posted by simguy on 12/18/2005, 9:11 am
Before: Worriers around Rachel wondering if this is another Alba in the making - too much class too soon - but that's exactly why McAdams wants the fight. "I came back physically in my last fight, but people are still talking about the beating Jessica gave me," a defensive McAdams explains. "I made this challenge to prove that mentally, I've put Alba behind me as well. Jennifer Connelly's a better fighter than Jessica Alba and by stepping-to Jen, I'm showing that I'm not gunshy at all and I'm willing to pay the price to get better. I want to start chipping away at Connelly's foundations now, because in the long run - everything she's got is what I want. Not saying I'm ready to beat Jen just yet, but I KNOW I can compete with her and push her to her limits."
Connelly in a seemingly no-win situation: losing to McAdams makes Jen look ready to topple; beating her at this stage of Rachel's career not impressive - what gives? "As much as I'm the future for Rachel, Rachel's the future for me," Jennifer explains as scribes scratch collective heads. "She's the only threat I have outside of the ring - she's already getting second look at a lot of my scripts and it's clear that we're being pigeonholed together by Hollywood. And when she says she wants to "chip at my foundations"? That's a trap for her. Young fighters always want to see how they match up against the best, but while she's chipping, I'm going to be putting her under my thumb. There's no time like the present to start teaching Rachel her manners. If I hurt her, and I get the chance to give her an Albaesque beatdown? I WILL take it - believe me." Motivated vixens both - present and future of thinking man's boxing at bantamweight.
Santa bra-strap style bikinis, both vixens (red felt with white fur trim) - Fought at Radio City Music Hall after Rockettes show.
During R1: Connelly aggressive early, hooking off the jab, backing Rachel up with whistling rights ticketed for chin, looking to step-with as Rache backpedals and press the attack. McAdams showing educated feet, retreating in good order, turning at the ropes, trying to fit Jennifer for counters while parrying/evading the worst of Jen's thunder. Second minute - Connelly scores a bang-bang right/left on the chin as Rachel's backing up, sprawling McAdams ropeside: Jen mopping up nicely with a barrage to waistline, prompting Rachel to clinch. Third minute, Jennifer pursuing as Rachel slides to her right at the ropes - McAdams times a short right counter-right to the mouth, ducking down as Jen's right hand sails over top, then coming up gangbusters into Connelly's midsection. Crowd squealing as Rachel pumps up left/right into Jen's lungs, crippling Connelly, hunching her forward in stupor. Glorious, succulent body blows, furiously delivered - poor Connelly can only stand, soak as Rachel's thumping attack nearly drives former champ to her knees. Bell: Connelly ashen faced, frowning in hurt - McAdams SMOULDERING back to her stool, knows she just stole a strong Connelly round out from under Jen.
R2: Connelly retains initiative, making the fight, but doing it in more controlled fashion. Jen stepping forward behind the jab, piecing it out in spearing jolts to tummy and face - anything up top blocked by McAdams' high guard, but Rache being steered around, contained. Connelly choosy with the right hand - Rachel blocking it well and looking to counter immediately thereafter - some nip/tuck engagements, quick banging exchanges, then girls disengage, circling and appraising. Jen's round - she's commanding the ring, dictating terms if not hurting McAdams in the second.
R3: Rachel coming forward for the first time: a hearty jab as she stomps heavily on the left foot; heavy right cross; mop up left hook in Jen's ribs. Connelly on her heels - now SHE'S fighting in reverse, turning at the ropes, blocking shots on her elbows and moving her head to slip McAdams' right hands. Jennifer obviously trying to deny Rachel body - Connelly leggier than usual, dancing away whenever McAdams sets in that body-slugging crouch. Hard eye contact at the bell - girls actively seeking out each other's gaze, trying to get a read: McAdams pumped with a strong shutout performance in the third.
R4: Rachel continues to press the attack - having more success cutting off the ring, enjoying longer stretches on Connelly, dishing out more effective punishment. McAdams able to get shoulder on shoulder and work to Jennifer's midsection and ribs - fiesty Canuck a rip-roaring body puncher, has Jennifer's lips pursed, brows frowning as Connelly cramps up to absorb the shock. Jen beaten in staggering little semi-circles - McAdams just laying in there thick, bashing away rights and lefts to the waist, flanks. Late the round, Rachel comes off body to get uppercuts, scraping away at the grill of Jen's forward guard, but also wedging in between the mitts to get at chin. Tell-tale wobble in Jen's trunks late: she's hurt, hanging on at the bell. R5: Jennifer answers, and answers, with vigour. Connelly doubling up her jab, determined to come forward once again. Jen giving Rachel a taste of her own medicine - tangy body punching, Jen lowering her head and swinging away lashing rights and lefts: McAdams turn to grit her teeth and soak it up. Rachel's defence sound - Jen clouting hooks up around the ear, but unable to really land flush: Connelly making most of her money in Rachel's stout ribs, pale tummy. More or less constant punching - Jen to Rachel - Connelly proving she can stand shoulder to shoulder and outwork her younger counterpart in a shutout fifth.
McAdams/Connelly conc
Posted by simguy on 12/18/2005, 9:13 am
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