PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Mickey Ward (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Anthony Jackson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Anthony Jackson will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Ward
vs
Jackson

173 cm
18
150 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

168 cm
26
140 lbs
5 - 7 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Mickey Ward!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 7 - 0, fighting out of New York, Anthony Jackson!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Lombardi, Franklyn Lucas and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jackson lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

Ward closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Ward jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Jackson walks away with a smile on his face. Ward gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Jackson displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Ward.
Jackson lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Ward at a distance.
Jackson looks to land a combination. Ward sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Ward will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mickey Ward. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Ward moves into the clinch.
Ward drops down looking for an ankle pick but Jackson pulls his leg out and moves away.
Jackson lands a nice hook to Ward's body. Ward takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Jackson stuns Ward with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Jackson scores with a sloppy right hand. Ward should have avoided that one.
Jackson wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Ward throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A low kick from Ward is predictable there
and Jackson counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jackson throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
A shot to the liver by Jackson. Beautiful body shot.

Ward rushes Jackson and presses him up against the cage.

Ward breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ward on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Jackson scores with a one two! Ward had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Jackson goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Jackson digs a good body shot into Ward's ribs.
Jackson leaves Ward with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Jackson lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Jackson looks to land a combination. Ward sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Ward throws a sloppy head kick
and Jackson makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
A nice combination there by Jackson.
Ward is breathing heavily.
Ward throws a leg kick that is checked
letting Jackson counter with a right hand.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ward is defended easily by Jackson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jackson scores with a jab to the body.
Jackson throws a right and a left that both miss.
Jackson fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Jackson scores with a one two! Ward had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Anthony Jackson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Ward looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Jackson is fending him off so far but Ward persists. Nope, Jackson circles away and we're back to standing.
Jackson ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Jackson scores with a punch to the head.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Ward. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
Jackson misses with the combination.
Jackson throws a right and a left that both miss.
Jackson lands with a shot to the body.
Ward on the wrong end of a nice jab.
A decent looking cross lands there for Jackson.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jackson lands with a nice combination. Ward backs away looking to recover.
Jackson is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Ward rather than just go for the knockout.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Jackson!
Jackson displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Danga de danga de dang - Jackson scores with a four punch combination!
Ward takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Ward tries to clinch but Jackson moves out of range.
Jackson tries to bum rush Ward with a series of wild strikes but Ward uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Ward changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Jackson tries to avoid it but Ward manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Jackson to the ground. Jackson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Jackson fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Jackson works Ward's body with a nice hook.
Ward takes a jab right on the kisser.
Jackson jabs Ward to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Jackson throws a one two combo.
Ward is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Jackson.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ward takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ward fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Jackson throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Jackson tries to bum rush Ward with a series of wild strikes but Ward uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Ward takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Ward takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Ward takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Jackson lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Jackson lands with a shot to the body.
Jackson scores with a body shot.
Jackson is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Ward had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Jackson connects with a body shot that sends Ward's belly button to the back.
Jackson lands with a nice body punch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Jackson fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Ward looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Jackson rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Ward moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Jackson lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Anthony Jackson dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Jackson shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Ward eats them both and turns towards Jackson to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Jackson scores with a jab.
Jackson wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
The fight stays on the outside here - Ward looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Jackson ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Jackson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Jackson misses with a series of wild punches.
Jackson lands with a cross.
Jackson connects with a body shot that sends Ward's belly button to the back.
Ward shoots in but no luck this time.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
A right-left combo lands from Jackson.
Jackson stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Jackson wants it to stay on the feet.
Jackson lands a lovely overhand right.
Jackson lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jackson lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Ward backs up against the cage.
Jackson is working the combinations to good effect here.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Jackson!
Jackson scores with a one two! Ward had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Jackson throws a series of strikes that have Ward backpedaling.
Danga de danga de dang - Jackson scores with a four punch combination!
Jackson shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Ward eats them both and turns towards Jackson to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Jackson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Jackson feints a jab promting Ward to slip. Jackson then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Ward slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Jackson moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Anthony Jackson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Jackson lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Jackson scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Jackson connects with a single shot there.
Ward takes one to the chin there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jackson misses with a series of wild punches.
Jackson lands a slapping body shot.
Ward shoots in for a takedown but Jackson shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mickey Ward. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Jackson throws a one two combo.
Jackson's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Jackson duly obliges.
Jackson connects with the punch.
Ward shoots for a takedown but Jackson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Jackson lands a jab-cross combination.
Nice uppercut there from Jackson.
Jackson ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Ward looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Jackson ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Sloppy strikes from Jackson. Those never looked like landing.
Ward wants to clinch.
Jackson uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Ward has time to react.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jackson lands a jab-cross combination.
Jackson throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Jackson lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Jackson.
Ward is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Jackson.
Ward tries to clinch but Jackson moves out of range.
Jackson ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Jackson works over Ward's head and body with a nice combination.
Jackson scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Ward has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Jackson scores with a jab.
Danga de danga de dang - Jackson scores with a four punch combination!
Jackson lands a nice hook to Ward's body. Ward takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Jackson fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jackson throws a right hand that Ward ducks under and follows up with a left that Ward also avoids with ease.
Jackson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Jackson connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Jackson digs a good hook to Ward's body.
A punch combination from Jackson misses.
Mickey Ward is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A right-left combo lands from Jackson.
Ward takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Jackson lands a nice shot that snaps Ward's head back.
Jackson misses with the combination.
Jackson comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Jackson scores with a jab to the jaw.
Ward has a takedown stuffed.
Nice straight punches there by Jackson. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Jackson.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Anthony Jackson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Ward's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Ward looks for a takedown but Jackson sprawls well.
Jackson lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Jackson throws a combination. Ward tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Ward takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Jackson connects with a body shot that sends Ward's belly button to the back.
Ward misses with a body punch
and Jackson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Jackson scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Jackson throws a series of strikes that have Ward backpedaling.
Ward takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Jackson lands a body shot.

Ward moves into the clinch.

Ward escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Jackson works over Ward's head and body with a nice combination.
Jackson throws a series of strikes that have Ward backpedaling.
Jackson throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jackson thuds a left hand into Ward's body.
Jackson scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Ward tries to clinch up but Jackson circles away and keeps his distance.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Ward.
Jackson feints a jab promting Ward to slip. Jackson then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Ward slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Jackson ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Jackson lands a jab-cross combination.
Jackson cracks Ward with a good jab.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Jackson!
Jackson lands with a good body shot.
Ward falls off balance throwing a combination
and Jackson counters with a lovely shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jackson works Ward's body with a nice hook.
Ward shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Jackson as he avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mickey Ward. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Jackson stalks Ward and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Ward's face. Ward staggers backwards, shaken.
Ward on the wrong end of a nice jab.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Jackson lands with a nice combination. Ward backs away looking to recover.
Jackson connects with a right hand. Ward shakes it off.
Jackson lands with a straight right. Ward didn't see that one coming.
Jackson lands a right hook to the body.
Jackson closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Ward moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Jackson throws a one two combo.
Ward avoids a punch combination nicely.
Jackson goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Jackson ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ward is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Jackson.
Ward shoots for a takedown but Jackson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Ward takes one to the chin there.
Ward takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
A left and a right from Jackson both land. Nice combination.
Anthony Jackson is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Jackson moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Jackson stuns Ward with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Ward moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Ward takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Jackson lands a body shot.
Ward tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Jackson swivels and escapes.
Jackson lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Ward circles away quickly and effectively.
A decent looking cross lands there for Jackson.
Jackson pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Ward back to the cage. Jackson follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Jackson scores with a one two! Ward had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Jackson lands with a nice body punch.
Jackson goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Jackson works over Ward's head and body with a nice combination.
Good exchange - Jackson coming out on top.
Ward takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Jackson!
Jackson shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Ward eats them both and turns towards Jackson to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
A combination from Jackson does no damage.
Ward throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Jackson counters with a series of strikes. Ward will be more careful next time no doubt.
Jackson looks to land a combination. Ward sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Jackson lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Jackson wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Mickey Ward has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jackson scores with a nice right hand.

And that's the end of the fight!
Anthony Jackson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Jackson winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 24:30
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 25:30
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 24:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Anthony Jackson!