PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight kickboxing rules bout between Toshi Matoshin (ranked 2724 p4p, 256 weight class) and Shakhbulat Shamkhalaev (ranked 1279 p4p, 140 weight class). Matoshin comes to the ring accompanied by Mortal Kombat theme. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Matoshin
vs
Shamkhalaev

180 cm
42
158 lbs
47 - 29 - 3

181 cm
28
155 lbs
16 - 11 - 1

World class boxer
Insanely flexible

World class MT
Granite chin

Sully's Bar & Grill

Humanoid Nutrition (160Q for 180$)
Sully's Bar & Grill

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 47 - 29 - 3, fighting out of Amsterdam, Toshi Matoshin!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 11 - 1, fighting out of New York, Shakhbulat Shamkhalaev!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Shimada, Ren Mimura and Taro Takaoka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Matoshin lands a right hook to the body.
Matoshin avoids the body shot from Shamkhalaev.
Shamkhalaev checks a low kick from Matoshin.
Matoshin takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Shamkhalaev lands a right hook to the body.
Matoshin moves out of range of the body kick from Shamkhalaev.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Matoshin.
Sloppy strikes from Matoshin. Those never looked like landing.
Matoshin changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Shamkhalaev throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
The fighters circling - Shamkhalaev throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Toshi Matoshin seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Matoshin is looking to score with low kicks.
Shamkhalaev fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Matoshin is out of range.
Matoshin displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Donk. Matoshin catches Shamkhalaev right on the button with a cross.
Shamkhalaev moves out of range of the leg kick from Matoshin.
Matoshin thuds a left hand into Shamkhalaev's body.
Matoshin moves out of range as Shamkhalaev throws a body kick.
A clash of legs there as Matoshin blocks the low kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matoshin attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Shamkhalaev connects with a right hand. Matoshin shakes it off.
Matoshin ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Shamkhalaev moves away.
Nice uppercut there from Matoshin.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Matoshin, as that shot connected.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Matoshin checks a leg kick.
Matoshin misses the shot to the body.
Shamkhalaev misses with a left hand
and Shamkhalaev takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Shamkhalaev stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Matoshin misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Shamkhalaev.
Shamkhalaev throws out a counter right but Matoshin avoids it with no problem.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Matoshin checks a leg kick.
A quick step to the side and Matoshin tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Matoshin, as that shot connected.
A punch lands to the side of Shamkhalaev 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Shamkhalaev looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Matoshin scores with a decent looking hook.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Matoshin moves out of range as Shamkhalaev strikes.
Matoshin 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.
Nice body kick from Shamkhalaev.
A looping hook to the body misses from Matoshin. Shamkhalaev does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matoshin misses with a hook
and Shamkhalaev counters with a nice uppercut.
A looping hook to the body misses from Matoshin. Shamkhalaev does a little dance to reset his feet.
A punch combination from Matoshin misses.
No joy there for Shamkhalaev, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Matoshin is looking for a counter combo.
A low kick from Shamkhalaev is predictable there
and Matoshin counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Matoshin buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Shamkhalaev's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Matoshin connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Shamkhalaev scrambles back to his feet.
Shamkhalaev throws a chopping leg kick but Matoshin manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
A low kick from Shamkhalaev misses
and Matoshin counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
A lazy left from Matoshin finds it's target.
Shamkhalaev misses with a straight right.
Matoshin throws a shot from downtown. Shamkhalaev moves away and avoids it.
Matoshin lands a body shot.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Matoshin swings for the body but Shamkhalaev moves out of range.
Matoshin looks to score with a jab to the body but Shamkhalaev is just out of range.
A solid leg kick lands there for Shamkhalaev.
Matoshin circles away from the clinch attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Toshi Matoshin dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Shamkhalaev throws a low kick but Matoshin moves out of range easily.
It looked like Matoshin wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Matoshin pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Shamkhalaev unleashes a big counter combination but Matoshin bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Matoshin swings widly with a right hand
and Shamkhalaev counters with a stiff right hand.
Toshi Matoshin is winning the standup battle so far.
Matoshin moves out of range of the leg kick from Shamkhalaev.
Shamkhalaev misses with a low kick.
Matoshin uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Shamkhalaev.
Shamkhalaev throws a solid leg kick but Matoshin takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Shamkhalaev.
Matoshin throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Matoshin throws a body shot but no joy.
Shamkhalaev is trying to counter with his kicks.
Shamkhalaev keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Shamkhalaev misses with a low kick.
Matoshin ducks under a wild hook from Shamkhalaev.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matoshin misses with a combination
and Shamkhalaev cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Matoshin throws a body punch but Shamkhalaev moves out of range.
Shamkhalaev gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Matoshin.
Matoshin is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Shamkhalaev can do to turn this around?
Shamkhalaev misses with a low kick.
Matoshin gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Shamkhalaev.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shamkhalaev tries a head kick but it misses.
Matoshin checks a leg kick.
Shamkhalaev throws a solid leg kick but Matoshin takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Shamkhalaev.
Matoshin throws a body shot but no joy.
Jab by Matoshin.
Matoshin lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Matoshin chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Shamkhalaev can pounce on him.
Jab from Matoshin.
Matoshin throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Matoshin takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Matoshin scores with a hook to the body. Shamkhalaev takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Matoshin throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Matoshin checks a leg kick nicely.
Shamkhalaev throws a body punch but Matoshin moves out of range.
Shamkhalaev throws a body shot but no joy.
Matoshin bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Shamkhalaev's head backwards.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Matoshin ducks under a wild hook from Shamkhalaev.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shamkhalaev scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Matoshin scores with a body shot.
Good standup being displayed there by Matoshin as he connects with a hook.
The fighters circle momentarily. Matoshin darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Shamkhalaev connects with a solid leg kick.
Matoshin takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Matoshin throws a poor cross that misses
letting Shamkhalaev counter with a right hand.
Shamkhalaev misses with a right hand
and Matoshin counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Shamkhalaev is looking to land body kicks.
Matoshin throwing a counter right hand but Shamkhalaev manages to avoid it.
Matoshin lunges at Shamkhalaev with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Shamkhalaev's hand.
Matoshin tries to move into range but Shamkhalaev moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Matoshin moves out of range of the body kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Good exchange - Matoshin coming out on top.
Matoshin misses with a body shot.
As Matoshin backs off Shamkhalaev throws a huge counter combo but Matoshin manages to avoid it all.
Shamkhalaev waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Matoshin.
Matoshin tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Shakhbulat Shamkhalaev will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Matoshin scores with a crisp jab that stopped Shamkhalaev in his tracks.
Shamkhalaev has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Matoshin misses with a body shot.
Matoshin uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Shamkhalaev.
Matoshin uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Shamkhalaev.
Shamkhalaev's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Matoshin connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Shamkhalaev scrambles back to his feet.
Matoshin avoids the body shot from Shamkhalaev.
Shamkhalaev throws a low kick but Matoshin avoids it.
Matoshin lands a leg kick that knocks Shamkhalaev off balance momentarily.
Matoshin pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Shamkhalaev staying out of range there.
Matoshin throws a hook but Shamkhalaev avoids it easily.
Matoshin uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matoshin cracks Shamkhalaev with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the ropes.
Matoshin staying out of range there.
Shamkhalaev tried to score with a low kick but Matoshin checks it.
Matoshin throws a predictable looking body shot
and Shamkhalaev cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nice defenses there by Shamkhalaev.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Matoshin lands a body shot.
Shamkhalaev throws a leg kick but Matoshin checks it.
Shamkhalaev looks to land a right hand but Matoshin moved out of range.
Shamkhalaev works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
A shot to the body from Matoshin misses
and Matoshin takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Shamkhalaev blocks a head kick by Matoshin.
Shamkhalaev has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Matoshin finds it's way round the side to connect with Shamkhalaev's head.
Matoshin misses with a body shot.
Shamkhalaev scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Shamkhalaev. Matoshin does a little dance to reset his feet.
Matoshin cracks Shamkhalaev with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the ropes.
Shamkhalaev throws a nice outside leg kick.
Matoshin connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Matoshin throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Shamkhalaev sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Shamkhalaev keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Matoshin.
Some bone on bone action there as Shamkhalaev checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Shamkhalaev appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Matoshin scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Shamkhalaev doesn't seem bothered though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A slow jab from Shamkhalaev misses its intended target.
Shamkhalaev tries to land a front kick but Matoshin steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Nice uppercut lands for Shamkhalaev. That snapped Matoshin's head back.
Matoshin rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Shamkhalaev counters with a slapping leg kick.
Matoshin throws a head kick that misses.
Shamkhalaev unleashes a big counter combination but Matoshin bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Matoshin throws a head kick but Shamkhalaev moves out of range.
A little jabbing left from Shamkhalaev on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Shamkhalaev moves out of range as Matoshin strikes.
Matoshin tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Shamkhalaev was well out of range. Poor timing from Matoshin.
Shamkhalaev connects with a looping right hand.
Shamkhalaev throws a low kick, looking for Matoshin's leg but Matoshin calmly moves out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Matoshin misses the target.
Shamkhalaev avoids the body shot from Matoshin.
Shamkhalaev throws a body punch but Matoshin moves out of range.
Shamkhalaev digs a good hook to Matoshin's body.
Shamkhalaev pivots, looking for a leg kick but Matoshin is out of range and Shamkhalaev settles back down.
It looked like Matoshin wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Matoshin sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Matoshin slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.

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 Toshi Matoshin.
Well Matoshin has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 28:29
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 30:28
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Toshi Matoshin!
Toshi Matoshin very nearly forgot to thank Sully's Bar & Grill amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you.