PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Topi Takala (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Phraya Phichai (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Takala comes to the cage accompanied by Volga. Topi Takala has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Takala
vs
Phichai

198 cm
34
188 lbs
35 - 11 - 1

184 cm
28
192 lbs
16 - 6 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Hellbent
Perkele!

Abraham\'s Laundry Services

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 35 - 11 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Topi Takala!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 6 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Phraya Phichai!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Frank Antenori and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Phichai misses with a low kick.
Decent striking displayed by Phichai there.
Takala turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Phichai scores with a hook to the body. Takala takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Phichai connects with a leg kick. Takala looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Takala scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Takala ducks under a wild hook from Phichai.
Phichai fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Takala is out of range.
Takala is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Takala really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Phichai misses the shot to the body.
Takala tried to counter with a leg kick but Phichai avoided it.
Takala throws a lazy right hand but Phichai sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Takala jabs Phichai right on the nose. Phichai blinks but takes it well.
Phichai does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Takala throws a counter high kick but Phichai was just alert enough to avoid it.
Phichai fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Takala looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Phichai looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Phichai misses with a low kick.
Phichai moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Jab by Takala.
Takala lands a leg kick that knocks Phichai off balance momentarily.
Takala avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takala takes one on the button.
Takala throws a front kick aimed at Phichai's knee but Phichai avoids it well.
Takala connects with a jab.
Phichai misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Takala.
Takala takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Phichai looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Phichai checks a leg kick nicely.
Phichai lands with a shot to the body.
Phichai misses with a hook.
Takala takes a swing at Phichai's ribcage but misses.
Takala 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.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Takala walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Phichai checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Phichai misses with a head kick.
Phichai throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Takala looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Takala misses with a wild body shot.
Phichai throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Phichai misses with a straight left.
Takala misses with an uppercut. Phichai saw that one coming.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takala throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Takala throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Phichai's head.
Phichai moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Takala connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Takala ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Takala throws a quick inside leg kick.
Takala stuns Phichai with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Takala is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Phichai works Takala's body with a nice hook.
Phichai walks into a jab.
Takala swinging wildly here.
Takala dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Takala takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Phichai scores with a jab to the body.
Phichai uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Takala.
Phichai throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phichai misses with a low kick.
Phichai misses with a body shot.
Takala checks a low kick from Phichai.
Phichai takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Phichai lands a right hook to the body.
Phichai misses with an uppercut
and Takala counters with a nice leg kick.
Phichai plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Takala misses with a low kick.
Takala misses with a kick to the body.
Phichai looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Takala checks a low kick from Phichai.
Takala scores with a jab to the jaw.
Phichai throws an overhand right that lands on Takala's shoulder, as Takala tries to avoid the shot.
Phichai throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Phichai takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Phichai misses with a kick to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Takala goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Takala thows a leg kick but Phichai checks it
letting Phichai counter with a right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Phichai thuds a left hand into Takala's body.
Some bone on bone action there as Phichai checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
The fight stays on the outside here - Phichai looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Takala misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Phichai.
Takala connects with a body shot that sends Phichai's belly button to the back.

Phichai clinches up against the cage.
Phichai gets through Takala's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Takala lands an uppercut.
Takala lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Takala tries to work over Phichai's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Phichai lands a right hand.
I was talking to Takala's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Phichai lands a body punch in the clinch.
Takala scores with an uppercut up the middle.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Phichai scores with an uppercut up the middle.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Takala.
Takala lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Takala tries a body shot but Phichai blocks it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Topi Takala will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Takala ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Takala smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Takala throws a nice outside leg kick.
Phichai fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Takala manages to avoid it.
It looked like Takala was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Phichai.
Takala has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
Some bone on bone action there as Takala checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Phichai comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
A good leg kick by Takala.
Takala throws a good cross that connects.
A solid body kick from Phichai.
Phichai cracks the inside of Takala's front leg.
Phichai scores with a shot to the body.
Phichai misses the shot to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Takala scores with a push kick.
Phichai looks to land a body kick but Takala moved away.
Takala pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
It seemed like Phichai was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Takala takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Phichai does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Phichai throws a shot from downtown. Takala moves away and avoids it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Phichai.
Phichai dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Takala. That did some damage!

Phichai rushes Takala and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Takala lands a hook to the side of the head.
Takala misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Phichai working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Phichai struggles to land a body shot inside as Takala controls his hands.
Takala throws a head punch that misses.
Phichai lands an elbow inside that Takala shrugs off.
A frustrated look appears on Takala's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Phichai blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Takala scores with a shoulder strike.
Phichai tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Phichai throws a punch but it's blocked by Takala.
Takala swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Phichai lands with a left to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Takala misses with a punch on the inside.
Phichai tries a body shot but Takala blocks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Takala misses with a body punch.
A head punch on the inside from Phichai fails to land.
Takala lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Phichai prevents Takala from breaking the clinch.
Phichai has Takala pressed against the cage, preventing Takala from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Takala tries to throw a body punch but Phichai avoids it by throwing Takala back against the cage.
Phichai has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Takala seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Phichai can turn it around.
Takala tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Phichai lands with a short shot to the head.
Takala lands a right hand.
Takala lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Phichai or not.
Takala misses with some punches.
Takala takes an elbow to the forehead.

Takala's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Phichai tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Takala was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Phichai throws a front kick that sends Takala stumbling back into the cage.
Phraya Phichai seems to be getting the better of the standup.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Takala.
Takala throws out a loose jab but Phichai uses good head movement to avoid it.
Phichai lands with a cross.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phichai tries to score with a low kick but Takala moves his leg out of the way.
Takala is looking to counter punch.
Phichai misses with a body shot
and Takala counters with an inside leg kick.
Takala tries to work over Phichai's front leg with a kick but Phichai checks it.
Phichai closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Takala throws a wild body kick that Phichai sees coming a mile off.
Jab by Phichai.
Nice body kick there by Phichai.
Takala lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Takala scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Phichai doesn't seem bothered though.
Phichai tests Takala's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Phichai swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Phichai lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Phichai throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A nice leg kick lands there from Takala.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Phichai moves forwards but Takala connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Phichai throws a body shot but no joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takala throws a leg kick but Phichai moved away.
Phichai throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Phichai ducks right into an uppercut from Takala.
Takala loads up on a big right hand but Phichai slips the punch.
Phichai tests Takala's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Phichai's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Takala keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
A jab from Takala misses.
Phichai only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Takala dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Phichai. That did some damage!
Takala takes a swing at Phichai's ribcage but misses.
Phichai stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Takala.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Phichai lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Takala has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Takala and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Takala takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Phichai is looking to clinch.
A left lands for Takala.
A good leg kick by Phichai.
Takala misses with a low kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Topi Takala will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Takala tries a low kick but Phichai avoids it.
Good leg kick by Phichai there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
A jab from Takala misses.
Takala checks a leg kick.
Takala thinks about countering with a body kick.
Takala throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
And Phichai responds with a good body kick, but Takala manages to step out the way in time.
Phichai throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Takala counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Phichai takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Phichai connects with a high kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Takala. Phichai does a little dance to reset his feet.
Phichai throws a body punch but Takala moves out of range.
Takala misses with a looping left.
Phichai scores with a sloppy right hand. Takala should have avoided that one.
Takala shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Phichai swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Takala avoids a kick to the body.
An attempted straight right counter from Takala misses the target.
Phichai misses with a leg kick
and Takala counters with a nice kick to the body.
Phichai on the wrong end of a nice hook.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takala jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Phichai checks a low kick from Takala.
Takala attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Phichai is looking to land body kicks.
Takala throws a leg kick that is checked
and Phichai counters with a nice low kick that buckles Takala's knee momentarily.
Takala takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Takala scores with a jab to the body.
Phichai shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Phichai scores with a body shot.
Takala is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Takala lands a nice leg kick that just misses Phichai's sensitive parts.
Phichai throws a hook but Takala avoids it easily.
Takala does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Phichai steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Takala.
Phichai moves out of range of the strikes.
Takala connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Phichai checks a leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phichai ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Takala moves away.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Takala fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Phichai checks it well.
Phichai misses with a wild combination.
Takala throws a body shot but no joy.
Takala throws a body punch but Phichai moves out of range.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Phichai! But no joy.
Takala tries to land a front kick but Phichai steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Phichai throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Takala sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A nice leg kick lands there from Phichai.
A punch combination from Phichai misses.
Phichai on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Takala dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Phichai throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Takala throws out a leg kick but Phichai moves out of range and Takala only half commits.
Phichai throws a shot to the body.
Phichai on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takala misses the shot to the body.
Phichai throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Takala checks the leg kick nicely there.
Takala was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Phichai is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Takala rather than just go for the knockout.
Phichai tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
A nice inside leg kick there by Phichai. That's going to slow Takala down.
Nice shot by Phichai.
Some bone on bone action there as Phichai checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Phichai connects with an inside leg kick.
Takala stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Phichai.
Takala swings away with a body shot that misses
and Phichai counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
A solid leg kick lands there for Takala.

Phichai forces Takala back against the cage and clinches.
Phichai lands a nice shot to the body.
Takala has a couple of punches blocked by Phichai.
Phichai throws a head punch that misses.
Phichai misses with an elbow over the top.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A nice right hand lands inside from Takala.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Phichai blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Takala jumps into guard, dragging Phichai to the mat.
Takala will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Phichai slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Takala is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Phichai slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Phichai tries to free his leg and advance position but Takala is retaining full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Topi Takala did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Takala throws a body shot but no joy.
A chopping leg kick lands by Takala.
Takala throws a leg kick but Phichai sees it coming and moves out of range.
Phichai keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Takala moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Takala with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Phichai listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Phichai bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Takala goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Phichai only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Takala throws a right and a left that Phichai avoids nicely.
Phichai pulls out of a head kick attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Crunch! Phichai slams his shin into Takala's torso.
Phichai walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Takala checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Takala avoids the body shot from Phichai.
Phichai misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Takala.
Phichai scoring well with a low kick there.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Phichai misses with a looping left.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phichai throws a half hearted mid kick.
Phichai lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Phichai misses with a wild body shot.
Phichai throws a push kick but Takala slaps the foot to one side.
Takala blocks the body kick.
A big left from Phichai misses.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Takala, right into the meat.
Takala feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Phichai's calf.
Takala is looking to slow Phichai down with leg kicks.
Takala scoring well with a low kick there.
A punch lands to the side of Phichai 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Takala will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Phichai takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Takala swats away the attempt to clinch by Phichai.
Phichai throws a shot from downtown. Takala moves away and avoids it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Phichai throws a front kick that sends Takala stumbling back into the cage.
Nice body punch from Takala.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Takala keeps Phichai at a distance using the push kick.
Takala pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Phichai. Takala shrugs it off though.
Takala misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Phichai.
Phichai tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Takala was well out of range. Poor timing from Phichai.
Takala scores with a jab to the body.
Phichai misses with a kick to the body.
Phichai scores with a crisp jab that stopped Takala in his tracks.
A looping hook to the body misses from Takala. Phichai does a little dance to reset his feet.
Takala misses with a wild body shot.
Phichai appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Takala checks the leg kick nicely there.
Takala throws a quick inside leg kick.
Takala looks to land a combination but Phichai avoids it well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takala takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Takala is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Takala ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Phichai moves away.
Takala looks to score with a jab to the body but Phichai is just out of range.
Takala takes one on the button.
Phichai just misses with a punch to the body.
Phichai misses with a hook
and Takala counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Takala lands a jab.
A decent looking cross lands there for Takala.
Phichai wants to clinch up but Takala keeps it at a distance.
Takala throws a leg kick but Phichai sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Phichai swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Takala scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Phichai doesn't seem bothered though.
Phichai misses with a body kick.
Phichai looks to score with a jab to the body but Takala is just out of range.
Phichai throws a leg kick but Takala sees it coming and checks it nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takala tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A lazy left from Takala finds it's target.
Phichai moves out of range of the body kick.
Takala avoids the body shot from Phichai.
Phichai throws a body kick that misses.
Phichai throws a wild body kick that Takala sees coming a mile off.
An attempted straight right counter from Takala misses the target.
Takala will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Phichai misses with a head kick.
Takala swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Phichai has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Takala swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Takala moves out of range of the strikes.
Phichai uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Takala.
Takala connects with a looping right hand.
Takala thuds a left hand into Phichai's body.
Phichai checks a low kick from Takala.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Topi Takala had his way with Phraya Phichai in that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Takala chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Phichai can pounce on him.
Phichai looks to land a body kick but Takala moved away.
Takala looks to land a left hand but Phichai moved out of range nicely.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Phichai! But no joy.
A good leg kick by Phichai.
Phichai gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Takala.
No joy there for Phichai, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Takala lands a jab to the nose.
Phichai tries to clinch but Takala is having none of it.
Takala takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Takala just misses with a punch to the body.
Takala throws a front kick aimed at Phichai's knee but Phichai avoids it well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Phichai feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Takala's calf.
Takala stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Phichai scores with the left hand. Takala knows he should have avoided that one.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Takala moves away from the strike by Phichai.
Takala displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Phichai throws out the jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phichai feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Takala's calf.
A looping hook to the body misses from Phichai. Takala does a little dance to reset his feet.
Takala is looking to slow Phichai down with leg kicks.
Takala throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Phichai looks to land a body kick but Takala moved away.
Nice defenses there by Phichai.
That kick from Phichai tenderised Takala's leg. Takala is trying to keep his angry face on.
Nice cross by Takala.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Takala.
Phichai steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Takala.
Phichai misses with a wild body shot.
Takala lands a nice hook to Phichai's body. Phichai takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Phichai is looking to score with low kicks.
Takala fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Phichai moves into range and connects with a jab.
Some bone on bone action there as Phichai checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A combination from Phichai does no damage.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Phichai fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Takala looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Phichai connects with a leg kick. Takala looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Phichai takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Takala finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Phichai walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Takala thuds his shin into the meat of Phichai's side.
Phichai's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Takala connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Phichai scrambles back to his feet.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Phichai, right into the meat.
Phichai slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Takala connects with a right hand. Phichai shakes it off.
Takala jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Takala misses with a low kick.
Phichai on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Phichai tries to clinch but Takala moves away
and Takala counters with a stiff right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phichai lands a high kick!
Takala looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Takala slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Phichai checks a low kick from Takala.
Takala clobbers Phichai with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.

Phichai is rocked!
Takala loads up on a big right hand but Phichai slips the punch.
Phichai is still on wobbly legs! Can Takala finish him?
Takala throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Takala throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Takala dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Phichai. That did some damage!
Phichai seems to have recovered his senses.
Takala tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Phichai changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Nice body punch from Phichai.
Phichai throws the kick towards the body but Takala avoids it.
Phichai throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
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!
Takala throws a body punch but Phichai moves out of range.
Takala throws a leg kick but Phichai sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Phraya Phichai has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Phichai tries to clinch up
and Takala counters with a leg kick.
Takala moves away from the strike by Phichai.
Takala throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Takala misses with a leg kick.
Phichai slips a jab from Takala.
Phichai lands a nice shot to the body.
Takala blocks a low kick nicely.
Takala scoring well with a low kick there.
A good leg kick by Phichai.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Phichai, as that shot connected.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Phichai closes the distance but Takala moves to the side
and Takala makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Takala crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Phichai - the referee stops the clock and Takala gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Phichai. Takala manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Takala uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.

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 Topi Takala.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Takala, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Jack Bonds scores the fight 50:45
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 47:48
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Phraya Phichai!
Phraya Phichai decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.