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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Futoshi Matsunaga (ranked 17 p4p, 20 weight class) and Vadim Golovkin (ranked 2 p4p, 4 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.
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| 170 cm
33
145
30 - 13 - 2 |
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172 cm
29
146
20 - 4 - 0 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 30 - 13 - 2, fighting out of New York, Futoshi Matsunaga!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Vadim Golovkin!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Shimada, Sosuke Kotani and Shirou Masuda.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Golovkin looks to land a right hand but Matsunaga moved out of range.
Matsunaga clinches with his opponent.
Matsunaga tries to break the clinch but Golovkin is controlling the position.
Matsunaga breaks from the clinch.
Matsunaga slips under a jab.
Matsunaga misses with a few strikes there.
Matsunaga throws a looping overhand right but Golovkin ducks down to avoid it.
Matsunaga swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Golovkin takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Golovkin cracks a nice hook into Matsunaga's ribs.
Golovkin dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Golovkin lands a right hook to the body.
Matsunaga wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Golovkin has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Golovkin ducks under a wild hook from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga misses with a hook.
Matsunaga throws a sloppy head kick and Golovkin moves out of range easily.
Matsunaga checks a leg kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Golovkin takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Golovkin connects with a single shot there.
Matsunaga is looking to clinch.
Matsunaga looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Matsunaga throws a shot from downtown. Golovkin moves away and avoids it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Golovkin moves out of range of the strikes.
Matsunaga misses with an uppercut.
Golovkin throws a lazy right hand but Matsunaga sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Matsunaga misses with an attempted mid kick.
Golovkin ducks under a wild hook from Matsunaga.
Golovkin looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Matsunaga wants to land a leg kick but Golovkin is out of range.
Golovkin moves out of range of the strikes.
Golovkin keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Matsunaga.
A nice side step and Golovkin releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Matsunaga fails to land with a series of punches.
Golovkin ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matsunaga moves away.
A looping hook to the body misses from Golovkin. Matsunaga does a little dance to reset his feet.
Golovkin 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.
Matsunaga jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Matsunaga blocks a jab.
Golovkin works Matsunaga's body with a nice hook.
Golovkin shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Matsunaga misses with a two punch combination.
Futoshi Matsunaga seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Matsunaga takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Golovkin scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Matsunaga looks to land a right hand but Golovkin moved out of range.
A countering left hand to the body from Golovkin misses.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga just misses with a punch to the body.
A lazy left from Golovkin finds it's target.
A jab from Golovkin finds it's way through Matsunaga's defenses.
Matsunaga avoids the body shot from Golovkin.
Matsunaga misses with a looping right.
Golovkin throws a leg kick that is checked
and Matsunaga counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Matsunaga looks to land a right hand but Golovkin moved out of range.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Golovkin! But no joy.
Golovkin bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Matsunaga's head backwards.
Matsunaga jabs Golovkin right on the nose. Golovkin blinks but takes it well.
Matsunaga uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Golovkin.
A swing and a miss from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Golovkin works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Golovkin jabs Matsunaga to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Matsunaga throws a body shot but no joy.
It seemed like Golovkin was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
A telegraphed right hand from Matsunaga misses the target.
Matsunaga swings widly with a right hand
and Golovkin counters with a stiff right hand.
Golovkin on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Golovkin uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Matsunaga.
Matsunaga throws a body shot but no joy.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Nice straight punches there by Matsunaga. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Matsunaga.
Golovkin uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Matsunaga.
Golovkin moves out of range as Matsunaga strikes.
Matsunaga throws a shot from downtown. Golovkin moves away and avoids it.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Golovkin! But no joy.
Matsunaga ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Golovkin moves away from the strike by Matsunaga.
Matsunaga slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Matsunaga lands with an uppercut that bounces Golovkin off the cage and back into range.
Matsunaga is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Golovkin connects with a good right hand that stumbles Matsunaga. Matsunaga circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Matsunaga tries to score with a low kick but Golovkin moves his leg out of the way.
Golovkin darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Golovkin moves out of range of the strikes.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Golovkin! But no joy.
A slow jab from Matsunaga misses its intended target.
Matsunaga throws a one two combo.
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!
Golovkin on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Golovkin paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Matsunaga on the wrong end of a nice hook.
A slow jab from Golovkin misses its intended target.
Golovkin throws a big shot that misses.
Matsunaga looks to land a right hand but Golovkin moved out of range.
It seemed like Golovkin was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Matsunaga looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Golovkin throws a body punch but Matsunaga moves out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Matsunaga misses the target.
Matsunaga swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Golovkin throws out a counter right but Matsunaga avoids it with no problem.
A decent looking cross lands there for Golovkin.
Golovkin misses with a low kick.
Golovkin has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Matsunaga.
Matsunaga throws a looping overhand right but Golovkin ducks down to avoid it.
A swing and a miss from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga wants to land a leg kick but Golovkin is out of range.
Golovkin throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Matsunaga throws a lazy right hand but Golovkin sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Matsunaga ducks under a wild hook from Golovkin.
Matsunaga misses with a shot to the body
and Golovkin connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Matsunaga throws a head kick that misses.
Golovkin is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Golovkin lands a jab to the head.
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 Futoshi Matsunaga will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Matsunaga fails to land with a series of punches.
A little jabbing left from Golovkin on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Matsunaga looks to clinch
and Golovkin counters with a right hand to the body.
Golovkin jabs at Matsunaga's body.
A big right from Matsunaga misses.
Matsunaga bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Golovkin throws a shot to the body.
Golovkin misses with a looping left.
A low kick from Matsunaga misses
letting Golovkin counter with a right hand.
Golovkin slips under a jab from Matsunaga.
Golovkin takes a swing at Matsunaga's ribcage but misses.
Matsunaga steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Golovkin.
Matsunaga slips a straight right by Golovkin.
Matsunaga throws a leg kick but Golovkin checks it.
Matsunaga looks to land a right hand but Golovkin moved out of range.
Matsunaga throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Golovkin's head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Matsunaga misses the shot to the body.
Golovkin looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Golovkin drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Matsunaga connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Golovkin misses with a body shot.
Matsunaga misses the jab.
Golovkin tries a quick counter leg kick but Matsunaga is wise to it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Golovkin lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Golovkin displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Matsunaga throws out the jab.
A little jabbing left from Golovkin on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Golovkin throws the left hand but Matsunaga avoids the punch easily.
Matsunaga looks to score with a jab to the body but Golovkin is just out of range.
Golovkin fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Matsunaga manages to avoid it.
Matsunaga tries to land a leg kick but Golovkin saw it coming and moves away.
Matsunaga misses the jab.
Golovkin swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Golovkin slips under a jab.
Matsunaga misses with a hook. Golovkin ducked under it nicely.
Golovkin is looking to slow Matsunaga down with leg kicks.
Golovkin throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Matsunaga sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Nice defenses there by Golovkin.
Golovkin uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga throws a hook to the side of Golovkin's head but Golovkin sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Matsunaga takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Matsunaga moves out of range of the leg kick from Golovkin.
Matsunaga 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.
Matsunaga looks to land a right hand but Golovkin moved out of range.
Golovkin displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Matsunaga throws out the jab.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga throws a head kick but Golovkin moves out of range.
Matsunaga lands a nice leg kick that just misses Golovkin's sensitive parts.
Golovkin throws a good cross that connects.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Matsunaga throws a body shot but no joy.
Golovkin is looking to chop away at Matsunaga's legs.
Golovkin misses with a looping right.
Golovkin smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Golovkin slips a straight right by Matsunaga.
A looping hook to the body misses from Matsunaga. Golovkin does a little dance to reset his feet.
Matsunaga misses with the combination.
A nice leg kick from Matsunaga, right into the meat of the thigh.
Golovkin fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Matsunaga looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Matsunaga throws a hook but Golovkin blocks it.
Matsunaga throws a body shot but no joy.
Matsunaga takes one to the side of the head.
Golovkin defending well as Matsunaga loads up on a big left hand.
Golovkin misses with a body shot.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Golovkin scores with a crisp jab that stopped Matsunaga in his tracks.
Golovkin with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Matsunaga fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Matsunaga misses with a body kick.
Matsunaga throws out a loose jab but Golovkin uses good head movement to avoid it.
Matsunaga gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Matsunaga finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Golovkin, as that shot connected.
Golovkin moves into range and connects with a jab.
Matsunaga pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Golovkin doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Golovkin throws a body punch but Matsunaga moves out of range.
Futoshi Matsunaga is winning the standup battle so far.
Matsunaga throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Matsunaga misses the shot to the body.
Golovkin digs a good hook to Matsunaga's body.
Matsunaga moves in looking to clinch but Golovkin pushes him off.
Golovkin misses with a straight right.
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!
Golovkin throws a right and a left that both miss.
Matsunaga wants to land a leg kick but Golovkin is out of range.
Golovkin slips under a jab.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga just misses with a punch to the body.
A telegraphed right hand from Golovkin misses the target.
Golovkin keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Matsunaga.
Golovkin throws a good cross that connects.
Matsunaga avoids the body shot from Golovkin.
Golovkin throws a quick inside leg kick.
Matsunaga looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Matsunaga throws a one two combo.
Golovkin lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Golovkin defending well as Matsunaga loads up on a big left hand.
Golovkin lunges at Matsunaga with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Matsunaga's hand.
Matsunaga takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Golovkin ducks under a wild hook from Matsunaga.
Golovkin lands a nice shot that snaps Matsunaga's head back.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Matsunaga lands a really nice looking cross but Golovkin seems unphased.
Matsunaga swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A nice side step and Golovkin releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Golovkin tries to land a leg kick but Matsunaga saw it coming and moves away.
Golovkin ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matsunaga moves away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Vadim Golovkin will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Back to the action!
A big left from Matsunaga misses.
Golovkin misses the shot to the body.
Matsunaga looks to land a left hand but Golovkin moved out of range nicely.
Golovkin throws a jab when Matsunaga was well out of range.
Matsunaga misses with a straight left.
It seemed like Golovkin was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Matsunaga misses with a kick to the body.
Matsunaga throws a sloppy head kick and Golovkin moves out of range easily.
Golovkin cracks Matsunaga with a good jab.
Matsunaga swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Matsunaga slips a jab from Golovkin.
Matsunaga is looking to counter punch.
Matsunaga is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Golovkin.
Matsunaga misses with a jab, cross combination.
Golovkin swings and misses with a hook to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Golovkin throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Matsunaga sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Golovkin looks to throw the jab but Matsunaga is out of range.
Golovkin darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Matsunaga lands a nice looking body kick.
Golovkin scores with a hook.
Golovkin tries to move into range but Matsunaga moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Golovkin bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Matsunaga's head.
Matsunaga slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Golovkin bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Golovkin throws out a leg kick but Matsunaga moves out of range and Golovkin only half commits.
Golovkin lands a right hook to the body.
Golovkin bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Matsunaga's head.
Matsunaga takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Matsunaga uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Golovkin.
A big left from Matsunaga misses.
Matsunaga jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Matsunaga connects with a body shot.
Matsunaga misses with a straight left.
Matsunaga shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
A clash of legs there as Golovkin blocks the low kick.
Golovkin lands a nice hook to Matsunaga's body. Matsunaga takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Matsunaga throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Some wild striking there from Golovkin.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga scores with the left hand. Golovkin knows he should have avoided that one.
Golovkin lands a glancing blow to the side of Matsunaga's head.
Golovkin throws an off balance right hand
and Matsunaga counters with a straight right hand.
Matsunaga defending well as Golovkin loads up on a big left hand.
Matsunaga with a nice cross.
Matsunaga lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
A big right from Matsunaga misses.
Golovkin staying out of range there.
Golovkin moves out of range of the strikes.
It seemed like Golovkin was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Matsunaga swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Matsunaga throws a half hearted mid kick.
Golovkin scores with a jab to the head.
Golovkin rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Matsunaga moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Matsunaga wants to clinch up but Golovkin keeps it at a distance.
Matsunaga tries to clinch up.
Matsunaga moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Matsunaga throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Golovkin.
Golovkin let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jab from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga throws a low kick but Golovkin avoids it.
Golovkin throws a big shot that misses.
Golovkin keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga throws a hook to the side of Golovkin's head but Golovkin sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Matsunaga missing with a left hand there. Golovkin was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Golovkin displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Matsunaga throws out the jab.
Golovkin feints a counter leg kick.
Golovkin takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Matsunaga throws a big shot that misses.
Matsunaga misses with a low kick.
Sloppy strikes from Golovkin. Those never looked like landing.
Matsunaga pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Golovkin connects with a body shot.
Golovkin avoids a kick to the body.
Golovkin with a nice cross.
Golovkin uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Matsunaga has time to react.
Good exchange - Matsunaga coming out on top.
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!
Golovkin slips under a jab.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Golovkin cracks Matsunaga with a good jab.
Golovkin displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Matsunaga throws out the jab.
Golovkin has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Golovkin lands with a nice body punch.
Some bone on bone action there as Golovkin checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Matsunaga walks into a straight right hand from Golovkin.
Golovkin fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Golovkin takes a swing at Matsunaga's ribcage but misses.
Matsunaga misses with a body kick.
Matsunaga connects with a jab.
Matsunaga ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Matsunaga pushes Golovkin away with a front kick.
Matsunaga throws out a loose jab but Golovkin uses good head movement to avoid it.
Matsunaga throws a lazy uppercut
and Golovkin makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Golovkin lands with a right hand.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Golovkin throws the left hand but Matsunaga avoids the punch easily.
Matsunaga throws a low kick, looking for Golovkin's leg but Golovkin calmly moves out of range.
Golovkin throws out a counter right but Matsunaga avoids it with no problem.
Golovkin slips under a jab.
Golovkin keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
A little jabbing left from Golovkin on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close third round but Vadim Golovkin just about did enough to take it.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!
Matsunaga misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Golovkin.
Golovkin slips a jab from Matsunaga.
Golovkin slips under a jab.
Golovkin looks to land a left hand but Matsunaga moved out of range nicely.
Matsunaga appears to be looking for a big counter.
Golovkin connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Golovkin uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Golovkin connects with a nice looking jab.
Matsunaga misses with a straight left.
It seemed like Golovkin was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Golovkin scores with a decent looking hook.
Golovkin throws an overhand right that lands on Matsunaga's shoulder, as Matsunaga tries to avoid the shot.
Golovkin ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Golovkin connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Matsunaga's hands.
Golovkin looks to throw the jab but Matsunaga is out of range.
Golovkin fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Matsunaga throws a hook to the side of Golovkin's head but Golovkin sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Matsunaga thows a leg kick but Golovkin checks it
and Golovkin counters with a stiff right hand.
Matsunaga ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Golovkin moves away.
Golovkin looks to land a right hand but Matsunaga moved out of range.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Matsunaga swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Matsunaga fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Matsunaga checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Matsunaga, as that shot connected.
Golovkin works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Golovkin throws a series of punches but Matsunaga moves out of range.
Matsunaga is looking for a counter combo.
Matsunaga misses with a looping left.
Golovkin lands a jab.
Golovkin staying out of range there.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Golovkin.
Matsunaga ducks under a wild hook from Golovkin.
Matsunaga throws a jab but it's blocked by Golovkin.
Golovkin looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Matsunaga misses with a right hand
and Golovkin counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Matsunaga keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Golovkin attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Matsunaga stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Golovkin throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Matsunaga is looking to counter punch.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga misses the jab.
Matsunaga keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Golovkin.
Golovkin chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Matsunaga can pounce on him.
A clash of legs there as Matsunaga blocks the low kick.
Matsunaga rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Golovkin moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Golovkin swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Golovkin cracks Matsunaga with an open hand slap.
Golovkin throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
It looked like Matsunaga wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Golovkin slips under a jab from Matsunaga.
Golovkin avoids the body shot from Matsunaga.
Golovkin with a jab.
Golovkin blocks a head kick by Matsunaga.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Golovkin! But no joy.
Matsunaga tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Jab, jab by Golovkin - just one landing.
Golovkin getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Golovkin moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Golovkin checks a leg kick.
Golovkin doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Matsunaga fails in his attempt to clinch.
Some bone on bone action there as Golovkin checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Golovkin catches Matsunaga with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Golovkin uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Matsunaga.
Golovkin lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
A big right from Golovkin misses.
Golovkin ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matsunaga moves away.
Matsunaga looks to land a right hand but Golovkin moved out of range.
Matsunaga connects with a good right hand that stumbles Golovkin. Golovkin circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Matsunaga wants to clinch but Golovkin slips to the side
and Golovkin counters with a one-two to the body.
Golovkin scores with a hook.
Golovkin ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Golovkin misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Matsunaga.
Golovkin drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Golovkin uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga punishes Golovkin's body with a nice straight punch.
Golovkin bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Golovkin throws the left hand but Matsunaga avoids the punch easily.
Matsunaga is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Golovkin throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Golovkin connects with a nice looking jab.
Golovkin swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Golovkin connects with a looping right hand.
Matsunaga scores with a crisp jab that stopped Golovkin in his tracks.
Matsunaga pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Matsunaga scores with a decent looking hook.
Matsunaga misses the shot to the body.
Matsunaga takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Golovkin lands with a right hand.
Golovkin chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Matsunaga takes one to the chin there.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Matsunaga gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Golovkin.
Golovkin throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Matsunaga stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Golovkin avoids the body shot from Matsunaga.
A jab from Matsunaga misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Vadim Golovkin dominated that fourth round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!
Golovkin misses with a hook.
Matsunaga gets a clinch.
Matsunaga lands a left hand.
Matsunaga manages to break the clinch.
Matsunaga throws a lazy right hand but Golovkin sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Golovkin finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Matsunaga chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Golovkin can pounce on him.
Matsunaga is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Golovkin throws a hook but Matsunaga avoids it easily.
Matsunaga cracks Golovkin with an open hand slap.
Golovkin lands a head shot.
Golovkin lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Matsunaga circles away quickly and effectively.
Golovkin ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Matsunaga moves away.
An attempted straight right counter from Matsunaga misses the target.
Jab, jab by Matsunaga - just one landing.
Matsunaga throws a lazy right hand but Golovkin sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Golovkin digs a good hook to Matsunaga's body.
Golovkin connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Matsunaga's hands.
Matsunaga misses with a body shot.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Golovkin moves into range and connects with a jab.
Golovkin just misses with a punch to the body.
Matsunaga is looking to counter punch.
Golovkin ducks under a wild hook from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga throws a lazy uppercut
and Golovkin counters with a nice uppercut.
Matsunaga throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Golovkin looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Matsunaga throws a sloppy head kick and Golovkin moves out of range easily.
Matsunaga misses the jab.
Golovkin works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Matsunaga takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Golovkin cracks a nice hook into Matsunaga's ribs.
Golovkin connects with a right hand. Matsunaga shakes it off.
Golovkin gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Matsunaga.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Matsunaga 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 Golovkin has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Golovkin and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Golovkin chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Matsunaga can pounce on him.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Golovkin looks to land a left hand but Matsunaga moved out of range nicely.
Matsunaga swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Golovkin steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga defending well as Golovkin loads up on a big left hand.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Golovkin cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Golovkin tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Matsunaga was well out of range. Poor timing from Golovkin.
Golovkin throws a lazy right hand but Matsunaga sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Matsunaga throws an off balance right hand
and Golovkin makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Golovkin slips a straight right by Matsunaga.
Matsunaga throws out a loose jab but Golovkin uses good head movement to avoid it.
Matsunaga throws a lazy right hand but Golovkin sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Golovkin fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Matsunaga looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Golovkin ducks under a wild hook from Matsunaga.
Golovkin uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Matsunaga.
Golovkin moves out of range of the strikes.
Golovkin connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Matsunaga dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Some wild striking there from Golovkin.
Golovkin avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Matsunaga slips under a jab from Golovkin.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
A swing and a miss from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Golovkin looks to throw the jab but Matsunaga is out of range.
Golovkin throws a body shot but no joy.
Matsunaga throws a nice outside leg kick.
Matsunaga takes one to the side of the head.
A head kick from Matsunaga lands but Golovkin takes it in his stride.
Golovkin throws a jab but it's blocked by Matsunaga.
Vadim Golovkin is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
The crowd cheers as Matsunaga lands an impressive looking overhand right. Golovkin doesn't seem phased though.
Matsunaga moves away from the strike by Golovkin.
Golovkin swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A telegraphed right hand from Matsunaga misses the target.
Matsunaga just misses with a punch to the body.
Golovkin lands a jab to the head.
Matsunaga pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Golovkin lands an overhand right.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Golovkin throws the left hand but Matsunaga avoids the punch easily.
Futoshi Matsunaga has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Matsunaga lands a jab to the head.
Golovkin ducks under a wild hook from Matsunaga.
Matsunaga looks to land a right hand but Golovkin moved out of range.
Matsunaga throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Golovkin sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A big left from Matsunaga misses.
A cross from Golovkin lands.
Matsunaga looks to land a right hand but Golovkin moved out of range.
Sloppy strikes from Matsunaga. Those never looked like landing.
Nice straight punches there by Golovkin. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Golovkin.
Golovkin throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Golovkin scores with a body shot.
Matsunaga waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Golovkin.
Matsunaga throws a big shot that misses.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Golovkin moves out of range as Matsunaga strikes.
Golovkin moves away from the strike by Matsunaga.
The fighters circling - Matsunaga throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Matsunaga looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Vadim Golovkin.
I think Golovkin 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 Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 48:48
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 47:49
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 47:49
In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Vadim Golovkin! Vadim Golovkin retains his featherweight title!
After winning the bout, Vadim Golovkin thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
91% |
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