PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Max Payne (ranked 336 p4p, 54 weight class) and Hakuin Ekaku Jr (ranked 709 p4p, 119 weight class). Payne's entrance music is Bad Company. A fine choice. Ekaku Jr comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Jiu Jitsu kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Payne
vs
Ekaku Jr

174 cm
29
184 lbs
14 - 11 - 1

175 cm
30
165 lbs
24 - 10 - 2

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Urban Fighter
Project Mayhem

Venom Combat Sports
Aspire Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 11 - 1, fighting out of New York, Max Payne!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 10 - 2, fighting out of Los Angeles, Hakuin Ekaku Jr!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, Yves DeLean and Alec Ball.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Payne fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Ekaku Jr on the side of the head.
Payne checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Payne half committed to a counter leg kick.
Payne smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Payne looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Ekaku Jr shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Payne slips under a jab.
Payne dips to his left and cracks Ekaku Jr with an uppercut!
Payne uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Ekaku Jr checks a leg kick.
Payne pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ekaku Jr avoids the head kick by Payne.
Ekaku Jr with the counter takedown but Payne avoids it easily.
Hakuin Ekaku Jr seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ekaku Jr uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Payne.
Payne looks to score with a jab to the body but Ekaku Jr is just out of range.
A telegraphed right hand from Payne misses the target.

Payne gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Payne holds on and takes a little breather.
Ekaku Jr trying to control but Payne is working from the bottom.
Ekaku Jr lands a couple of decent looking shots.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Payne keeping moving, preventing Ekaku Jr from controlling successfully.
Payne is trying to keep Ekaku Jr in close.
Ekaku Jr wants to control from the top but Payne keeps moving.
Payne working a defensive guard here.
Ekaku Jr tries to free his leg and advance position but Payne is retaining full guard.
Ekaku Jr is still trying to improve position.

Payne is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Ekaku Jr presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Ekaku Jr prevents Payne from breaking the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ekaku Jr.
Payne trying to land knees to the body.
Payne has a couple of punches blocked by Ekaku Jr.
Payne swings wildly with an uppercut but Ekaku Jr uses good head movement to avoid it.
Payne lands a hook that snaps the head of Ekaku Jr backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr struggles to land a body shot inside as Payne controls his hands.
Payne has a couple of punches blocked by Ekaku Jr.

Ekaku Jr breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Payne slips under a jab from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Payne was well out of range. Poor timing from Ekaku Jr.
Payne fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ekaku Jr manages to avoid it.
Payne swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Ekaku Jr shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Ekaku Jr swings for the body but Payne moves out of range.
Payne tries to bum rush Ekaku Jr with a series of wild strikes but Ekaku Jr uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Ekaku Jr fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Payne missing with a left hand there. Ekaku Jr was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ekaku Jr stuns Payne with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Ekaku Jr lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Ekaku Jr moves out of range of the body kick from Payne.
Ekaku Jr fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Payne on the side of the head.
Payne lands with a right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ekaku Jr looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Ekaku Jr seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Payne does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Payne manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Payne connects with a good right hand that stumbles Ekaku Jr. Ekaku Jr circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Ekaku Jr blocks a jab.
Ekaku Jr takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Payne misses with the combination.
Payne walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Payne throws a hook but Ekaku Jr avoids it easily.
Payne avoids the body shot from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr shoots for a takedown but Payne saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Payne throwing a counter right hand but Ekaku Jr manages to avoid it.
Max Payne has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hakuin Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr lands a nice shot to the body.
Ekaku Jr throws a jab when Payne was well out of range.
Ekaku Jr throws a leg kick but Payne moved away.
Payne cracks Ekaku Jr with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Good work by Ekaku Jr as he checks the leg kick.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Ekaku Jr waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Payne.
Payne seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Ekaku Jr loads up on a big right hand but Payne slips the punch.
Payne defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr slips under a jab.
Ekaku Jr scores with a sloppy right hand. Payne should have avoided that one.
Payne scores with a jab to the body.
Ekaku Jr misses with a straight left.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Ekaku Jr blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Ekaku Jr has a couple of punches blocked by Payne.
Payne tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Ekaku Jr struggles to land a body shot inside as Payne controls his hands.

Ekaku Jr breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Payne swings for the body but Ekaku Jr moves out of range.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ekaku Jr chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Ekaku Jr moves out of range as Payne strikes.
Ekaku Jr tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Ekaku Jr ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Max Payne dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Ekaku Jr looks to score with a jab to the body but Payne is just out of range.
A combination from Ekaku Jr does no damage.
Payne lands with a cross.
Ekaku Jr scores with a body shot.
Payne misses with an uppercut.
Payne throws a nice outside leg kick.
Payne lands a nice looking body shot.
Payne keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ekaku Jr.
A counter left hand to the body from Payne misses its target.
Payne misses with a looping left.
Ekaku Jr on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Payne misses with a straight left.
Ekaku Jr feints the counter takedown.
Ekaku Jr looks to land a right hand but Payne moved out of range.
Ekaku Jr connects with a nice looking jab.
Payne's jab looks to have found its range, popping Ekaku Jr under the eye.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Payne ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ekaku Jr moves away.
Payne darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Ekaku Jr defending well as Payne loads up on a big left hand.
Ekaku Jr cracks Payne with an open hand slap.
Ekaku Jr looks to land a left hand but Payne moved out of range nicely.
Payne swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Payne misses with a looping left.
Payne misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ekaku Jr.
Payne misses with a looping right.
Max Payne is winning the standup battle so far.
Payne takes a jab right on the kisser.
Ekaku Jr sizes up Payne with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
A nice leg kick lands there from Ekaku Jr.
Payne lands a right hook to the body.
Payne takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Ekaku Jr throws a looping overhand right but Payne ducks down to avoid it.
Payne fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Payne avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Nice shot by Ekaku Jr.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Payne throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Payne.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr connects with a solid leg kick.
Ekaku Jr ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Payne moves away.
Nice defenses there by Ekaku Jr.
Payne misses with a looping left.
Payne tries to clinch up.
Ekaku Jr moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Max Payne is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Ekaku Jr throws a leg kick but Payne checks it.
Ekaku Jr with a nice cross.
Nice body punch from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
A leg kick checked by Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Payne moves away.
Ekaku Jr throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Payne on the side of the head.
Payne ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Payne connects with a body shot that sends Ekaku Jr's belly button to the back.
Ekaku Jr throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Payne sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Payne appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Payne darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Payne throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Payne looks to throw the jab but Ekaku Jr is out of range.
A good leg kick by Payne.
Payne blocks a jab.
Ekaku Jr throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ekaku Jr closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Some bone on bone action there as Ekaku Jr checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Ekaku Jr misses with a series of wild punches.
Ekaku Jr swats away the attempt to clinch by Payne.
Ekaku Jr takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Payne checks a low kick from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr thows a left - swing and a miss!
Payne feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Payne moves out of range as Ekaku Jr strikes.
Payne throws a hook to the side of Ekaku Jr's head but Ekaku Jr sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Payne tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ekaku Jr was well out of range. Poor timing from Payne.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Payne misses with a jab, cross combination.
Payne misses with a straight right.
And Ekaku Jr tries to counter it with a takedown but Payne pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Payne moves out of range of the strikes.
Ekaku Jr displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Payne throws out the jab.
Ekaku Jr ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A jab from Payne does it's job there.
Payne moves out of range as Ekaku Jr strikes.
Payne takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
A shot to the liver by Payne. Beautiful body shot.
Payne takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Ekaku Jr throws a leg kick but Payne moved away.
Ekaku Jr misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Payne.
Ekaku Jr moves out of range as Payne strikes.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A lazy body kick from Ekaku Jr
and Payne connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
A cross from Payne lands.
Ekaku Jr dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Payne. That did some damage!
Ekaku Jr scoring well with a low kick there.
Payne misses with a looping left.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Hakuin Ekaku Jr will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Ekaku Jr throws a looping overhand right but Payne ducks down to avoid it.
A little feinted left hand from Payne on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Ekaku Jr ducks under a wild hook from Payne.
Payne throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Ekaku Jr sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Ekaku Jr cracks Payne with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Ekaku Jr throws a nice inside leg kick.
Ekaku Jr keeps the fight on the outside.
Payne is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Payne throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Ekaku Jr lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Payne misses with a hook.
Ekaku Jr lands with a right hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ekaku Jr displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Payne throws out the jab.
A leg kick checked by Payne.
Ekaku Jr punishes Payne's body with a nice straight punch.
Ekaku Jr swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Payne.
Ekaku Jr misses with a looping left.
Payne was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Ekaku Jr blocks a leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Good leg kick by Payne there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Payne looks to land a left hand but Ekaku Jr moved out of range nicely.
A jab from Ekaku Jr misses.
Payne swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Ekaku Jr.
Payne lands a body shot.
Payne uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Ekaku Jr has time to react.
Payne throws a lazy right hand but Ekaku Jr sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ekaku Jr buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Ekaku Jr blocks a jab.
Payne loads up on a big right hand but Ekaku Jr slips the punch.
Payne with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Ekaku Jr throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Payne is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Ekaku Jr.
A nice leg kick lands there from Payne.
Ekaku Jr uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Payne.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ekaku Jr misses with a looping left.
Payne throws a nice outside leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Payne.
Ekaku Jr throws a right and a left that both miss.
Ekaku Jr keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Payne swinging wildly here.
Ekaku Jr with the counter takedown but Payne avoids it easily.
Payne moves out of range of the strikes.
Payne lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Ekaku Jr backs up against the cage.
Ekaku Jr lands a leg kick that knocks Payne off balance momentarily.
Payne is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Payne darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Payne throws a hook but Ekaku Jr avoids it easily.
Payne on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Ekaku Jr misses with a jab, cross combination.
Ekaku Jr misses with a leg kick.
Payne buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Jab by Ekaku Jr.
A jab from Ekaku Jr does it's job there.
Ekaku Jr tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Payne was well out of range. Poor timing from Ekaku Jr.
Payne thinks about countering with a body kick.
Ekaku Jr is looking to land body kicks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Ekaku Jr displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Payne throws out the jab.
Payne on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Payne misses with an uppercut. Ekaku Jr saw that one coming.
Payne looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Payne cracks a nice hook into Ekaku Jr's ribs.
Ekaku Jr swings for the body but Payne moves out of range.
Payne throws a jab but it's blocked by Ekaku Jr.
Payne dips to his left and cracks Ekaku Jr with an uppercut!
A clash of legs there as Payne blocks the low kick.
Payne is looking to counter punch.
Ekaku Jr has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Payne swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Ekaku Jr avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Ekaku Jr moves away from the strike by Payne.
Payne walks into a jab.
An inside leg kick from Payne misses.
Ekaku Jr is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Payne ducks right into an uppercut from Ekaku Jr.
Payne throws a front kick aimed at Ekaku Jr's knee but Ekaku Jr avoids it well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ekaku Jr shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

Payne has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Ekaku Jr is on him like a limpet, forcing Payne back against the cage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Payne prevents a body shot from Ekaku Jr.
Payne throws a punch but it's blocked by Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Payne seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Ekaku Jr can turn it around.
Payne landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.

Payne escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Payne takes a swing at Ekaku Jr's ribcage but misses.
Payne swinging wildly here.
Payne takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ekaku Jr misses with a body kick.
Payne throws a right and a left that Ekaku Jr avoids nicely.
Ekaku Jr looks to land a left hand but Payne moved out of range nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Max Payne did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Ekaku Jr throws a chopping leg kick but Payne manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Ekaku Jr ducks under a wild hook from Payne.
Payne slips a jab from Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr throws the left hand but Payne avoids the punch easily.
Ekaku Jr lands a nice looking body kick.
Payne throws the kick towards the body but Ekaku Jr avoids it.
Payne tries to score with a low kick but Ekaku Jr moves his leg out of the way.
Ekaku Jr shoots in but no luck this time.
Payne turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Ekaku Jr blocks a low kick nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Payne tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Ekaku Jr misses with a right hand
letting Payne counter with a right hand.
Payne fails with an attempt to clinch.
Ekaku Jr stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Payne.
Payne throws a nice inside leg kick.
Payne ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ekaku Jr moves away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Payne misses with a straight left.
A nice inside leg kick there by Ekaku Jr. That's going to slow Payne down.
Ekaku Jr throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Payne throws a hook but Ekaku Jr avoids it easily.
Ekaku Jr misses with a looping right.
Payne defending well as Ekaku Jr loads up on a big left hand.
Payne is looking to counter punch.
Payne tests Ekaku Jr's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Payne throws a hook to the side of Ekaku Jr's head but Ekaku Jr sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Ekaku Jr wants to land a leg kick but Payne is out of range.
Ekaku Jr moves out of range as Payne throws a body kick.
Ekaku Jr tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Ekaku Jr moves out of range of the strikes.
Payne tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Ekaku Jr is able to avoid easily.
Ekaku Jr throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Payne connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Good leg kick by Ekaku Jr there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Payne misses with a body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr throws out a loose jab but Payne uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ekaku Jr staying out of range there.
And Ekaku Jr tries to counter it with a takedown but Payne pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Ekaku Jr blocks a low kick nicely.
Ekaku Jr changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Payne walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Ekaku Jr misses with a body shot.
A big right from Payne misses.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Payne missing with a left hand there. Ekaku Jr was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ekaku Jr lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Ekaku Jr paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Ekaku Jr misses with a straight left.
Payne uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Ekaku Jr.
Payne is looking to counter punch.
Ekaku Jr misses the shot to the body.
A big right from Payne misses.
Ekaku Jr loads up on a big right hand but Payne slips the punch.
Payne went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Jab, jab by Ekaku Jr - just one landing.
Payne ducks under a wild hook from Ekaku Jr.
Some bone on bone action there as Payne checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Payne on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Ekaku Jr. Ekaku Jr obviously looking to wear him down.
Payne throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Payne bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Payne looks to throw the jab but Ekaku Jr is out of range.
Ekaku Jr with the counter takedown but Payne avoids it easily.
Payne avoids the body shot from Ekaku Jr.
Payne scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Payne takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Ekaku Jr looks to land a left hand but Payne moved out of range nicely.
As Ekaku Jr backs away, Payne returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Ekaku Jr throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
It looked like Payne wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Ekaku Jr fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Payne on the side of the head.

Ekaku Jr gets tackled into the cage by Payne. Payne maintains the clinch.

Payne breaks the clinch.
Ekaku Jr moves out of range of the leg kick from Payne.
Payne pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Payne throws a low kick, looking for Ekaku Jr's leg but Ekaku Jr calmly moves out of range.
Ekaku Jr is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Payne pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Good leg kick by Ekaku Jr there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr connects with an inside leg kick.
Ekaku Jr lands a glancing blow to the side of Payne's head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ekaku Jr lands with an overhand left.
Ekaku Jr blocks a low kick nicely.
Payne moves out of range of the strikes.
A leg kick checked by Payne.
Payne tries to bum rush Ekaku Jr with a series of wild strikes but Ekaku Jr uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Payne lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Ekaku Jr at a distance.
Ekaku Jr lunges at Payne with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Payne's hand.
Payne misses with a low kick.
Payne throws a leg kick but Ekaku Jr sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Ekaku Jr ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Payne lands a leg kick that knocks Ekaku Jr off balance momentarily.
Ekaku Jr shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Payne as he avoids it easily.
Ekaku Jr throws a leg kick but Payne moved away.
Ekaku Jr scoring well with a low kick there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Hakuin Ekaku Jr will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Ekaku Jr moves out of range as Payne strikes.
Payne throws out a leg kick but Ekaku Jr moves out of range and Payne only half commits.
Ekaku Jr chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Payne can pounce on him.
Ekaku Jr walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Payne checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Ekaku Jr connects with a looping right hand.
Ekaku Jr lands a nice shot to the body.
Payne thows a left - swing and a miss!
Ekaku Jr with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
A telegraphed right hand from Payne misses the target.
Payne throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ekaku Jr misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Payne.
Ekaku Jr connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Payne throws a low kick, looking for Ekaku Jr's leg but Ekaku Jr calmly moves out of range.
Ekaku Jr gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Payne throws a lazy right hand but Ekaku Jr sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Payne tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Payne pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Payne wants to slow Ekaku Jr down by chopping away at his legs.
Ekaku Jr slips a jab from Payne.
Ekaku Jr connects with a leg kick. Payne looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Ekaku Jr lands an overhand right.
A lazy left from Ekaku Jr finds it's target.
Payne tries to bum rush Ekaku Jr with a series of wild strikes but Ekaku Jr uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Ekaku Jr bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Payne's head backwards.
Payne throws a leg kick that misses.
Ekaku Jr connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Payne's hands.
Ekaku Jr misses with a looping left.
Ekaku Jr lands with a cross.
Ekaku Jr scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Payne throws an overhand right that lands on Ekaku Jr's shoulder, as Ekaku Jr tries to avoid the shot.
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!
A slow jab from Payne misses its intended target.
Ekaku Jr ducks under a wild hook from Payne.
Payne bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ekaku Jr smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Ekaku Jr connects with a leg kick. Payne looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Payne slips a straight right by Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr throws an overhand right that lands on Payne's shoulder, as Payne tries to avoid the shot.
Ekaku Jr slips under a jab from Payne.
Payne throws out a loose jab but Ekaku Jr uses good head movement to avoid it.
Payne attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Payne misses with a double jab.
Ekaku Jr bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Payne's head.
Nice uppercut there from Payne.
Ekaku Jr jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A looping hook to the body misses from Payne. Ekaku Jr does a little dance to reset his feet.
Ekaku Jr throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Payne fires out a quick counter leg kick but Ekaku Jr just manages to avoid it.
Ekaku Jr lands a body shot.
Ekaku Jr bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Payne's head backwards.
Payne swinging wildly here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A punch combination from Payne misses.
Ekaku Jr scores with a jab.
Ekaku Jr shoots in and drives through. Payne sprawls well.
Nice straight punches there by Payne. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Payne.
Payne throws a jab but it's blocked by Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Payne checks a leg kick.
Payne throws a body punch but Ekaku Jr moves out of range.

Ekaku Jr throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Payne was covering up waiting for the punch and Ekaku Jr finishes the takedown easily into guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Ekaku Jr accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Ekaku Jr is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Ekaku Jr scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

Payne has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Ekaku Jr off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ekaku Jr misses the shot to the body.
Payne swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Ekaku Jr is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Ekaku Jr lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Payne throws a leg kick but Ekaku Jr sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Payne throws a lazy right hand but Ekaku Jr sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ekaku Jr lands with a thumping leg kick.
A chopping leg kick lands by Ekaku Jr.
Ekaku Jr walks into a left hand.
Ekaku Jr looks to land a right hand but Payne moved out of range.
Payne throwing a counter right hand but Ekaku Jr manages to avoid it.
Payne fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ekaku Jr manages to avoid it.
Payne scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Ekaku Jr on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Ekaku Jr looks to score with a jab to the body but Payne is just out of range.
Payne chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Nice sprawl there from Payne as Ekaku Jr shoots in.
Ekaku Jr uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Payne.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Hakuin Ekaku Jr.
I think Ekaku Jr 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 Ian Loll scores the fight 47:48
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 48:48
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Hakuin Ekaku Jr!
Hakuin Ekaku Jr is the new welterweight champion!
As Hakuin Ekaku Jr got his breath back, he grabbed the microphone and managed to blurt out the following: Thank you to my inspiration, my father, THE GREATEST EVER Hakuin "Zen" Ekaku.'.