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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Giovani Castro (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Pernell Whitaker Jr (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.
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170 cm
32
162 lbs
27 - 14 - 1 |
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177 cm
29
167 lbs
24 - 9 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin |
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Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the lightweight division. Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner. With a record of
27 - 14 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Giovani Castro! And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner. With a record of
24 - 9 - 0, fighting out of New York, Pernell Whitaker Jr! The judges for this bout are Phil Schofield, Richard Clark and William Gold.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway! A jab from Whitaker Jr finds it's way through Castro's defenses. Castro throws a nice outside leg kick. Castro misses with an uppercut. Castro moves out of range of the body kick from Whitaker Jr.
Castro lands a jab to the nose. Whitaker Jr fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done. Nice body kick from Whitaker Jr. Whitaker Jr cracks Castro with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd. Castro throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Whitaker Jr counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Castro thinking. Whitaker Jr ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face. Castro takes a shot to the body in his stride.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out! Whitaker Jr throws a body punch but Castro moves out of range. Whitaker Jr throws a shot from downtown. Castro moves away and avoids it. Castro was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger. Giovani Castro seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout. Castro lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
It looks like Pernell Whitaker Jr has been cut. Castro takes a shot right to the bread basket.
That's one minute gone in the round. Castro just misses with a punch to the body.
Castro scores with a slapping inside leg kick. Castro misses with a double jab.
Whitaker Jr has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight. Whitaker Jr lands with a good body shot. Whitaker Jr defending well as Castro loads up on a big left hand. Whitaker Jr throws a hook but Castro blocks it. Castro tries a switch kick but it misses it's target. Whitaker Jr throws a leg kick which misses Castro's front leg but catches the back leg as Castro tries to avoid it. Some wild striking there from Whitaker Jr.
The fight stays on the outside here - Castro looks like he's thinking about clinching though. A head kick misses from Castro.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Whitaker Jr throws a jab when Castro was well out of range. Castro ducks right into an uppercut from Whitaker Jr. Castro misses with a low kick.
Whitaker Jr let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land. Castro lands a jab to Whitaker Jr's midsection. The crowd are loving this. Great action here. Whitaker Jr throws a body kick but he was well out of range there. Whitaker Jr moves out of range of the body kick. Whitaker Jr moves forwards but Castro connects with a nice, crisp jab. Castro throws a sloppy head kick and Whitaker Jr moves out of range easily. Castro cracks Whitaker Jr with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business. Castro tried to score with a low kick but Whitaker Jr checks it. Whitaker Jr tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away. Castro closes the distance and clinches. Castro is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Whitaker Jr is defending well for now. Knees to the body from Castro.
Whitaker Jr misses with a short punch on the inside. Whitaker Jr misses with a hook from the clinch.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Whitaker Jr throws a head punch that misses. Whitaker Jr manages to break the clinch.
Whitaker Jr checks the leg kick nicely there.
Whitaker Jr ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Castro moves away. Whitaker Jr fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Castro manages to avoid it. Whitaker Jr is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Castro rather than just go for the knockout. Whitaker Jr slips a straight right by Castro. Castro moves into range and lands a nice leg kick. Castro lands with a nice body punch. Whitaker Jr takes a jab right on the kisser.
Castro tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Whitaker Jr was well out of range. Poor timing from Castro. Whitaker Jr moves out of range of the body kick. And Whitaker Jr tries to counter it with a takedown but Castro pushes his down on his head and steps out. Whitaker Jr tries to move into range but Castro moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand. Whitaker Jr throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Castro's head.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Castro checks a leg kick. Castro was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger. Whitaker Jr is looking to chop away at Castro's legs. Whitaker Jr throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here. Whitaker Jr scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business. Castro moves into the clinch. Castro misses with the head strike.
Castro has Whitaker Jr pressed against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Whitaker Jr. A head punch blocked on the inside by Whitaker Jr. Castro throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Whitaker Jr blocks it with crossed arms. Castro is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath. Castro misses with some punches.
Castro swings wildly with an uppercut but Whitaker Jr uses good head movement to avoid it. Castro lands with a short punch from the clinch.
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 Giovani Castro will probably get the nod. The cut man is working on Pernell Whitaker Jr's cut. OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Whitaker Jr scores with a kick to the body.
Pernell Whitaker Jr seems to be getting the better of the standup. Castro slips a jab and a cross from Whitaker Jr.
Castro lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head. Castro throws a leg kick but Whitaker Jr moved away. A good leg kick by Whitaker Jr. Castro looks to score with a combo but nothing lands. Whitaker Jr avoids a kick to the body.
Whitaker Jr throws a low kick but Castro avoids it. Whitaker Jr does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy. We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Castro tries to score with a low kick but Whitaker Jr moves his leg out of the way. Whitaker Jr takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Castro walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush. Castro lands with a thumping leg kick.
A clash of legs there as Whitaker Jr blocks the low kick. Whitaker Jr changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
That's one minute gone in the round. Castro cracks Whitaker Jr with a good jab. Castro throws a leg kick that is checked and Whitaker Jr counters with a low kick, right behind Castro 's knee. Castro moves out of range as Whitaker Jr throws a body kick.
A little feinted left hand from Castro on the counter but he doesn't commit to it. Whitaker Jr takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh. Whitaker Jr throws a head kick that misses. Castro 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. Whitaker Jr connects with a jab. Castro moves out of range of the body kick. Castro throws a poor cross that misses
letting Whitaker Jr counter with a right hand. Whitaker Jr gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there. Whitaker Jr has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight. Castro moves in looking to clinch but Whitaker Jr pushes him off. A cross from Castro lands. Whitaker Jr throws a leg kick that misses.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Castro throws an off balance right hand
and Whitaker Jr counters with a thumping low kick. We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out! Whitaker Jr tries to work over Castro's front leg with a kick but Castro checks it. Castro attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin. A big left from Whitaker Jr misses. Whitaker Jr moves out of range of the body kick. Whitaker Jr was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind. Castro connects with a looping right hand.
Castro uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Whitaker Jr.
Castro ducks under a wild hook from Whitaker Jr. Castro is looking to slow Whitaker Jr down with leg kicks. Castro misses the jab. Castro fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Whitaker Jr is out of range. Whitaker Jr goes for a high kick. It partially lands. Castro with a nice cross.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Whitaker Jr staying out of range there. Whitaker Jr is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here. Whitaker Jr plants his feet and lands a nice head kick! A looping hook to the body misses from Whitaker Jr. Castro does a little dance to reset his feet. Castro half committed to a counter leg kick. Castro tries to score with a low kick but Whitaker Jr moves his leg out of the way. A swing and a miss from Whitaker Jr. Whitaker Jr throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean. Whitaker Jr loads up on a big right hand but Castro slips the punch. Whitaker Jr goes for a spinning back kick but it misses. Whitaker Jr walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Castro checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side. Castro waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Whitaker Jr. A looping hook to the body misses from Castro. Whitaker Jr does a little dance to reset his feet. Castro darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
That's four minutes gone in the round. A good leg kick by Whitaker Jr. Castro misses with a looping right. Whitaker Jr tries to land a front kick but Castro steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed. Good exchange - Whitaker Jr coming out on top. Castro moves away from the strike by Whitaker Jr. Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Castro, as that shot connected.
Giovani Castro is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs. We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out! A big left from Castro misses. Whitaker Jr's jab looks to have found its range, popping Castro under the eye. Castro misses with a looping right. Whitaker Jr ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face. Whitaker Jr feints a counter leg kick. Good leg kick by Whitaker Jr there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Whitaker Jr uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Castro. Castro lands a nice hook to Whitaker Jr's body. Whitaker Jr takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes. And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Pernell Whitaker Jr will probably get the nod - 10:9. The cut man is working on Pernell Whitaker Jr's cut. 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.
Whitaker Jr throws a leg kick that misses. Castro thows a left - swing and a miss! Whitaker Jr throws a wild body kick that Castro sees coming a mile off. Castro throws a head kick that Whitaker Jr semi-blocks.
Whitaker Jr is looking to slow Castro down with leg kicks. Castro moves into range and lands a nice leg kick. Castro slips under a jab. Whitaker Jr tries a switch kick but it misses it's target. Whitaker Jr takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Castro goes for a spinning back kick but it misses. Nice jab there from Whitaker Jr. Whitaker Jr scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business. Whitaker Jr misses with a head kick.
That's one minute gone in the round. A shot to the liver by Whitaker Jr. Beautiful body shot. Whitaker Jr moves away from the strike by Castro. Castro takes a swing at Whitaker Jr's ribcage but misses. Whitaker Jr feints the counter takedown. Castro throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena. Castro motions for Whitaker Jr to come forward. Castro throws a leg kick but it misses it's target. Whitaker Jr bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes. Whitaker Jr checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time. Castro takes a swing at Whitaker Jr's ribcage but misses. Whitaker Jr drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Castro defends it well. Castro looks to land a body kick but Whitaker Jr moved away. A lazy left from Whitaker Jr finds it's target. Whitaker Jr moves out of range as Castro strikes. Whitaker Jr throws a low kick but Castro moves out of range easily.
That's two minutes gone in the round. A slow jab from Castro misses its intended target. Whitaker Jr works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance. Whitaker Jr misses the shot to the body. Castro throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Whitaker Jr keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Castro. Castro lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent. This has been an exciting period of action! Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Castro. Castro throws a body kick that digs right into the meat. Castro needs to keep his hands up - Whitaker Jr had a free shot at his head there. Castro misses with a wild body shot. Whitaker Jr misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Castro fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Whitaker Jr is out of range.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Whitaker Jr moves out of range of the strikes. Castro tries to bum rush Whitaker Jr with a series of wild strikes but Whitaker Jr uses good footwork to avoid the assault. Castro throws a poor cross that misses
and Whitaker Jr counters with a nice body shot. Castro misses with a wild body shot. Whitaker Jr connects with a jab. A telegraphed right hand from Castro misses the target. Whitaker Jr throws out a leg kick but Castro moves out of range and Whitaker Jr only half commits. Castro was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger. Castro scores with a sloppy right hand. Whitaker Jr should have avoided that one. Whitaker Jr throws a low kick but Castro avoids it. Castro was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger. Whitaker Jr's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Castro connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Whitaker Jr scrambles back to his feet. Castro throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
And Whitaker Jr tries to counter it with a takedown but Castro pushes his down on his head and steps out. Whitaker Jr throws the kick towards the body but Castro avoids it. Castro appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
That's four minutes gone in the round. A good leg kick by Whitaker Jr. Whitaker Jr looks for the body kick but Castro saw that one coming. Castro takes one to the side of the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd. Castro swings away with a leg kick that misses. Whitaker Jr lands with a thumping leg kick.
Castro throws a shot from downtown. Whitaker Jr moves away and avoids it. Castro is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight. Whitaker Jr ducks under a wild hook from Castro. Whitaker Jr changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt. Castro misses with a looping right. Castro throws a head kick that misses and Whitaker Jr counters with a takedown into side control. Castro struggling a bit here. The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work. Castro is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Whitaker Jr is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him. And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close third round but Pernell Whitaker Jr just about did enough to take it. The cut man is working on Pernell Whitaker Jr's cut. The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
Whitaker Jr throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Whitaker Jr throws a solid leg kick but Castro takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Whitaker Jr. An inside leg kick lands from Whitaker Jr. Castro looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it. Whitaker Jr looks to land a body kick but Castro moved away. Castro throws a low kick but it's checked well by Whitaker Jr. Castro attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin. Castro throws a front kick aimed at Whitaker Jr's knee but Whitaker Jr avoids it well. Castro bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Whitaker Jr's head. We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. Castro misses with a wild body shot. A chopping leg kick lands by Whitaker Jr. The fighters circling - Castro throws out the jab but it was never going to land. Castro finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
That's one minute gone in the round. Castro checks a leg kick. Castro staying out of range there. Castro throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land. Castro jabbing away but nothing is landing. Castro cracks the inside of Whitaker Jr's front leg. A nice inside leg kick there by Castro. That's going to slow Whitaker Jr down. Castro takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Whitaker Jr takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it. Castro chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Whitaker Jr can pounce on him.
Castro scores with a hook. Whitaker Jr has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Castro.
That's two minutes gone in the round. Castro swings widly with a right hand
and Whitaker Jr connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle. Castro takes a swing at Whitaker Jr's ribcage but misses. Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show! Whitaker Jr avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Castro misses with a looping left. Whitaker Jr with the counter takedown but Castro avoids it easily. Castro throws a hook but Whitaker Jr avoids it easily. Castro is looking to land body kicks. Castro backing away here, and Whitaker Jr unleashes a leg kick that just misses. Castro has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Whitaker Jr. Castro looks to land a left hand but Whitaker Jr moved out of range nicely. Whitaker Jr lunges at Castro with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Castro's hand. Whitaker Jr lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Whitaker Jr throws a body shot but no joy. Castro throws a right and a left that Whitaker Jr avoids nicely.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Whitaker Jr tries a head kick but it misses.
Whitaker Jr motions for Castro to come forward. Whitaker Jr throws a leg kick but it misses it's target. A slapping body kick lands there for Whitaker Jr. A shot to the body from Castro misses and Whitaker Jr counters with a takedown into side control. Castro looks to move to half guard but instead Whitaker Jr has passed into mount! Damn! It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over. Castro tries to get back to half guard but can't. Whitaker Jr with a couple of short strikes. Whitaker Jr throwing strikes here but Castro is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Whitaker Jr scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Whitaker Jr is in the full mount, landing strikes. The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here. Castro sneaks a leg under to get to half guard. Castro is positioning himself well to prevent Whitaker Jr advancing to mount. Whitaker Jr is nestled in close to Castro, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Castro is rocked! Castro blocking the ground and pound attempt from Whitaker Jr. And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Pernell Whitaker Jr dominated that fourth round. The cut man is working on Pernell Whitaker Jr's cut. That's time! Castro's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. And we move into the final round!
Castro throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land. Whitaker Jr with the counter takedown but Castro avoids it easily. Whitaker Jr swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Whitaker Jr lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Castro at a distance.
Castro lands a leg kick that knocks Whitaker Jr off balance momentarily. Castro wants to slow Whitaker Jr down by chopping away at his legs. Whitaker Jr connects with a leg kick. Castro looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it. Whitaker Jr throws a right and a left that both miss. Whitaker Jr ducks under a wild hook from Castro. We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up. A swing and a miss from Castro. Whitaker Jr changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt. Castro is looking to score with low kicks. Whitaker Jr moves out of range of the strikes. Castro throws an overhand right that lands on Whitaker Jr's shoulder, as Whitaker Jr tries to avoid the shot.
That's one minute gone in the round. Castro connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Whitaker Jr momentarily.
Castro darts in and out, connecting with a jab. Whitaker Jr on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot. Whitaker Jr bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes. Whitaker Jr looks like he wants to counter punch here. Castro connects with a jab. A solid leg kick lands there for Castro.
Whitaker Jr keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Castro attempts a low kick but it misses it's target. A head kick misses from Castro. Castro needs to keep his hands up - Whitaker Jr had a free shot at his head there. Both fighters circling a little - Whitaker Jr finishes the exchange with a kick to the body. Castro throws an off balance right hand
and Whitaker Jr counters with a shoot takedown. Castro fights it but they end up in guard. Giovani Castro has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here! Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
That's two minutes gone in the round. The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here. Castro working a defensive guard here.
Pernell Whitaker Jr has got the better of the ground game so far. Whitaker Jr loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry. Whitaker Jr with a flurry of punches that miss. Whitaker Jr tries to free his leg and advance position but Castro is retaining full guard. Castro is trying to keep Whitaker Jr in close.
Castro is controlling Whitaker Jr's posture. The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
That's three minutes gone in the round. Whitaker Jr trying to control the position from guard on top but Castro is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up. Castro fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Whitaker Jr. Castro connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Whitaker Jr's hands. Castro throws out a powerful jab. Castro has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Whitaker Jr. Castro takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Whitaker Jr jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Whitaker Jr throws a body punch but Castro moves out of range.
That's four minutes gone in the round. Castro misses with an uppercut. Whitaker Jr saw that one coming. Castro misses with a body kick. Whitaker Jr tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away. Castro chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Castro throws a jab when Whitaker Jr was well out of range. Castro misses with a body kick. Castro swings away with a leg kick that misses. Whitaker Jr changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt. Castro takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards. The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here. Whitaker Jr circles away from the clinch attempt.
Whitaker Jr works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance. Castro pushing out the jab but it's not landing. Whitaker Jr keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Whitaker Jr buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
And that's the end of the fight! I would just about give that final round to Pernell Whitaker Jr. I think Whitaker Jr has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.
Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision. Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 48:47 Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 48:49 Judge William Gold scores the fight 46:49
In favor of your winner, by split decision... Pernell Whitaker Jr! A relieved looking Pernell Whitaker Jr thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
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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
64% |
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