(Thanks to FightFan for this repost))

Posted by Simguy on Sunday, 17-Jul-1999 09: 22:16

Before: Lopez looks to get back into the title picture with a win over one of the hottest fighters around in Jones. Catherine's grown into one of the most balanced fighters in the game, but her usual strategy of working outside to set up the inside could backfire against the Latina. Jones will have to box smart to turn back Lopez over 10 heats. Catherine in red jockey two piece, Lopez in baby blue spaghetti strap crop tank top - navy bikini bottoms - both girls wear Spanish ponytails (knot at the neck).

During R1: Jones does what she has to do - bounce left and right around Lopez, keep a steady stream of jabs up whether or not they connect, and fight her way clear whenever Lopez gets inside. Jennifer effective in spurts, but she can't cut the ring off early and gives away too many points despite landing some welting body shots late.

R2, 3, 4, 5: Catherine Zeta Jones puts on a 'How to Beat Jennifer Lopez' clinic in these rounds. Never standing still, constantly forcing Lopez to pivot and chase, Jones picks and pecks away at the Latina with a frustrating blend of speed and guile. Every round sees Lopez land some hard body shots, but Jones is able to tie up or dance away - staying off the ropes, keeping the fight in the middle of the ring. The fifth goes as a shutout for Jones who momentarily has Lopez discouraged with her flashing 3 punch combinations, and perpetual motion. After 5, Jones has built up a huge lead on all cards, in competitive, but well-controlled rounds.

R6: Jones legs start to tire and Lopez begins to bring the fight to her this round. Nestling on the inside with Lopez, it's no contest as the Latina bangs left hooks off Jones’ ribcage with bad intentions. Midway through the round, Jen spanks Jones” head to the side with the left, then hooks underneath to the liver to drop the brunette beauty to one knee. Lopez with an insolent sneer, refuses to back off as Jones catches her breath, prompting referee intervention. The rest of the round is a tough give and take as Jones lays inside with Lopez, scoring well on the ‘blonde’ with rising lefts and rights to the mouth.

R7: Jones recovers despite aching from the body work in the sixth, and gets back on her bicycle. Lopez with poor ring coverage, follows and walks into harms way throughout the round, eagerly eating 3 and 4 light punches to land one corking good blow of her own.

R8: Jen Lopez bodies up an a badly fatigued Jones and walks her to the ropes for the first time in the bout. All Lopez early as she sets up Lamotta style in front of Jones, banging at the brunette's body. Stepping to the right, Jen levers a hook from the side into Jones’ face, driving Catherine back across the ropes and down to her hands and knees. To her credit, Jones is up and digs in, going forehead to forehead with Lopez the rest of the way, willing to trade hot leather underneath.

R9: Jen Lopez now pushing Catherine around the ring, plying her body with that vicious left hook, and chopping at her vulnerable eyes and high cheek bones with the right. Jones looks weak inside, hunched over, trying to absorb blows on her shoulders and slip the head shots.

R10: Jones with a late burst of energy, shuts a bewildered Lopez out this round. Jen can only chase, walking into Catherine's buzz saw combinations as Jones plays will o' the wisp. Jones adept at retreating across the ring, bouncing Jennifer's head back with one-twos and backhand jabs, then clinch, turn and repeat back the other way. At the bell, Lopez face looks haunted, and the decision confirms it: Unanimous D for Catherine Zeta Jones.


After: Standing side by side as the scores are announced - the faces say it all. Jones with that perfect mask of cool superiority, and just the trace of a smile - Lopez with a hollow mix of disbelief and humiliation, trying not to show either. It's Jen's second straight dump, while CZJ continues to roll.


Sim Guy


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