PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight kickboxing rules bout between Dan Church (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Igor Szarafin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Szarafin has chosen los wojownika as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

Church
vs
Szarafin

174 cm
18
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

165 cm
18
130 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

Brawler
Self confident

Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Dan Church!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Igor Szarafin!
The judges for this bout are Ren Mimura, Hirohito Nitta and Shigeki Sano.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Church takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Church gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Church takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Szarafin circles away from the clinch attempt.
Church takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Church tries to clinch but Szarafin moves out of range.
Szarafin avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Church doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Szarafin circles away from the clinch attempt.
Szarafin lands a jab.
Szarafin scores with a sloppy right hand. Church should have avoided that one.
Szarafin looks to land a combination. Church sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Szarafin tries to bum rush Church with a series of wild strikes but Church uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Szarafin fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Church fails with an attempt to clinch.
Szarafin misses with the combination.
Church tries to close the distance and clinch up but Szarafin swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Church closes the distance and pushes Szarafin back into the ropes.
Szarafin avoiding damage as Church throws knees to the body.
A short body shot lands from Szarafin as the two fighters clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Church lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Church lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Church lands a nice elbow.
Szarafin is trying to break the clinch but Church is controlling him.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Szarafin.
Szarafin tries to break free but Church pushes him back against the ropes.
Church gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Szarafin.
A right handed body shot lands from Szarafin.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Szarafin has had enough of the clinch but Church keeps him there for the moment.
Szarafin lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Szarafin lands with a short shot to the head.
Szarafin wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Szarafin has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Church prevents a body shot from Szarafin.
Church lands an elbow inside that Szarafin shrugs off.
Szarafin has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Church working Szarafin over with knees to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Church landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Szarafin is trying to break the clinch but Church is controlling him.
Church wants to stall.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Church keeps control of Szarafin as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Szarafin can't break the clinch.
Szarafin looks gassed!
Church effectively controlling the action here.
Church is looking to control Szarafin's arms but Szarafin gets an underhook and turns him. Now Church has his back to the ropes.
Church's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Szarafin lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Szarafin takes an elbow to the temple.
Szarafin wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
A left hand lands to the body for Szarafin.
Szarafin tries to break free but Church pushes him back against the ropes.
Szarafin tries to break free but Church pushes him back against the ropes.
Szarafin gets through Church's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Church unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Church is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Church putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Szarafin in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Church has Szarafin pressed against the ropes.
Church trying to stall but Szarafin improves his position.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Dan Church.

Church moves into range and clinches up with Szarafin.
Church tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Church looking to stall.
Church with a knee to the head.
Church lands an elbow inside.
Szarafin stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Church unloads a knee to the mid-section. Szarafin lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Church looking to slow down the pace here.
Church lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Szarafin misses with a punch to the body.
Church with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Church lands an elbow inside that Szarafin shrugs off.
Szarafin tries to break free but Church pushes him back against the ropes.
Church connects with a nasty looking knee right to Szarafin's face.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Szarafin is trying to push Church away but Church has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.
Church leaning against his opponent.
Szarafin has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Church is looking to control Szarafin's arms but Szarafin gets an underhook and turns him. Now Church has his back to the ropes.
Knees to the body from Church.
Church lands an elbow inside that Szarafin shrugs off.
Church is looking to control Szarafin's arms but Szarafin gets an underhook and turns him. Now Church has his back to the ropes.
Church comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Church lands an elbow inside that Szarafin shrugs off.
Church scores with a knee to the head.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Church crunches a lovely knee into Szarafin's ribcage.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Church landing knees to the body.
Church lands a damaging elbow.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Church.
Church lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Church unloads a knee to the mid-section. Szarafin lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Church obliges.
Church is looking to control Szarafin's arms but Szarafin gets an underhook and turns him. Now Church has his back to the ropes.
Szarafin takes an elbow to the temple.
Szarafin wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Church unloads a knee to the mid-section. Szarafin lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Knees in the clinch landing for Church.
Szarafin takes an elbow to the forehead.
Church misses with a knee strike.
Church wants to stall.
Church with an attempt at a knee that misses.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Church trying to stall but Szarafin improves his position.
Szarafin misses with a short punch on the inside.
Church comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Church lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Szarafin wants to break free but Church has control.
Church taking a breather.
Szarafin wants to break the clinch but can't.
The fighters are pressed against the ropes, as the pace of the fight slows.
Church tries to land a knee to the head but Szarafin blocks with his arms.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Dan Church.
Church wants to clinch up but Szarafin keeps it at a distance.
Church moves in looking to clinch but Szarafin pushes him off.
Church fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Church lands a high kick!

Szarafin is rocked!
Church scores with a hook to the body. Szarafin takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Szarafin is still on wobbly legs! Can Church finish him?
Church moves in looking to clinch but Szarafin pushes him off.

Church has closed the distance and engaged Szarafin in a clinch.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Church lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Szarafin has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Church creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Szarafin's defenses.
Church lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Church creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Szarafin's defenses.
Church lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Szarafin takes an elbow to the forehead.
Church lands an elbow that stopped Szarafin in his tracks for a moment.
Church lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Church trying to control the position but instead, Szarafin has worked for underhooks and has pushed Church into the ropes.
A knee to the head by Church.
Church lands a knee to the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Church looking to stall.
Szarafin takes a knee right on the jaw!
Szarafin wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Church lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!

Szarafin breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Church moves into the clinch.
Szarafin is trying to break free.
Szarafin tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Church's elbow.
Church lands a damaging elbow.
Church connects with a knee to the head.
Church throws a knee to the head but misses.
Szarafin is looking to break free of the clinch but Church has double underhooks.
Szarafin is leaning against Church and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Church lands a damaging elbow.
Szarafin goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Szarafin takes an elbow to the temple.
Church is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Szarafin is keeping busy.
Church lands a nice elbow.
Church scores with a knee to the head.
Church stalling in the clinch but Szarafin improves position.
Church lands an elbow inside.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
A frustrated look appears on Szarafin's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Church is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Church with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Szarafin is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Church with a knee to the head.
Church landing knees to the head.
Church scores with a knee to the head.
Szarafin misses with a short punch on the inside.
Church lands a knee to the head.
Church lands an elbow just above Szarafin 's eye.
Church lands an elbow that stopped Szarafin in his tracks for a moment.
Church lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Church has Szarafin pressed against the ropes.
Szarafin seems to have recovered his senses.
Church throws an elbow but it misses.
Szarafin lands a right hand that snaps the head of Church backwards.
Church landing knees to the body.
Church lands a knee to the body.
Church using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Church scores with a knee to the head.
Church taking a breather.
Church throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Szarafin blocks it with crossed arms.
Church with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Szarafin digs a right hand into Church's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Church's gas tank.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
A knee to the head by Church.
Szarafin scores with a shot to the side of Church's head.
Church working Szarafin over with knees to the body.
Church is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Szarafin is keeping busy.

Szarafin breaks from the clinch.
Dan Church is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Church throws a head kick that Szarafin semi-blocks.
Church tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Szarafin paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Szarafin throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Church dodges the punch combination from Szarafin.
Church wants to clinch up but Szarafin keeps it at a distance.
Church tries to clinch up but Szarafin circles away and keeps his distance.
Church wants to clinch.
Szarafin throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Church is looking to clinch.
Szarafin pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Church back to the ropes. Szarafin follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Szarafin catches Church with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Szarafin lands with a nice body punch.
Church tries to clinch but Szarafin moves out of range.
Szarafin is breathing heavily.
Church tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in the close the distance. Szarafin manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Szarafin keeps the fight on the outside.
Szarafin throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Church tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Szarafin paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Church tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Szarafin paws at him with a jab and circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Szarafin lands with a nice body punch.
Church throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Church tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Church tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Szarafin paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Church fails in his attempt to clinch.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Szarafin!

Church has taken the fight to the clinch.
Szarafin on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Szarafin working aggressively here.
Szarafin is trying to break free.
Church taking a breather.
Church with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Church lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Church is trying to stall.
Church seems a little flustered. He's come in with the intention of controlling the clinch but Szarafin is preventing him from doing so, at least for the moment.
Szarafin tries to break free but Church pushes him back against the ropes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Szarafin takes a knee to the side of the body.
Church prevents Szarafin from breaking the clinch.
Szarafin can't find room to land a body shot as Church controls the action.
Szarafin working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Church stalling in the clinch but Szarafin improves position.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Church lands an elbow inside.
Szarafin is trying to push Church away but Church has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.
Church is trying to stall.
Maybe Church would be better served going for some more strikes rather than trying to control so much.
Szarafin takes an elbow to the forehead.
Church wants to stall.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Dan Church.
Church fails in his attempt to clinch.
Church tries to close the distance and clinch up but Szarafin swats him away and circles back towards the center.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Szarafin misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Church.
Church doesn't manage to clinch there - Szarafin circles away.
Szarafin fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Church manages to avoid it.
Church tries to close the distance and clinch up but Szarafin swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Szarafin rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Church moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Church fails with an attempt to clinch.

Church forces Szarafin back against the ropes and clinches.
Szarafin misses with a body punch.
Church taking a breather.
Knees in the clinch landing for Church.
Church with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Church with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Church lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Szarafin has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Szarafin is trying to break free.
Church is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Church lands a knee to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Church misses with a knee strike.
Church unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Church working Szarafin over with knees to the body.
Church tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Szarafin is trying to push Church away but Church has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.
Szarafin is trying to push Church away but Church has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.
Church lands a good knee to the midsection. Szarafin won't want to take too many of those.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Church lands a good knee to the midsection. Szarafin won't want to take too many of those.
Church wants to stall.
Church scores with a knee to the head.
Church connects with a knee to the head.
Szarafin lands a hook that snaps the head of Church backwards.
Church with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Church keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Szarafin's efforts to push away.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Come on Church - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Church seems to have come into the fight with the intention of avoiding any damage in the clinch, rather than actually showing any aggression.
Church scores with a knee to the head.
Knees to the body from Church.
Szarafin tries to throw a body punch but Church avoids it by throwing Szarafin back against the ropes.
Church connects with a nasty looking knee right to Szarafin's face.
Church trying to control the position but instead, Szarafin has worked for underhooks and has pushed Church into the ropes.
Szarafin wants to break free but Church has control.
Szarafin working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Church connects with a knee to the head.
Church is trying to maintain a safe position but Szarafin gets an underhook and turns Church into the ropes.
Church scores a nice knee to the body.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Szarafin wants to break free but Church has control.
Knees in the clinch landing for Church.
Church lands an elbow inside.
Dan Church has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Church is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Szarafin is keeping busy.
Church lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Church stalling in the clinch but Szarafin improves position.
Church using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Szarafin tries to circle away but Church has him pinned against the ropes.
Szarafin tries to throw a body punch but Church avoids it by throwing Szarafin back against the ropes.
Church trying to stall but Szarafin improves his position.
Church lands a knee to the body.
Church utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Church lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Church can't seem to implement his control oriented gameplan at the moment. That's no bad thing of course, for those of us who want to see a good fight.
Szarafin has had enough of the clinch but Church keeps him there for the moment.
A head punch on the inside from Szarafin fails to land.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Dan Church.
Szarafin circles away from the clinch attempt.
Szarafin misses with a double jab.
Szarafin needs to keep his hands up - Church had a free shot at his head there.
Church wants to clinch up but Szarafin keeps it at a distance.
Igor Szarafin seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Church tries to clinch up but Szarafin circles away and keeps his distance.
Dan Church is winning the standup battle so far.
Church wants to clinch.
Szarafin misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
No joy there for Szarafin, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Church forces Szarafin back against the ropes and clinches.
Church looking to slow down the pace here.
Church leaning his opponent against the ropes.
Szarafin tries to break the clinch but Church is controlling the position.
Church tries to stall but Szarafin uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Szarafin takes a knee right on the jaw!
Church comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Church lands an elbow inside that Szarafin shrugs off.
Church is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Church connects with a knee to the head.
Church with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Church taking a breather.
Church using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Szarafin swings wildly with an uppercut but Church uses good head movement to avoid it.
Church looking to slow down the pace here.
Church landing knees to the head.
Church wants to stall.
Szarafin lands a right hand.
Church lands an elbow just above Szarafin 's eye.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Church obliges.
Church stalling in the clinch but Szarafin improves position.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Dan Church.
Szarafin throws a series of punches but Church avoids them all with ease.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dan Church dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Church is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Church lands a nice looking body kick.
Szarafin throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Church doesn't manage to clinch there - Szarafin circles away.
Jab, jab by Szarafin - just one landing.
Church tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Church tries to close the distance and clinch but Szarafin swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Church is looking to clinch but Szarafin is avoiding it.
Church tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Szarafin paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Szarafin is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Church rather than just go for the knockout.
Church tries to clinch there but Szarafin circles away.
Szarafin throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Church.
Church tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Szarafin paws at him with a jab and circles away.
The fight stays on the outside here - Church looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Church moves in looking to clinch but Szarafin pushes him off.
Szarafin takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Church fails in his attempt to clinch.
The fight stays on the outside here - Church looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Church tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Church gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Church is looking to clinch.
Church tries to clinch there but Szarafin circles away.
Szarafin tries to bum rush Church with a series of wild strikes but Church uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Church tries to clinch but Szarafin moves out of range.

Church forces Szarafin back against the ropes and clinches.
Church lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
A knee to the head by Church.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Church lands an elbow inside that Szarafin shrugs off.
Church lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Church scores with a knee to the head.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Church throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Szarafin blocks it with crossed arms.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Church lands a damaging elbow.
Church is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Szarafin is keeping busy.
Knees to the body from Church.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Dan Church.
Church moves in looking to clinch but Szarafin pushes him off.
Szarafin keeps the fight on the outside.
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!
Church tries to clinch up but Szarafin circles away and keeps his distance.
Szarafin misses with a body shot.
Church is looking to clinch but Szarafin is avoiding it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Church tries to clinch there but Szarafin circles away.
Church tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in the close the distance. Szarafin manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Church slips under a jab from Szarafin.
Szarafin misses with a double jab.
Church tries to clinch up but Szarafin circles away and keeps his distance.
Nice body punch from Szarafin.

Church moves into the clinch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Church.
Church is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Szarafin takes a knee to the side of the body.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Szarafin is trying to break the clinch but Church is controlling him.
Church wants to stall.
Church lands a nice elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A knee to the head by Church.
Church unloads a knee to the mid-section. Szarafin lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Church connects with a nasty looking knee right to Szarafin's face.
Church with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Church lands a nice knee to the body.
Szarafin working aggressively here.
Church is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Szarafin can do to turn this around?
Szarafin takes a knee to the side of the body.
Knees in the clinch landing for Church.
Church connects with a nasty looking knee right to Szarafin's face.
Church keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Szarafin's efforts to push away.
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!
Szarafin tries to throw a body punch but Church avoids it by throwing Szarafin back against the ropes.
Szarafin tries to circle away but Church has him pinned against the ropes.
Church will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Szarafin up against the ropes.
Church unloads a knee to the mid-section. Szarafin lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Szarafin wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Church looking to throw knees to the head but Szarafin is blocking nicely.
Church landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Church stalling.
Church lands an elbow that stopped Szarafin in his tracks for a moment.
Church with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Szarafin wants to break free but Church has control.
Church using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Szarafin has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Szarafin takes an elbow to the temple.
Church tries to land a knee to the head but Szarafin blocks with his arms.
Szarafin takes an elbow to the forehead.
Church crunches a lovely knee into Szarafin's ribcage.
Church looking to throw knees to the head but Szarafin is blocking nicely.
Church working Szarafin over with knees to the body.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Church lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Church landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Knees to the body from Church.
Szarafin wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Church unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Church tries to stall but Szarafin uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Church prevents Szarafin from breaking the clinch.
Szarafin wants to break free but Church has control.
Church connects with a nasty looking knee right to Szarafin's face.
Szarafin wants to get back to striking at distance but Church won't allow it.
Church tries to land a knee to the head but Szarafin blocks with his arms.
Church trying to control the position but instead, Szarafin has worked for underhooks and has pushed Church into the ropes.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Szarafin is trying to force a seperation but Church has the dominant position.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Church lands an elbow just above Szarafin 's eye.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Church lands a nice elbow.
Szarafin lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the ropes.
Szarafin goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Church lands a nice elbow.
Stalling in the clinch from Church.
Church crunches a lovely knee into Szarafin's ribcage.
Church trying to stall but Szarafin improves his position.
Church misses with a knee strike.
Church trying to control the position but instead, Szarafin has worked for underhooks and has pushed Church into the ropes.
Church lands an elbow inside.
Church slowing the pace effectively.
Church with a knee to the head.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Church is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Szarafin is defending well for now.
Church lands an elbow inside that Szarafin shrugs off.
Szarafin avoiding damage as Church throws knees to the body.
Szarafin tries to circle away but Church has him pinned against the ropes.
Church with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Szarafin misses with a body punch.
Church lands an elbow that stopped Szarafin in his tracks for a moment.
Church lands a nice knee to the body.
Church is trying to maintain a safe position but Szarafin gets an underhook and turns Church into the ropes.
Szarafin wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Church lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Church is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Dan Church is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A frustrated look appears on Szarafin's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Szarafin takes an elbow to the temple.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Church with a knee to the head.
Szarafin is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Church is keeping busy.
Church lands a nice elbow.
Szarafin takes a knee to the side of the body.
Church scores with a knee to the head.
Church is trying to stall.
Szarafin is trying to break the clinch but Church is controlling him.
Church is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Szarafin breaks from the clinch.
Igor Szarafin has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Church doesn't manage to clinch there - Szarafin circles away.
Church tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in the close the distance. Szarafin manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dan Church showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Church 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 Ren Mimura scores the fight 30:27
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 30:27
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Dan Church!
A determined Dan Church didn't want to dwell on this fight in his post fight interview. Instead he was more keen to state he wants a title shot. Let's see if he gets it!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
76%

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