PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Jesus Malverde (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Abah Okafor (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Okafor has chosen Krayzie Bone - Smokin' Budda as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. 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.

Malverde
vs
Okafor

171 cm
26
147 lbs
17 - 4 - 0

174 cm
31
156 lbs
17 - 5 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Reaper Combatwear

Beaver Jooce!
Bullet Proof System

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 17 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Jesus Malverde!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Abah Okafor!
The judges for this bout are Lou da Vinci, Anthony Taglia and David Schapiro.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jab from Malverde.
Okafor uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Malverde.
Malverde swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Okafor blocks the body kick.
Okafor takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Malverde throws a low kick but Okafor moves out of range easily.
Malverde throws an off balance right hand
and Okafor counters with a nice uppercut.
Okafor throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Okafor throws a body shot but no joy.
Okafor connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Malverde takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Malverde takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Malverde avoids the body shot from Okafor.
Malverde throws a head kick that misses.
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!
Malverde misses with a head kick.
Malverde missing with a left hand there. Okafor was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A nice side step and Okafor releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Malverde connects with a solid leg kick.
Malverde throws a hook but Okafor avoids it easily.
Okafor looks to score with a jab to the body but Malverde is just out of range.
Malverde went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Malverde seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Okafor misses with a wild body shot.
Malverde was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malverde throws an overhand right that lands on Okafor's shoulder, as Okafor tries to avoid the shot.
Malverde takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Okafor is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Malverde rather than just go for the knockout.
Okafor ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Okafor blocks the body kick.
Okafor dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Okafor throws a big shot that misses.
Malverde throwing a counter right hand but Okafor manages to avoid it.
Nice uppercut lands for Malverde. That snapped Okafor's head back.
Okafor 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.
Okafor on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Okafor digs a good body shot into Malverde's ribs.
Okafor lands with a good body shot.
Okafor moves out of range of the body kick.
Okafor misses with a straight right.
Okafor takes a swing at Malverde's ribcage but misses.
A slow jab from Malverde misses its intended target.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Okafor shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
A good leg kick by Malverde.
A punch lands to the side of Malverde 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Okafor uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Malverde has time to react.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Okafor throws a low kick but it's checked well by Malverde.
Donk. Okafor catches Malverde right on the button with a cross.
Jab, jab by Okafor - just one landing.
Okafor lands with a shot to the body.
Malverde fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Okafor.
Okafor fails to land with a series of punches.
As Okafor backs away, Malverde returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Okafor ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
The fight stays on the outside here - Malverde looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Okafor scores with a shot to the body.
Malverde is looking to chop away at Okafor's legs.
Okafor just misses with a punch to the body.
Okafor drops his hands momentarily and Malverde takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Malverde connects with a solid leg kick.
Okafor is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Malverde.
Malverde takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Okafor with a body punch. A glancing blow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Malverde throws a push kick but Okafor slaps the foot to one side.
Okafor throws the left hand but Malverde avoids the punch easily.
Malverde looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
A jab from Okafor does it's job there.
Abah Okafor seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Malverde takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Malverde throws a solid leg kick but Okafor takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Malverde.
Okafor swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Okafor misses the shot to the body.
Malverde ducks under a wild hook from Okafor.
Malverde takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Okafor misses with a hook
and Malverde counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Okafor tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Malverde keeps Okafor at a distance using the push kick.
Malverde ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Okafor moves away.
Malverde avoids the body shot from Okafor.
Malverde throwing a counter right hand but Okafor manages to avoid it.
Okafor misses with a straight right.
Malverde's corner calls for a 1-2. Malverde obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Malverde scores with a nice body kick.
Okafor moves out of range as Malverde throws a body kick.
Malverde lands a nice looking kick to the body. Okafor takes a step back to recover.
Malverde will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Okafor stalks Malverde and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Malverde's face. Malverde staggers backwards, shaken.
Malverde scores with a leg kick.
Malverde digs a good body shot into Okafor's ribs.
A telegraphed right hand from Okafor misses the target.
Malverde ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Okafor moves away.
Okafor attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Okafor swings and misses with a hook to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A clash of legs there as Okafor blocks the low kick.
Malverde listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Okafor lands a jab to the nose.
Malverde throws a body punch but Okafor moves out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Abah Okafor will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Malverde motions for Okafor to come forward. Malverde throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Malverde ducks under a wild hook from Okafor.
Malverde tries to clinch there but Okafor circles away.
A big left from Malverde misses.
Malverde throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Malverde cracks Okafor with an open hand slap.
Malverde keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Malverde moves away from the strike by Okafor.
Malverde throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Malverde fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Okafor looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Malverde, right into the meat.
Okafor showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Malverde.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Malverde darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Malverde takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Okafor misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Malverde dodges the punch combination from Okafor.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malverde avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Okafor pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Malverde steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Okafor.
Malverde looks to land a body kick but Okafor moved away.
An inside leg kick lands from Okafor.
Okafor pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Okafor throws a series of punches but Malverde moves out of range.
Malverde lands a nice shot to the body.
Okafor throws a predictable looking body shot
and Malverde counters with a straight right hand.
Malverde throws a low kick but Okafor avoids it.
Malverde lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
A head kick misses from Malverde.
Okafor missing with a left hand there. Malverde was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Malverde quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
Okafor ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Malverde moves away.
Okafor stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Okafor has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Malverde finds it's way round the side to connect with Okafor's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Okafor uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Malverde.
Malverde slips under a jab.
Okafor ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Malverde moves away.
Okafor looks to score with a jab to the body but Malverde is just out of range.
Okafor blocks a head kick by Malverde.
Malverde dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Okafor. That did some damage!
Okafor keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Okafor on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
A looping hook to the body misses from Okafor. Malverde does a little dance to reset his feet.
Malverde connects with a right hand. Okafor shakes it off.
Malverde is looking to chop away at Okafor's legs.
Malverde blocks a leg kick.
Malverde walks into a straight right hand from Okafor.
Malverde avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Okafor fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Malverde manages to avoid it.
Malverde feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Okafor displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Malverde throws out the jab.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Malverde scores with a push kick.
Okafor's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Okafor takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Okafor lands a glancing blow to the side of Malverde's head.
Malverde throws a body shot but no joy.
Malverde cracks Okafor with a good jab.
Malverde takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Okafor jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Malverde misses with a low kick.
Malverde fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Okafor manages to avoid it.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Okafor! But no joy.
The fighters circling - Malverde throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Malverde throws a nice outside leg kick.
Okafor throws a leg kick but Malverde sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Okafor sizes up Malverde with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Malverde slips a jab and a cross from Okafor.
Malverde defending well as Okafor loads up on a big left hand.
Malverde lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Malverde throws a body shot but no joy.
Malverde dips to his left and cracks Okafor with an uppercut!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Okafor ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Malverde moves away.
Okafor scores with a punch to the head.
Okafor takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Malverde misses with a wild body shot.
Malverde misses with a head kick.
Okafor flicks out a counter leg kick but Malverde steps away.
Okafor scores with a jab to the body.
Okafor stuns Malverde with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Malverde looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Malverde.
Okafor misses the jab.
Malverde walks into a stiff left hand from Okafor.
Malverde scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Okafor misses with a hook. Malverde ducked under it nicely.
Nice body kick there by Malverde.
Okafor doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Okafor throws the left hand but Malverde avoids the punch easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Jesus Malverde will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Malverde uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Okafor.
Malverde scores with a three punch combo!
A slapping body kick lands there for Malverde.
Okafor misses with a body shot.
Malverde misses with a lunging right hand
and Okafor counters with a straight right hand.
Malverde throws a half hearted mid kick.
Okafor now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Okafor chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Malverde can pounce on him.
Malverde wants to land a leg kick but Okafor is out of range.
Okafor has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Malverde.
Malverde with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Okafor jabs Malverde to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Malverde looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Malverde throws a leg kick but Okafor moved away.
Okafor misses with a low kick.
Malverde looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Malverde throws a push kick but Okafor slaps the foot to one side.
Okafor swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Malverde is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
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!
Malverde avoids a punch combination nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Okafor lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Malverde backs up against the cage.
An inside leg kick from Malverde misses.
Malverde misses with a low kick.
Malverde moves out of range of the body kick.
Okafor loads up on a big right hand but Malverde slips the punch.
Okafor will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Malverde, as that shot connected.
Malverde uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Okafor.
Abah Okafor seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Malverde tries to score with a low kick but Okafor moves his leg out of the way.
Malverde throws a leg kick but Okafor sees it coming and moves out of range.
Nice uppercut there from Malverde.
Okafor checks a leg kick.
Malverde throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Okafor lands a glancing blow to the side of Malverde's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Malverde ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Okafor moves away.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Malverde throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Okafor sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Okafor throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Okafor moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Okafor throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Okafor with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Malverde avoids the body shot from Okafor.
Okafor circles away from the clinch attempt.
Nice body kick there by Malverde.
Okafor throws a leg kick but Malverde moved away.
Malverde takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Donk. Malverde catches Okafor right on the button with a cross.
Okafor looks to throw the jab but Malverde is out of range.
Malverde feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Okafor throws a body shot but no joy.
Okafor is looking to chop away at Malverde's legs.
Malverde catches Okafor with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Okafor punishes Malverde's body with a nice straight punch.
Okafor ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Malverde moves away.
Malverde wants to land a leg kick but Okafor is out of range.
Malverde throws a lazy uppercut
and Okafor counters with a left to the body.
Malverde looks to throw the jab but Okafor is out of range.
Okafor checks a leg kick.
Okafor looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Okafor throws a sloppy head kick and Malverde moves out of range easily.
Malverde was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Nice cross by Malverde.
Okafor takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Malverde avoids the body shot from Okafor.
Okafor throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Malverde throws a right hand that Okafor ducks under and follows up with a left that Okafor also avoids with ease.
Malverde cracks a nice hook into Okafor's ribs.
Malverde tries to work over Okafor's front leg with a kick but Okafor checks it.
Okafor throws an overhand right that lands on Malverde's shoulder, as Malverde tries to avoid the shot.
Okafor jabs at Malverde's body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Okafor misses with a wild body shot.
An attempted straight right counter from Malverde misses the target.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Malverde fails with an attempt to clinch.
Despite the aggression on Okafor's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Okafor crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Malverde - the referee stops the clock and Okafor gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Malverde. Okafor manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Malverde lands with a hook. Okafor tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Okafor throws a leg kick but Malverde moved away.
Malverde doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
A cross from Malverde lands.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Okafor checks a leg kick.
Nice straight punches there by Okafor. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Okafor.
Decent striking displayed by Okafor there.
Malverde slips under a jab from Okafor.
Okafor jabs Malverde to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Malverde takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Malverde lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Malverde shoots in and drives through. Okafor sprawls well.
Okafor is looking for the big counter here.
Malverde fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Okafor checks it well.
Okafor throws out a counter right but Malverde avoids it with no problem.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Abah Okafor just about did enough to take it.
That's time! Back to the action!

Malverde throws a lazy right hand but Okafor sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Malverde backing away here, and Okafor unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Okafor scores with a jab to the body.
Malverde lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Malverde throws a leg kick but Okafor checks it.
Malverde turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Malverde gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Okafor.
Malverde swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Malverde avoids the body shot from Okafor.
Malverde throws a right and a left that both miss.
Malverde walks into a jab.
A jab from Okafor does it's job there.
Malverde is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Malverde walks into a left hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A big right from Okafor misses.
Okafor misses with a body shot.
A chopping leg kick lands by Malverde.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malverde motions for Okafor to come forward. Malverde throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Malverde moves out of range of the leg kick from Okafor.
Okafor takes a swing at Malverde's ribcage but misses.
Malverde tried to counter with a leg kick but Okafor avoided it.
Malverde throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Okafor takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Malverde 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 Okafor has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Okafor and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Okafor chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Malverde can pounce on him.
Okafor checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Nice shot by Okafor.
Okafor lands a really nice looking cross but Malverde seems unphased.
Malverde looks to land a left hand but Okafor moved out of range nicely.
Malverde misses with a wild body shot.
Okafor is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Okafor throws out a loose jab but Malverde uses good head movement to avoid it.
Okafor is looking to chop away at Malverde's legs.
Malverde pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
A little jabbing left from Okafor on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Okafor throws a shot from downtown. Malverde moves away and avoids it.
Malverde throws a leg kick but Okafor checks it.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Okafor, right into the meat.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Okafor takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
A looping hook to the body misses from Malverde. Okafor does a little dance to reset his feet.
Okafor takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Okafor takes a swing at Malverde's ribcage but misses.
Okafor is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Malverde.
Okafor dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Malverde thows a body kick. Okafor tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Malverde stalks Okafor and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Okafor's face. Okafor staggers backwards, shaken.
Malverde takes a jab right on the kisser.
Okafor tries to work over Malverde's front leg with a kick but Malverde checks it.
Malverde pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Okafor looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Malverde ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Okafor moves away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Okafor fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Nice body punch from Okafor.
Okafor throws a looping overhand right but Malverde ducks down to avoid it.

Malverde rushes Okafor and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Malverde throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Okafors head.
Okafor lands an elbow inside that Malverde shrugs off.
Malverde lands with a left to the head.
Malverde keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Okafor's efforts to push away.
Malverde tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Malverde.
Malverde misses with a punch on the inside.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Malverde.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Okafor.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Malverde.
Malverde misses with a shot to the kidneys.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Okafor wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Okafor lands a hook that snaps the head of Malverde backwards.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Okafor working aggressively here.
A short uppercut from Okafor.
Okafor working aggressively here.
Okafor fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Malverde can't find room to land a body shot as Okafor controls the action.
A head punch on the inside from Malverde fails to land.
Malverde tries to land knees in the clinch but Okafor avoids the damage to the body.
Malverde lands a good knee to the midsection. Okafor won't want to take too many of those.
Malverde's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Okafor scores with a shoulder strike.

Malverde breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
A slow jab from Malverde misses its intended target.
A nice inside leg kick there by Okafor. That's going to slow Malverde down.
A bone on bone clash there as Malverde blocks the leg kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Malverde loads up on a big right hand but Okafor slips the punch.
Malverde chopping away at his opponent's legs.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Abah Okafor will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Malverde gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Malverde takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Okafor changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
The crowd cheers as Okafor lands an impressive looking overhand right. Malverde doesn't seem phased though.
Okafor tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Malverde was well out of range. Poor timing from Okafor.
Okafor moves away from the strike by Malverde.
Okafor is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Malverde.
Good leg kick by Okafor there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Okafor uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Malverde.
Malverde looks to throw the jab but Okafor is out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Okafor swinging wildly here.
Malverde half committed to a counter leg kick.
Malverde turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Okafor swings widly with a right hand
and Malverde counters with a leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Okafor fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Malverde swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Malverde scores with a head kick. Okafor tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Okafor throws the left hand but Malverde avoids the punch easily.
Okafor slips under a jab from Malverde.
Okafor cracks a nice hook into Malverde's ribs.
Okafor throws a right hand that misses
and Malverde connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Okafor throws a low kick, looking for Malverde's leg but Malverde calmly moves out of range.
Okafor throws a shot to the body.
Malverde fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Okafor looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Malverde throws a body kick that misses
and Malverde takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Okafor lands with an overhand left.
Malverde swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Malverde misses with a body shot.
Malverde connects with a good right hand that stumbles Okafor. Okafor circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Malverde looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Okafor cracks Malverde with an open hand slap.
Jesus Malverde has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Malverde on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Okafor throws a half hearted mid kick.
Malverde fires out a quick counter leg kick but Okafor just manages to avoid it.
Okafor scores with a punch to the head.
Okafor moves out of range of the leg kick from Malverde.
Okafor takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Malverde looks to score with a jab to the body but Okafor is just out of range.
Malverde darts in trying to clinch
and Okafor makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Okafor scores with a jab.
Malverde stalks Okafor and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Okafor's face. Okafor staggers backwards, shaken.
Okafor takes a swing at Malverde's ribcage but misses.
Malverde attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Okafor doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Okafor catches Malverde with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Okafor darts in and out, connecting with a jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Okafor just misses with a punch to the body.
Malverde throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Malverde tries to move into range but Okafor moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Malverde scores with a kick to the body.
Okafor throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Malverde looks to land a body kick but Okafor moved away.
A nice side step and Okafor releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Okafor with a nice cross.
Okafor dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Malverde. That did some damage!
Malverde throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Malverde fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Okafor on the side of the head.
Okafor fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Malverde has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Malverde tries to clinch but Okafor is having none of it.
Malverde lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Malverde throws a leg kick but Okafor sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Okafor tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Malverde is able to avoid easily.
Malverde throws a quick counter kick to the body but Okafor avoids it.
Okafor thuds his right hand into Malverde's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Malverde throws a hook but Okafor avoids it easily.
Okafor is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Malverde with a body shot.
Nice body kick there by Malverde.
Malverde tries to move into range but Okafor moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Okafor swings for the body but Malverde moves out of range.
Okafor throws a shot to the body.
Malverde misses with a head kick.
Malverde tries to clinch but Okafor moves out of range.
Malverde moves away from the strike by Okafor.
Malverde throws a quick counter head kick but Okafor was just out of range.
Nice straight punches there by Malverde. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Malverde.

It looks like Abah Okafor has been cut.

Malverde takes the fight into the clinch.
Okafor lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Malverde throws a knee to the head but misses.
Malverde lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Malverde lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Okafor blocks a body shot from Malverde.

And that's the end of the fight!
Abah Okafor comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Okafor 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 Lou da Vinci scores the fight 47:48
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 46:49
Judge David Schapiro scores the fight 47:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Abah Okafor!
Abah Okafor decided to hype himself up post fight. It was going well but he went on about it a bit too long and the crowd turned on him a little.