Posted by Simguy on 5/4/2001, 10:46 pm.

Before: Danes making the same kind of splashy debut as one Virginie Ledoyen did not so long ago, albeit in completely different style. Claire in Kelly Packard mold, looks to be a promising slickster--Ledoyen a force-of-nature lanky body, punches from wild angles, intense killer instinct--and she is SMARTING from a humiliating one round title debacle against Michelle Williams. Give Danes credit--nobody would blame her for ducking this hurtful brunette, Danes in white bikini, gloves--Ledoyen in black leather push up style bikini, wet curls.

During R1: LEDOYEN IS HURT!!! Danes confounds the experts, strides in toe to toe and walks Virginie into a looping sucker right hand that has the French fox staggered from the opening bell. Sweeping lefts and rights from Claire as she piles on--eyes alight as she batters her girl up against the ropes with slicing combinations. Virginie out on her feet, SO reminiscent of the clocking she took against Williams--she’s just rag dolling along the ropes, turning sideways to them as she staggers, then squaring up to take the next punch. Danes lathering away, feet planted wide as she twists her tight body into punches--fists splattering off the brunette’s head and shoulders. Bell to bell beat down as Danes steps with her girl around the perimeter--heaping it on, but unable to get the brunette off her feet. Claire beaming, pumping her fists en route to her corner as a badly stunned Virginie gets worked on by a desperate corner.

R2: Danes can’t wipe the smile off her face as she stomps on out, sets upon flat feet and looks to take Virginie out. Wild flailing action mid-ring--Danes touching up with her jab and sweeping overhand rights--Virginie with her hands down, twists lanky uppercuts from her thighs into Claire’s belly and ribs, Instinctive brawling suits Ledoyen by nature--she starts to get the better of the exchanges--Danes soaking up bombs on her chin, getting knocked off stride--by the midway point, her punches are starting to lose steam, Final minute: Ledoyen has Danes taking big shots--punches from up underneath and crashing from overhead--Claire starting to wander as Virginie dials in and a sweeping overhand right puts Danes on all fours for 8. Seconds left--Claire glassy-eyed, realizing the error of her ways bnut too badly hurt to do anything about it--Ledoyen feinting in then licking that step-away hook across Danes’ face and CLAIRE GOES DOWN! Danes eating the left hand flush, swoons across the canvas on her face, struggling to her knees, but then pitching to her side and she will NOT beat the count. KO2 Virginie Ledoyen in a shootout.

After: Punches continue to roll as Ledoyen chalks up Claire in a free swinging melee. Danes’ early success goes to her fair head--she loads up, reading Ledoyen;’ awkwardness as hurt and letting Virginie get back into the fight in the ensuing mayhem. Ledoyen showing the guts she showed against Williams the first time around in not succumbing to the early pressure--comeback KO an important confidence builder.

Reposted by Archer 12/23/11.