(Oh well, Hayden was in Dallas, but who cares?)

BEFORE. Tough times for Virginie, as she's not the only active French fighter anymore and she seems to be on a slippery slope after unexpected losses to Winona Ryder and Lea Seydoux. "Those are the fights Ledoyen used to win easily -a reporter from prestigious French Boxing magazine ‘Le Monde Frappè' would tell the FCBA television- and so she is in a difficult situation here: She needs to win and give something to this Parisian crowd that has always supported her, even though she has rarely fought in front of it. And consider that Hayden has already beaten her here, so Panettiere is not totally unknown to this crowd- Hayden has her fair share of supporters here!" Not an easy fight for Virginie, sure, but she's beaten Hayden before. And not an easy fight for Hayden -she has a title fight with Natalie Portman next, and a defeat would be bad for her morale.

Still, Virginie is one of the most successful French fighters in the FCBA, and Hayden one of the best fighters overall, so there is a full crowd attending this long-awaited, stand-alone event. And among this crowd, there are of course members of TU, Tech Europe, Foxfire and Foxfire Atlantic -including Sarah Carter and Malika Menard, accompanied by external guests Lea Seydoux and Laury Thilleman. Ledoyen not pleased with that view -she marches to Hayden Panettiere's corner, almost causing turmoil there. Winslet and Danielle Harris almost jump on Virginie, grabbing her, while Munn jumps out of her seat yelling at them, and soon all the girls are on their feet, screaming at each other. Finally, calm is re-established among the group, but we are clearly on thin ice here. "I don't want a fight before the bell, but what are they doing here?" Virginie frowns, looking at her blonde arch-enemy Sarah next to the two new stars of French boxing. "Hayden, this is a fight between me and you, right? I don't think these other... hmmm, let's call them 'ladies'.. should be here!" Hayden gently clutches at Virginie, telling her firmly: "Listen, Sarah is my friend and my stablemate. She's not going to do anything to you, you know it... so don't be silly! But she supports me, and she'll be happy when I'll kick your French ass in front of this crowd again!". "Oh no, not all -replies Virginie with a smile- this time I am going to win and make it even... and then I'm going to have a shot at your friend Carter, you know that! And Portman -I have beaten her the last time we fought, so I think she should have given me that title fight!"
These two fighters may respect each other inside and outside the ring, but it is clear that Virginie considers the presence of her hatred rivals as a personal offence. Still, the fight has to start, and the two are ready. Virginie in navy blue bikini, red gloves; Hayden in white bikini and gloves; both girls with a ponytail. They touch gloves, eager to fight!

ROUND 1. Both fighters out fast, obviously wanting to please the crowd and knock out their opponent in a sensational fashion! Virginie exploiting her height and weight to keep Hayden busy with the jab; Hayden more dynamic, dancing around and waiting for Virginie to attack, ready to explode her power in close encounters. Ledoyen puts pressure on Hayden in the first minute, jab, touching her blonde rival with precision and speed, but then leaves the scene to the blonde. The shorter girl manages to duck a couple of blows and gets closer, unleashing her right on Virgnie's tummy; Virginie answers with a right hook, and soon the two separate again to study each other. Ledoyen's jab still hurting Hayden, but the younger American is not sitting on her haunches and hits Virginie's head a couple of times in a short, close exchange. Soon, the bell ends the first round. Close round, with both fighters happy of their results.

ROUND 2. Ledoyen tries to get closer, still using her jab, but willing to unleash some power from close range. Hayden lets her come, accepting the challenge -AND THE TWO START TO TRADE PUNCHES! Torrid set of exchanges from the close range, with Hayden clearly having the better of Virginie. Poor Ledoyen sent to the ropes, tries to cover from Hayden's one-side attack, but she's hurt. Hayden’s working on Virginie's tummy, then turns to the head while Ledoyen still tries to grasp for air. Virginie trapped, she tries to get out AND HAYDEN HAMMERS HER WITH A RIGHT HOOK! Virginie falls on her knees, moaning in pain, as she tries to beat the count and get back on her feet. Ledoyen up at 7, but Hayden’s not stopping, not letting her taller foe have any rest. Virginie not accepting the knockdown, she wants to avenge it right away and she goes right at Hayden! Her right hand is there, but her precision is gone and Hayden ducks twice before getting to business again. Hayden just pouring with determination on the French woman's body, and when Virginie tries to get out of troubles it's easy for Hayden to hit her head again. Virginie terribly hurt, legs trembling under Hayden's constant power and SHE'S DOWN AGAIN!!! Ledoyen falls on all fours and then sprawls on the mat, while Carter, Seydoux and Menard bark at her –what an insult for Virginie! Munn and Cook immediately jump from their seats in the direction of the three, but are quickly stopped by other FAB fighters. Still, the ref is counting, and Virginie manages to get up at eight -she's obviously hurt, fighting back tears of pain and discomfort, but she’s not willing to go down easily. Hayden is not happy, but she senses the KO near and moves in, trying to inflict the final blows BUT LEDOYEN WON'T HAVE IT! Virginie stops Hayden with a right hook, then gets her in troubles with the right uppercut -spirited French reverts the pressure and gives Hayden a rough end of the round, summoning al her forces to keep pressure on Hayden’s body. Ledoyen hurt, but defiant: she's just turned a 10-7 into a 10-8 with a final minute of great action here. Hayden out nicely, but the last minute showed that Ledoyen could be dangerous for her.

ROUND 3. Fighters out slowly, not wanting to repeat the crazy action of the previous round. Ledoyen starting well -she keeps Hayden away with her jab, pressing her, but her action is not effective enough to stop Panettiere. Hayden coming closer, patting on Virginie's ribcage with her fists -Ledoyen not getting shy here either, answering with some good shots at the body herself, but it's clear that Hayden is winding her down with her speed. End of the round -Hayden pushes Virginie to the ropes, hits her with a right hook twice, then gets trapped by Virginie's longer arms -Frenchwoman clinches to avoid further punishment. Hayden gets to her corner smiling, Virginie grinning -she knows she has to do something to gain control of the fight.

ROUND 4. Ledoyen insisting with the jab early, and it's the right move to do. Hayden forced to cover her, not wanting to give Virginie a clear shot, but she’s gradually taking the initiative again. Virginie's legs seem dragging her down, with Hayden's speed putting her in troubles. Virginie missing a couple of rights, Hayden moving in and Virginie accepts the challenge again! Hayden really working on Virginie's tummy, right/left/right combo that hurts the Frenchwoman. Ledoyen retreats, back on the ropes again, gloves on her ears and in front of her face, elbows protecting her tummy but Hayden's power can't be denied! Virginie tries to get out of the dangerous position, unleashes her left but HAYDEN BLOCKS THE PUNCH AND THEN POURS WITH THE RIGHT HOOK! Oh no, Virginie wobbly, unable to cover, takes more punishment that she bear AND SHE'S DOWN AGAIN! Poor Virginie on the mat, desperately trying to beat the count, while Seydoux barks at her again! Ledoyen glassy-eyed, she manages to rise once again -but' she's clearly shocked by the treatment she's receiving. Crowd still supporting her, though -and Virginie finds a way to escape further punishment by running away most of the remaining time. Final seconds -Hayden gets to close range, firing power punches to Virginie's torso, while Ledoyen gets the punishment and covers her head, waiting for the bell to save her. Hayden pumps her fist in the air -she knows she's comfortably leading after the fourth; Virginie more dazed, frustrated by her inability to dictate the pace. Ledoyen's corner trying to convince her to change strategy, with Munn coming from the back to offer an unexpected support to Virginie "Come on, Virgi, don't let her get too close to you! Stop her while she's away, and keep putting pressure with your jab -Hayden can break down, you know that!"

ROUND 5. Ledoyen seems encouraged by Munn's support, which is bolstered by a big crowd cheering for the French vixen. Virginie not fast -she's still a little shaky from the beating she suffered in the second and the fourth rounds- but she definitely stays out of troubles in the first minute. Hayden’s now getting a little frustrated, she sees the opportunity of an early KO slipping away, and tries to get closer to Virginie, but Ledoyen's jab keeps her away and is scoring points after all. Last minute of the round -Hayden takes the initiative, charging full speed, but Virginie's right hook finds her off-guard. After that, Hayden covers well, Virginie stays at a safe distance and the bell tells them it is time to go to their corners. Round to Virginie.

ROUND 6. Munn again in Virginie's corner, talking to her, while Malika checks on Hayden. "Come on Hayden, punish her! She's nothing, you are better!" Panettiere visibly annoyed at her French quasi-stablemate "I ... I am fine, you know..." she grins, while Sarah Carter almost grabs Malika to bring her back to her seat "She's fine, Malika, sit down, she will do great...." And so Hayden gets out quick, she takes the initiative once again, but this time more decisively. Hayden ducking, Hayden checking Virginie's guard with her right, but the Frenchwoman is not impressed. Gradually, Virginie starts to punch back. Right hook connects first, and the following right cross crashes on Hayden's poorly protected face. And with Hayden hurt, Virginie wants more! Close-range exchange now favors the French boxer, able to work on Hayden's ribs, chest, and face. Hayden hurt, we said -but she's a true fighter and manages to stay on her feet, putting some distance between her and Virginie occasionally. Virginie pumping her right on Hayden's tummy at the bell -big round for the brunette that goes back to her corner all-smiles. "You're really beating her -keep up the great work!" shouts Munn, now excited by her stable mate resurgence.

ROUND 7. Ledoyen now in charge, building some momentum from the previous round, she hits Hayden with a right/left combo to the chin that makes Hayden stumble for a moment. Virginie keeps pressure -Hayden able to duck one right hook, but unable to follow up due to Ledoyen's feisty mood. But with the second minute Hayden finally uses he body to charge, pushing Ledoyen toward the ropes. Virginie touched, defends herself but she is the one now under pressure from Hayden's constant work to her body. Finally, Ledoyen clinches, gets out of troubles but she seems to be slowing down. Close round, but Hayden seemed to have a slight edge.

ROUND 8. Munn tries to cheer Virginie again with her voice during the rounds, and the French veteran gets out for a quick blitz. But Hayden doesn't get unprepared -smaller blonde really knows how to work on her French rival when they get to close range. Hayden pumping the hook -Virginie hurt, backpedalling, unable to stop the blonde American. At the ropes, Virginie's still on the defensive, but she fires the right hook and connects to Hayden's chin! Hayden shaking again, not pleased, and here she POURS IN! Virginie covers, Hayden right crashes on her gloves but also batters her body. Finally, Ledoyen scores with the right, getting away from the ropes and back to the middle of the ring. Hayden keeps the pressure -getting to close range, working at Virginie's body. Ledoyen not shying away -she answer in rhymes, engaging in a crowd-pleasing exchange as the round comes to an end. But overall, Hayden seems in charge now- she gets the better of this last exchange and she gets the round too. Blonde girl satisfied, Virginie again a little shaky here.

ROUND 9. Munn still vibrant in Virginie's corner, but Panettiere is not impressed. Blonde comes out spirited, fighting the crowd's support for Viriginie, battering the French woman with her right. Virginie trying to cover, forced to the ropes again. Hayden's right checks her temple, then her chin. Ledoyen tries to clinch, Hayden pours more and more leather on her. Finally, the French woman manages to get out of the trap Hayden brought her in, and uses her jab to keep Panettiere on the outside. Nice stuff from Virginie here -she reaches out with her arms to find Hayden's body in several occasions, not giving her the chance to answer with enough power. Last moments of the round -Virginie swings her right, Hayden ducks and goes to the body, but Ledoyen pours in, finding Hayden's cheeks, forcing her to stop the attack. Final seconds -Hayden with her gloves on her temples, protecting herself from the brunette's assault, looking a little spent but still ahead on points. Virginie grinning, searching the crowd's cheering, but she's clearly exhausted.

ROUND 10. "Go for it, Virginie, finish her!" Olivia knows Virginie needs the KO to bring this fight home, and she does her job to push the French vixen to her limits. Hayden calmer now, she waits for Ledoyen to move, almost taunting her, faking to drop her guard but then moving out of Virginie's range. Ledoyen getting frustrated by the seconds, she needs to move quick and find Hayden AND SHE GOES TO THE BODY! Hayden shocked, not expecting Virginie's ferocious attack, trying to answer in rhymes but Virginie slides backwards, not letting Hayden find her target. Ledoyen works on the ribcage, but she's not breaking Hayden. Blonde girl's getting stronger -as Virginie seems to progressively wind down- and then she goes to the rack! Virginie's small chest takes a real beating here -Hayden’s not shy to deliver it to a respected opponent. Hayden stepping forward, forcing Virginie to slide to the ropes, and she's the one working now at the opponent’s ribcage -blonde girl finally unleashing her right hook and she catches Virginie! Ledoyen tilting forward, trying to hit Hayden with the right but gets tagged again by Hayden's jolting right. Crowd roaring, trying to give Ledoyen some push in the last minute, but Hayden is just hammering her –right fist simply damaging Virginie’s older body. Virginie's legs wobbly, French woman shaking, eating many punches there as she can't get out of the blistering fire Hayden is delivering. Hayden hitting her again with the right hook, Ledoyen tilts on her side, grabbing the ropes to stay on her feet. Hayden doesn't stop, chases Virginie, pushes her back to the ropes again, shoulders pressing on the pale French woman's skin. Outside, Sarah Carter on her feet, Malika and Lea screaming at Hayden: "Finish her, put her down!". Virginie eats another one on the chin, then one on the chest, tries to answer with a right swing but she can't hit Hayden. Panettiere on autopilot, she's not sparing the beaten Virginie from a late round punishment but she can’t send her down. Finally -the bell rings, putting an end to the fight, with the two fighters that hug each other. Virginie emotional, she knows she's lost again to Hayden; Hayden happy, but trying to comfort her opponent –the fight is over, and the pre-fight trash-talking is gone. On the outside, Munn, Cook, Poesy, and Middleton, silent; Carter, Menard, Seydoux and Thilleman euphoric. There are no doubts regarding the outcome -Hayden triumphs again on French soil as she has just beaten Virginie Ledoyen after ten rounds of great boxing.

AFTER. Oh yes, Hayden did it again. She's just beaten Virginie Ledoyen for the second time in France, in front of her fans.
The second round seemed the key of the bout -Virginie came out of that glorious punishment certainly not broken, but surely a little bent. Hayden smart, managed to keep the most of the fight on a brawling level, forcing Virginie to fight at the wrong distance, using her speed and power to hit her.
"You know, I love to fight here. France is treating me well, after all! And I love to fight Virginie -she's so proud, so confident, but she always gets beaten!" -Hayden giggles, looking at her beaten rival with a smile- "Seriously tough, she's a great opponent and she's able to fight the best in the division, but I dictated the pace tonight, showing Virginie what a real Champion looks like. She's got heart, and she's certainly hard to beat, but she's not at my level right now...." and here Hayden stops, smirking a little, then biting her lips for a moment "... but then again, nobody is at my level now. Coming here, beating Virginie on her home turf, and then going into the title fight with Nat Portman -it all feels so good! I'm not underestimating Nat, but she's going to have an extra-hard time against me. And while Virginie was supported by her spirit and her fans, Nat's spirit will break!"

Virginie respectful of Hayden, admits her defeat, but she's not happy with her result -it's the second straight defeat in France, and she knows the home press is not going to be nice to her. But while she entertains the French reporters, Olivia Munn talks to their American counterpart: "Look, she stood side-by-side with Hayden tonight. Virginie won rounds, she often put Hayden in troubles, and overall she did great! What else she could have done?"

OH OH, NOT THE RIGHT WORDS, OLIVIA! Ms Sarah Carter, standing nearby, jumps into the discussion, pointing her index finger at Olivia: "What else she could have done? Winning the fight! But she couldn't, because she's not good. Hayden is stronger than her, I am stronger than her, Lea is stronger than her. Truth is -Virginie can" t win. Hayden won today, and she will beat Portman too. Easy concept, even for a dumb girl like you!"

OH OH, NOT THE RIGHT WORDS, SARAH! Hot-tempered Olivia Munn immediately throws herself at Sarah, grabbing her dress. And then Lea and Clemence, Malika and Pippa, Laury and AJ – soon all of them give rise to the special pandemonium that inevitably occurs when too many proud fighters are put together. Virginie and Hayden look at them, with the exhausted French brunette whispering: "Next time, I'll beat you, you can be sure!" Hayden smiles, snapping her tongue and giving Virginie a little push: "Oh no, not a chance... but you can always try with Sarah!"