PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Inuyasha Kagome (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hristo Stoichkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Inuyasha Kagome had a look across the ring there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Kagome
vs
Stoichkov

185 cm
19
200 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

179 cm
22
183 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Good knees
Cardio machine

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

BEST NUTRITION,no doping

▲Steel Penn Fight Gear - As Low As $4

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Inuyasha Kagome!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Hristo Stoichkov!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Yasuomi Hirokawa and Yukihiro Yamamoto.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kagome is looking to clinch.
Stoichkov misses with an uppercut.
Stoichkov scores with a body shot.
Stoichkov bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Kagome's head.
Stoichkov moves into range and connects with a jab.
Kagome ducks under a wild hook from Stoichkov.
Stoichkov just misses with a punch to the body.
Stoichkov swinging wildly here.
Stoichkov fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Kagome tries to clinch up but Stoichkov circles away and keeps his distance.
Kagome staying out of range there.
Stoichkov scores with a jab. Kagome acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Kagome wants to clinch up but Stoichkov keeps it at a distance.
Kagome tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stoichkov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Stoichkov misses with a two punch combination.
Kagome tries to clinch up but Stoichkov circles away and keeps his distance.
Kagome slips a jab and a cross from Stoichkov.
Stoichkov misses with a hook.
Stoichkov throws out a loose jab but Kagome uses good head movement to avoid it.
Stoichkov misses with a two punch combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A jab from Stoichkov finds it's way through Kagome's defenses.
Kagome doesn't manage to clinch there - Stoichkov circles away.

Kagome has managed to clinch.
Stoichkov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Kagome has him pressed against the ropes.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kagome.
Kagome unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Kagome stalling against the ropes.
Stoichkov lands with a right to the head.
Stoichkov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kagome's elbow.
Kagome putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Stoichkov in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Stoichkov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the ropes.
Kagome lands a nice knee to the body.
Stoichkov misses with a short punch on the inside.
The referee calls for Kagome to work.
Stoichkov wants to get back to striking at distance but Kagome won't allow it.
Stoichkov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Stoichkov is trying to break free.
Stoichkov being controlled against the ropes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Stoichkov fails to land.
Stoichkov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kagome utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Stoichkov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Stoichkov misses with a punch to the body.
Stoichkov misses with some punches.
Stoichkov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kagome just leaning against Stoichkov, taking a breather.
Kagome blocks an uppercut.
Kagome prevents Stoichkov from breaking the clinch.
Kagome content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Stoichkov wants to break free but Kagome has control.
Kagome blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Stoichkov is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Stoichkov working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Stoichkov tries to score a body lock takedown but Kagome shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Kagome takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Kagome has Stoichkov pressed against the ropes, preventing Stoichkov from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Kagome landing knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kagome blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Stoichkov lands a right hand.
Kagome leaning his opponent against the ropes.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kagome.
Kagome taking a breather.
A bit of stalling here from Stoichkov.
Stoichkov tries to break free but Kagome pushes him back against the ropes.
Kagome blocks an uppercut.
Knees in the clinch landing for Kagome.
Stoichkov throws a head punch that misses.
Stoichkov working hard to break the clinch.
Kagome looking to slow down the pace here.
Stoichkov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Kagome has him pressed against the ropes.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Stoichkov.
Stoichkov tries to circle away but Kagome has him pinned against the ropes.
Stoichkov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kagome leaning his opponent against the ropes.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Stoichkov as Kagome tries to tie him up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Stoichkov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Stoichkov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Stoichkov misses with a punch on the inside.
Kagome unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Kagome leaning his opponent against the ropes.
Kagome is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Stoichkov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Kagome has him pressed against the ropes.
Kagome lands an elbow just above Stoichkov 's eye.
Stoichkov throws a head punch that misses.
Stoichkov can't find room to land a body shot as Kagome controls the action.
Stoichkov is trying to break free.
The referee calls for Kagome to work.
Stoichkov has a couple of punches blocked by Kagome.
Stoichkov misses with a punch on the inside.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Hristo Stoichkov will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Stoichkov lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Kagome defending well as Stoichkov loads up on a big left hand.
Stoichkov misses the jab.
Kagome is looking to clinch but Stoichkov is avoiding it.
Kagome tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stoichkov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Stoichkov misses the shot to the body.
Stoichkov might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Stoichkov misses with a wild combination.
Hristo Stoichkov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Stoichkov cracks Kagome with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Good standup being displayed there by Stoichkov as he connects with a hook.
Kagome on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Stoichkov punishes Kagome's body with a nice straight punch.
Kagome steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Stoichkov.
Stoichkov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kagome's waist but Kagome gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Stoichkov off to one side.
Stoichkov clinches but Kagome breaks the clinch

and Kagome counters by clinching up.
Stoichkov is trying to break free.
Kagome pressing his opponent against the ropes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stoichkov wants to get back to striking at distance but Kagome won't allow it.
Stoichkov misses with a punch on the inside.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Stoichkov is trying to maintain a safe position but Kagome gets an underhook and turns Stoichkov into the ropes.
A frustrated look appears on Stoichkov's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Kagome working Stoichkov over with knees to the body.
Kagome is struggling to control the position.
Kagome blocks an uppercut.
Stoichkov wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Kagome gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Stoichkov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Stoichkov misses with some punches.
Stoichkov working aggressively here.
Stoichkov has a couple of punches blocked by Kagome.
Stoichkov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Stoichkov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Stoichkov takes a knee right on the jaw!
A head punch on the inside from Stoichkov fails to land.
Stoichkov is trying to break the clinch but Kagome is controlling him.
Kagome prevents Stoichkov from breaking the clinch.
Kagome will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Stoichkov up against the ropes.
Stoichkov tries to break the clinch but Kagome is controlling the position.
Kagome is stalling here.
Stoichkov is working Kagome over against the ropes.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Stoichkov is trying to break the clinch but Kagome is controlling him.
Come on Kagome - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Stoichkov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kagome stalling against the ropes.
Kagome comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Kagome keeps control of Stoichkov as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kagome has Stoichkov pressed against the ropes, preventing Stoichkov from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Nice elbow from Kagome.

It looks like Hristo Stoichkov has been cut.
Stoichkov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kagome is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Kagome trying to stall but Stoichkov improves his position.
Stoichkov throws a head punch that misses.
Kagome connects with a knee to the head.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Stoichkov takes an elbow to the forehead.
Stoichkov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Stoichkov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Stoichkov.
Stoichkov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Stoichkov lands a right hand that snaps the head of Kagome backwards.
Stoichkov wants to get back to striking at distance but Kagome won't allow it.
Stoichkov wants to break the clinch but can't.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kagome.
Kagome taking a breather.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Stoichkov has a couple of punches blocked by Kagome.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Kagome looking to stall.
Stoichkov misses with a punch to the body.
Stoichkov tries to throw a body punch but Kagome avoids it by throwing Stoichkov back against the cage.
Kagome keeps control of Stoichkov as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Kagome has Stoichkov pushed against the ropes.
Kagome gets a warning from the ref for wasting time.
Stoichkov misses with the head strike.
Kagome working Stoichkov over with knees to the body.
Kagome looking to slow down the pace here.
Stoichkov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Stoichkov misses with the head strike.
Stoichkov is trying to stall.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kagome connects with a knee to the head.
Stoichkov trying to stall but Kagome improves his position.
Stoichkov is trying to slow the pace down but that's a couple of times in a row that he's tried to get underhooks and Kagome has denied him.
Kagome landing knees to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hristo Stoichkov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Hristo Stoichkov's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Stoichkov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
The crowd cheers as Stoichkov lands an impressive looking overhand right. Kagome doesn't seem phased though.
Stoichkov fails to land with a series of punches.
Stoichkov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kagome.
Kagome slips under a jab from Stoichkov.
Kagome takes one to the chin there.
Kagome throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Stoichkov checks the leg kick.
Stoichkov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Stoichkov lands with a nice body punch.
Stoichkov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kagome moves away.
Kagome tries to clinch but Stoichkov moves out of range.
Kagome drops his hands momentarily and Stoichkov takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Stoichkov fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Stoichkov misses with an uppercut. Kagome saw that one coming.
Kagome scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Stoichkov wants to clinch but Kagome slips to the side

and Kagome counters by moving into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stoichkov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Stoichkov tries to throw a body punch but Kagome avoids it by throwing Stoichkov back against the cage.
A head punch on the inside from Stoichkov fails to land.
Kagome dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the ropes.
Stoichkov tries to stall but Kagome uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Kagome keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Stoichkov's efforts to push away.
Kagome avoiding damage.
The fighters are pressed against the ropes, as the pace of the fight slows.
Stoichkov has had enough of the clinch but Kagome keeps him there for the moment.
Stoichkov working aggressively here.
Stoichkov misses with a punch on the inside.
Kagome leaning against his opponent.
Stoichkov is trying to break the clinch but Kagome is controlling him.
Kagome stalling against the ropes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Stoichkov misses with the head strike.
Kagome unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Stoichkov tries to break the clinch but Kagome is controlling the position.
Kagome is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Kagome seems a little flustered. He's come in with the intention of controlling the clinch but Stoichkov is preventing him from doing so, at least for the moment.
Stoichkov throws a punch but it's blocked by Kagome.
Stoichkov taking a breather.
Kagome is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Stoichkov letting Kagome take a breather here.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Inuyasha Kagome.
Stoichkov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Kagome moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Kagome uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Stoichkov.
Nice defenses there by Kagome.
Kagome lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Stoichkov scores with a jab to the head.
Stoichkov throws a hook but Kagome avoids it easily.
Left hook, right uppercut from Stoichkov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kagome uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Stoichkov.
Kagome tries to clinch there but Stoichkov circles away.
Stoichkov misses with an uppercut.
No joy there for Stoichkov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Stoichkov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Jab from Stoichkov.
Stoichkov keeps the fight on the outside.
Stoichkov cracks Kagome with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the ropes.
Stoichkov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Stoichkov cracks Kagome with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the ropes.
A jab from Stoichkov finds it's way through Kagome's defenses.
Stoichkov misses with an uppercut.
Stoichkov lands a jab-cross combination.
Hristo Stoichkov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kagome tries to close the distance and clinch but Stoichkov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Stoichkov checks a leg kick nicely.
Kagome moves out of range of the strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stoichkov throws a series of strikes that have Kagome backpedaling.
Stoichkov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kagome bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

Kagome has closed the distance and engaged Stoichkov in a clinch.
Stoichkov can't break the clinch.
Kagome is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Stoichkov working aggressively here.
Stoichkov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kagome is trying to maintain a safe position but Stoichkov gets an underhook and turns Kagome into the ropes.
Kagome lands a nice elbow.
Stoichkov throws a head punch that misses.
Kagome stalling.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Stoichkov wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Kagome is trying to maintain a safe position but Stoichkov gets an underhook and turns Kagome into the ropes.
Kagome scores a nice knee to the body.
Kagome comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Kagome looking to stall.
Kagome with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hristo Stoichkov really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Hristo Stoichkov's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

A good leg kick by Kagome.
Stoichkov misses with the combination.
Stoichkov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Stoichkov stalks Kagome and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Kagome's face. Kagome staggers backwards, shaken.
Kagome is looking to clinch but Stoichkov is avoiding it.
Kagome needs to keep his hands up - Stoichkov had a free shot at his head there.
Kagome takes a jab right on the kisser.
Stoichkov lands a two punch combo.
Stoichkov missing with a left hand there. Kagome was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Stoichkov misses with a straight right.
Stoichkov with a jab.
Kagome is looking to clinch but Stoichkov is avoiding it.
Stoichkov misses with a hook.
Kagome fails in his attempt to clinch.
Stoichkov looks to land a combination. Kagome sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Stoichkov throws a looping overhand right but Kagome ducks down to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kagome takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Stoichkov tests Kagome's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Stoichkov goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Stoichkov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kagome was well out of range. Poor timing from Stoichkov.
A nice combination there by Stoichkov.
Kagome slips a jab from Stoichkov.
The fighters circle momentarily. Stoichkov darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Stoichkov tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Kagome counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Kagome.
Kagome utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Kagome is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Stalling in the clinch from Kagome.
Stoichkov tries a body shot but Kagome blocks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kagome trying to control the position but instead, Stoichkov has worked for underhooks and has pushed Kagome into the ropes.
Stoichkov misses with the head strike.
Stoichkov misses with a punch on the inside.
Stoichkov struggles to land a body shot inside as Kagome controls his hands.
Stoichkov misses with the head strike.
Stoichkov swings wildly with an uppercut but Kagome uses good head movement to avoid it.
A head punch on the inside from Stoichkov fails to land.
Kagome lands an elbow inside that Stoichkov shrugs off.
Stoichkov wants to break free but Kagome has control.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Stoichkov tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Stoichkov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kagome is trying to stall.
Kagome scores a nice knee to the body.
Stoichkov working hard to break the clinch.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Stoichkov misses with the head strike.
Stoichkov tries to work over Kagome's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kagome looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kagome prevents a body shot from Stoichkov.
Stoichkov effectively controlling the action here.
A frustrated look appears on Stoichkov's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Kagome lands a knee to the body.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kagome.
Stoichkov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Stoichkov stalling in the clinch but Kagome improves position.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Stalling in the clinch from Kagome.
Stoichkov working aggressively here.
Stoichkov lands with a left to the head.
Stoichkov throws a punch but it's blocked by Kagome.
Stoichkov wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Stoichkov is trying to break free.
Stoichkov is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Stoichkov swings wildly with an uppercut but Kagome uses good head movement to avoid it.
Inuyasha Kagome has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Kagome putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Stoichkov in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Kagome blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kagome working Stoichkov over with knees to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kagome has Stoichkov pressed against the ropes, preventing Stoichkov from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Kagome slowing the pace effectively.
Stoichkov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Come on Kagome - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Stoichkov is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Kagome obliges.
Kagome holding his opponent close, against the ropes.
Kagome is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Kagome is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Kagome utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Kagome blocking some punches.
Stoichkov is looking to control Kagome's arms but Kagome gets an underhook and turns him. Now Stoichkov has his back to the ropes.
Kagome blocking some punches.
Kagome crunches a lovely knee into Stoichkov's ribcage.
Kagome landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Kagome lands a good knee to the midsection. Stoichkov won't want to take too many of those.
Stoichkov wants to stall.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hristo Stoichkov dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Hristo Stoichkov's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

A good leg kick by Kagome.
Kagome tries to close the distance and clinch but Stoichkov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kagome slips a straight right by Stoichkov.
Kagome wants to clinch.
Kagome blocks a jab.
Some wild striking there from Stoichkov.
Kagome slips under a jab from Stoichkov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stoichkov throws a lazy right hand but Kagome sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Stoichkov looks for a takedown but Kagome sprawls well.
Kagome avoids the body shot from Stoichkov.
Kagome fails in his attempt to clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kagome uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Stoichkov.
Stoichkov is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
A big right from Stoichkov misses.
A decent looking cross lands there for Stoichkov.
Stoichkov smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Kagome uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Stoichkov.
Stoichkov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kagome manages to avoid it.
Stoichkov looks to score with a jab to the body but Kagome is just out of range.
Kagome avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kagome looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Kagome uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Stoichkov.
Kagome throws a nice outside leg kick.
Stoichkov loads up on a big right hand but Kagome slips the punch.
A swing and a miss from Stoichkov.
Stoichkov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
A slow jab from Stoichkov misses its intended target.
Stoichkov throws a right hand that Kagome ducks under and follows up with a left that Kagome also avoids with ease.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kagome drives through and clinches with Stoichkov against the ropes.
Stoichkov has had enough of the clinch but Kagome keeps him there for the moment.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Kagome obliges.
Stoichkov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kagome is stalling here.
Stoichkov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Stoichkov wants to break the clinch but can't.
Stoichkov wants to break free but Kagome has control.
Kagome is looking to control Stoichkov's arms but Stoichkov gets an underhook and turns him. Now Kagome has his back to the ropes.
Kagome unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Stoichkov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Stalling in the clinch from Kagome.
Kagome is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Stoichkov tries to break free but Kagome pushes him back against the ropes.
Kagome stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Kagome is looking to control Stoichkov's arms but Stoichkov gets an underhook and turns him. Now Kagome has his back to the ropes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Inuyasha Kagome.
Stoichkov swats away the attempt to clinch by Kagome.
A jab from Stoichkov misses.
Stoichkov scores with a jab. Kagome acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Stoichkov takes a swing at Kagome's ribcage but misses.
Kagome chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Stoichkov lands with a good body shot.
Stoichkov's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Kagome is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Stoichkov lands a lovely overhand right.
Stoichkov fails with the takedown.
Stoichkov misses with an uppercut.
Kagome tries to clinch up.
Kagome tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stoichkov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kagome bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stoichkov misses with a straight left.
Stoichkov cracks Kagome with an open hand slap.
Kagome is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kagome steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Stoichkov.
Kagome tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Kagome takes one on the button.
Stoichkov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Stoichkov misses with a hook.
Stoichkov throws a big shot that misses.
Stoichkov misses with a straight right.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Nice cross by Stoichkov.
Stoichkov lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Kagome tries to clinch up.
Stoichkov bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Inuyasha Kagome.
I think Stoichkov has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.

Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight for Hristo Stoichkov!
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight for Hristo Stoichkov!
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight for Hristo Stoichkov!

Hristo Stoichkov wins by unanimous decision!
Hristo Stoichkov is the new middleweight champion!