Posted by Simguy 3/14/2003, 6:17 am.

Before: Pundits shaking their heads sympathetically when they greet Natalie, but hardcore Portman supporters aren't buying the odds. She's got the style to give Salma problems, she's got those young legs, but most question if she's had the seasoning it takes to go 10 with the rugged Latina. "I'm ready," says Natalie confidently. "I just am. I've fought tough girls befoe Salma's got more to worry about from me than I do hyer. I know I can box this girl and you know what? I might have to take a little jug before it's all said and done." Saucy wink to the press core--you gotta love her attitude coming in. Portman in white sports bra, white high waist aerobics trunks, white shoes, battle braid, Salma in classy off-white one piece from recent magazine cover.

During R1: Nat sending an up tempo message early, kissing Salma the jab, stepping lively to the left and stinging right hands down the pike. Hayek rocked on her heels down the stretch--brazen smile from Portman as she shows pop, skill and bras in a shutout first.

R2: Salma hardnosed early getting low, swaying side to side to pull her fists into Natalie's flanks. Portman covering up, riding it out--midway through, she catches Salma a keen counter right uppercut between Latina bodyshots, puts the hook on top and HAYEK GOES DOWN! Salma  stepping away and hopping to one knee--she shakes off the hurt after 8 and bores right back in on her prey. Natalie hopping along the perimeter of the ring--Hayek chasing her down, reeling her in with wide hooks and having some nice moments late as she fights off Portman's chest at the ropes.

R3: Salma wants pressure, Natalie wants distance. Portman wins the argument, keepoing a spicy jab on Salma, turning the Latina midring, keeping this thing away from the ropes. Nobody hurt, but Natalie dictating terms.

R4: Salma bell to bell, finally imposing her strength in consistent fashionj Hayek brawling Natalie to the ropes, rubbing chest with her head, pulling in the wide spanking body shots. Hayek systematic, reaching in with either arm under Natalie's arms, shoulderinf brunette back into the ropes, keeping the heat on. Portman rolling and blocking well, blunts a lot of punishment, but this isn't where she wants to be.

R5: Salma counters to outwork her girl. Portman not busy enough, not putting enough on Hayek to get respect (respect=distance);. Hayek bulling through the Portman jab, shaking off the right bhand and biting into the nubile torso and hips with cudgelling force. Salma having her way along the ropes--Natalie showing her improved defense, but she just can't win rounds from this posture.

R6: Portman jabbing early, pivoting left, keeping Salma in front of her Hayek charging forward, neglecting her own jab in a sign of complete disdain and pays for it. End of the first minute, Portman taps her a timing jab, leans into a hammering right off the jaw as Salma wades in--Hayek's own right hand sails weak as her kegs give a shimmy, feet square up. Natalie on her front foot, hooks jug, hooks jug, scampers away with an impish grin. Hayek able to regain her bearings as Portman doesn't follow up the advantage--Natalie skipping and hopping around the perimeter, pockets points but Salma shakes off the hurt and is coming forward hard at the end.

R7: See what happens when you let Salma Hayek off the hook? Latina gets in her gitrl, head buitting and shouldering rough on the inside, bulling Portman to the ropes. Salma reaching in brawny, pressing the girl into the strands, beating that ribcage, digging the gancha hook to the liver. Natalie under siege, mouth open--she's bending at the waist, blocking, rolling--just trying to take the edge off a stern Hayek beating. Salma issuing the beat down, but she's not really settling down on any one shot--Portman able to survive by making good reads, absorbing the shock well.

R8: Salma getting her way. Portman moving, sidestepping, spinning to get off the ropes, but she's not busy enough offensively. Judges see Salma coming forward, Salma moving her hands at the ropes, Salma making the fight

R9: Another shutout Salma. Portman's lead shrivelling under the hot glare of Hayek;s truth--Latina pouring it on, getting her head on Natalie, grinding away bto the midsection along the ropes. Portman writhing, spinning, tieing up, slipping, but no punching--corner frustrated with their young charge who's shown she can hurt bSalma under the right circumstances.

R10: THERE IT IS! Hayek boring in as she has all night--Portman edging to her right, flicks the jab, bends into the banging right on the jaw and HAYEK GOES DOWN! Salma spilling to all fours, dazed, shaking her head--she takes a wobbly butt 8 as Portman jogs on the spot in the neutral corner. Portman hops on in to finish, immediately takes a blunt right hand on her mouth and dances on out--HAYEK taking the initiative after the knockdown and chasing her girl around the ring. Portman settles down in the final minute, moving away from Salma, stopping, potshotting a lead right hand, then sidestepping with elegant swim moves to get around Hayek's left shoulder, Portman takes the 10th and the match in heartstopping fashion.

After: Biggest win of Natalie's career one of the most dramatic--this thing was toed going into the 10th, Portman boxing, showing improved defense, probably could have made the fight easier with more consistent execution. Hayek chiselling outb a brilliant comeback, biut what a shock to see her on HER knees instead of Portman--good consistency from the Latina, but she never really got to Natalie with anything solid.