Posted by Simguy on Saturday, 12-Aug-2000 22:44:08

Before: Bello rediscovered by Hollywood, pitted against Delany in a competitive veteran contest. Both girls can slug, box and make adjustments in the ring--Bello vowing not to be victimized by Dana’s sharp practice. Maria in tight navy crop top t-shirt, navy bikini bottoms, Dana in pink bra and panties.

During R1: Women working briskly mid ring, hooking off jabs, bobbing up and down, shoulder one another after punching--early advantage goes to Bello as she wallops a sharp left hook to the jaw of DD to jerk the redhead a quarters turn to her left. Delany recovering nicely to outwork Maria in the trenches, but gaudy power colours the round blonde.

R2,3: Maria edging Dana in terms of output, consistency--Delany holding her own as the action continues at a high work rate. Girls circling, Delany with the left across her abs, right at her cheek, shoots the odd lead right while slipping side to side--Bello holding off the jab, working the head and body pretty effectively as Dana retreats.

R4: Dana doubling up the jab, able to go to work forehead to forehead, stepping around her right uppercut to club Bello with combinations I tight. Maria turning, not getting off, stands in and takes with her guard at her temples.

R5: Shutout Bello as she takes the fight to Dana’s midriff, punching, shoulder butting , and stepping with the hook as Delany gives ground. Round ends at the ropes as DD takes a seat, bending at the waist and twisting her torso to accept the body shots--Bello hammering away with both hands punctuates her best round with bruising blows to DD’s ribcage.

R6,7: Bello starting to impose her will--Delany getting outworked midring, fades t the ropes and clinches for breaks as Maria starts to roll. Bello not letting Delany bold and hit, turning her roughly to the ropes and either headlocking or pushing back whenever DD tries t get position inside. Referee’s breaks see Dana shuffle away to regroup--Maria walking her down, bodying up and pounding away with two-fisted assaults to the belly and jugs. Seventh is particularly one-sided--Dana getting shutout, covering up and giving away her sides to the buy blonde.

R8: Bello’s hardest consistent punching of the night sees her put Dana wobbly butt against the ropes as the redhead leans forward over her legs. Maria just reaching into Dana’s waist, twisting her hips into cudgeling lefts and rights to the body, using her upper body to clinch and shove Dana back at intervals. Dana looking used up, puffy-eyed--she’s discouraged at the bell as Bello bounces cockily to her corner.

R9: Shutout Delany--Dana mauling Maria along the ropes--Blonde covering up, sliding sideways--Dana stepping with her guard high, snapping her punches down to the body, or curling little left uppercuts  between the blondes mitts, then returning the fist to the guard to rest. Down the stretch, Dana working efficiently, chopping her hands to the jaw and body as the blonde breaks down. Late hit from Delany has Maria woozy as the ref issues a stern finger waggle.

R10: Dana piling on, sensing the breakdown. Bello mouth breathing, sitting on the ropes and looking shaky. Delany now taking off counter punch without fear, letting her hands go, splashing the blonde with combinations to the head and shoulders as Bello bobs and weaves too slowly to be effective. All Dana down the stretch as she gets her head under Maria’s chin, working in underneath, pounding away to the midriff then coming down up top with clubbing left hooks that have the blonde sagging. Bell sounds to end a promising Delany comeback--decision comes back unanimous duke Maria Bello.

After: Delany bitter at the decision, finishing the stronger fighter, but dropping too many rounds en route to take the cards. Bello able to win some very close rounds to pull away, but both girls are weary, battered following the fight. Jury still out on Bello--slightly flat performance from Dana seemed necessary to give the blonde the nod.

Reposted by Archer 1/26/12.