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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Shakhbulat Shamkhalaev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Joe River (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Shamkhalaev might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to CoCo (MAKJ Remix) - O.T. Genasis. River has chosen Five Finger Death Punch - Dod your eyes as his entrance music. Shakhbulat Shamkhalaev has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.
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| 181 cm
25
163 lbs
14 - 6 - 0 |
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170 cm
26
160 lbs
17 - 1 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible |
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Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
14 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Shakhbulat Shamkhalaev!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
17 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Joe River!
The judges for this bout are Franklyn Lucas, Columbo Gatti and John Roberts.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
River swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Shamkhalaev bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps River's head backwards.
Shamkhalaev has managed to clinch.
River throws a punch but it's blocked by Shamkhalaev.
A head punch on the inside from River fails to land.
Shamkhalaev blocks a body shot from River.
Our sources have told us that Shamkhalaev has been working on his knees in the buildup to the fight.
River lands a body shot in the clinch.
Shamkhalaev tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A nice left hand lands by River.
Shamkhalaev blocking some punches.
Shamkhalaev misses with an elbow over the top.
Shamkhalaev lands a damaging elbow.
River tries to throw a body punch but Shamkhalaev avoids it by throwing River back against the cage.
River scores with a shoulder strike.
A short left from River.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Shamkhalaev throws a head punch that misses.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Shamkhalaev.
Shamkhalaev lands an elbow inside.
It looks like Joe River has been cut.
River avoids the elbow strike from Shamkhalaev, against the cage.
Shamkhalaev lands a damaging elbow.
River lands a body shot.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, River creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
That's one minute gone in the round.
River tries to work over Shamkhalaev's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
River blocks an elbow strike.
River takes a knee to the side of the body.
River has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Shamkhalaev seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if River can turn it around.
River lands a hook to the side of the head.
Shamkhalaev lands a hook to the side of the head.
River swings wildly with an uppercut but Shamkhalaev uses good head movement to avoid it.
Shamkhalaev blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Shamkhalaev looks to throw an elbow but misses.
A right hand to the body from River.
Shamkhalaev lands with a right to the head.
River fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
River tries to throw a body punch but Shamkhalaev avoids it by throwing River back against the cage.
Shamkhalaev tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
River misses with some punches.
Shamkhalaev lands an elbow that stopped River in his tracks for a moment.
River misses with a punch to the body.
Still in the clinch, Shamkhalaev scores with a nice short uppercut.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nice body punch from River.
River lands with a light punch inside.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Shamkhalaev.
River tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Shamkhalaev tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
River misses with a shot to the kidneys.
River misses with a shot to the kidneys.
River gets through Shamkhalaev's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
River blocks an elbow strike.
River doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
River misses with a hook to the ribs.
Shamkhalaev throws a head punch that misses.
River tries a body shot but Shamkhalaev blocks it.
Shamkhalaev prevents a body shot from River.
A short right from River.
River misses with a punch to the body.
River stalls.
River lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Shamkhalaev prevents a body shot from River.
River lands with a right to the head.
Shamkhalaev lands a nice elbow.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
River dodges an elbow strike from Shamkhalaev.
Shamkhalaev pushes off an throws an elbow but River leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
River works on Shamkhalaev's body with a couple of short punches.
Shamkhalaev throws a punch but it's blocked by River.
A short right from River.
Shamkhalaev lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Shamkhalaev lands an elbow inside that River shrugs off.
A head punch blocked on the inside by River.
Shamkhalaev blocks an uppercut.
Shamkhalaev blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Shamkhalaev scores with a shoulder strike.
Shamkhalaev lands an elbow inside that River shrugs off.
Shamkhalaev blocks a body shot from River.
River working aggressively here.
River avoiding damage as Shamkhalaev throws knees to the body.
Shamkhalaev misses with a punch on the inside.
Shamkhalaev tries a knee to the head but River blocks it.
Shamkhalaev takes a shot to the head.
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!
A head punch on the inside from River fails to land.
Shamkhalaev lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
River lands an uppercut.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
River goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Shamkhalaev comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
River lands a right hand that snaps the head of Shamkhalaev backwards.
Shamkhalaev blocks an uppercut.
River lands with a short shot to the head.
River is trying to force a seperation but Shamkhalaev has the dominant position.
River blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Shamkhalaev tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
River blocks an uppercut.
Shamkhalaev using the Thai plumb to throw knees but River has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
A hook to the body from River.
Shamkhalaev lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt River or not.
River misses with a shot to the kidneys.
River tries to throw a body punch but Shamkhalaev avoids it by throwing River back against the cage.
A short uppercut from Shamkhalaev.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
River stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
River pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Shamkhalaev is looking to clinch.
River misses with an uppercut. Shamkhalaev saw that one coming.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Joe River will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Joe River's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
River avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Shamkhalaev tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. River manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Shamkhalaev shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Nice uppercut lands for River. That snapped Shamkhalaev's head back.
It looks like Shakhbulat Shamkhalaev has been cut.
Shamkhalaev tries to clinch but River moves out of range.
Decent striking displayed by River there.
Shamkhalaev moves into the clinch.
Shamkhalaev misses with a short punch on the inside.
Shamkhalaev blocking some punches.
Shakhbulat Shamkhalaev has scored more points in the clinch so far.
River presses Shamkhalaev against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
River softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Shamkhalaev lands with a short head shot on the inside.
River doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Shamkhalaev missing with knees to the body.
With the fighters up against the cage, Shamkhalaev throws an elbow but misses.
River tries to throw a body punch but Shamkhalaev avoids it by throwing River back against the cage.
River lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
River lands a right hand.
Shamkhalaev has a couple of punches blocked by River.
Shamkhalaev avoids the elbow strike from River, against the cage.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Shamkhalaev comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Shamkhalaev lands a hook that snaps the head of River backwards.
River swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Shamkhalaev lands an elbow that stopped River in his tracks for a moment.
River throws a punch but it's blocked by Shamkhalaev.
River misses with a punch on the inside.
River can't find room to land a body shot as Shamkhalaev controls the action.
Shamkhalaev lands on the inside with an uppercut.
River takes an elbow to the temple.
River blocks an uppercut.
River blocking some punches.
River lands a left hand that snaps the head of Shamkhalaev backwards.
Shamkhalaev swings wildly with an uppercut but River uses good head movement to avoid it.
River swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Shamkhalaev misses with a shot to the kidneys.
River lands a shoulder strike.
This has been an exciting period of action!
River gets through Shamkhalaev's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Shamkhalaev lands with a short shot to the head.
Shamkhalaev misses with a hook to the ribs.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shamkhalaev tries a body shot but River blocks it.
River tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Shamkhalaev blocks a body shot from River.
Shamkhalaev misses with a hook from the clinch.
Shamkhalaev pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
River struggles to land a body shot inside as Shamkhalaev controls his hands.
River misses with a body punch.
Shamkhalaev swings wildly with an uppercut but River uses good head movement to avoid it.
River misses with a hook to the ribs.
River misses with a punch on the inside.
Shamkhalaev blocks a body shot from River.
River pushes Shamkhalaev back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
River tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Shamkhalaev tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
River goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
River swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Shamkhalaev lands a right hand.
River struggles to land a body shot inside as Shamkhalaev controls his hands.
River escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
River lands with an overhand left.
River scores with a jab. Shamkhalaev acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
River tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Shamkhalaev was well out of range. Poor timing from River.
River lands a body shot.
Shamkhalaev gets off balance looking for a body kick
and River counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Shamkhalaev takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Shamkhalaev tries to close the distance and clinch but River swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
River tries to clinch up.
Joe River seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Shamkhalaev throws a right hand that misses
and River counters with a stiff right hand.
Shamkhalaev wants to clinch up but River keeps it at a distance.
Shamkhalaev slips a straight right by River.
River gets tackled into the cage by Shamkhalaev. Shamkhalaev maintains the clinch.
A shot in the inside from River.
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!
River lands a right hand that snaps the head of Shamkhalaev backwards.
Shamkhalaev with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Shamkhalaev just misses with a elbow thrown towards River's brow.
River throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Shamkhalaevs head.
River has a couple of punches blocked by Shamkhalaev.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
River blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Shamkhalaev lands a nice elbow.
River blocking some punches.
River pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
River circles away from the clinch attempt.
River now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
River lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
River walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
River lands with a thumping leg kick.
River misses the jab.
It looked like Shamkhalaev wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Shamkhalaev forces River back against the cage and clinches.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Shamkhalaev.
River lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Shamkhalaev looks to throw an elbow but misses.
River stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
River pushes Shamkhalaev back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
River blocks a body shot from Shamkhalaev.
River avoids the elbow strike from Shamkhalaev, against the cage.
Shamkhalaev tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and River avoids it.
River blocks the elbow strike.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Joe River showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
Shamkhalaev ducks down and throws a hook to the body but River moves away.
River now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
River smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Donk. River catches Shamkhalaev right on the button with a cross.
Shamkhalaev is looking to clinch but River is avoiding it.
Shamkhalaev takes a shot to the body in his stride.
River throws a hook but Shamkhalaev avoids it easily.
Shamkhalaev throws a quick counter kick to the body but River avoids it.
Shamkhalaev throws a low kick but River moves out of range easily.
Shamkhalaev fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with River, pushing him back against the cage.
River scores with a shoulder strike.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Shamkhalaev throws an elbow but it's blocked.
River can't find room to land a body shot as Shamkhalaev controls the action.
River tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shamkhalaev lands with a short shot to the head.
Shamkhalaev throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Shamkhalaev misses with a hook to the ribs.
River lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Shamkhalaev.
Shamkhalaev lands a knee to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Shamkhalaev lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
That's one minute gone in the round.
River tries a body shot but Shamkhalaev blocks it.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Shamkhalaev.
Shamkhalaev prevents a body shot from River.
Shamkhalaev lands a nice elbow.
A short uppercut from River.
River makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A short right from River.
River misses with a punch to the body.
Shamkhalaev misses with a shot to the kidneys.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from River.
River throws a head punch that misses.
River scores with a hook to the body.
River lands a body punch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Shamkhalaev.
Shamkhalaev lands an elbow inside that River shrugs off.
Shamkhalaev creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through River's defenses.
River doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
River tries to land knees in the clinch but Shamkhalaev avoids the damage to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A head punch blocked on the inside by Shamkhalaev.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shamkhalaev with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
River working hard to break the clinch.
River misses with a punch to the body.
River lands a shoulder strike.
Shamkhalaev prevents a body shot from River.
River blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
River blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
River takes a shot to the head.
River tries to throw a body punch but Shamkhalaev avoids it by throwing River back against the cage.
River tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Shamkhalaev blocks a punch to the side of the head.
River blocks an elbow strike.
River misses with a hook to the ribs.
A head punch on the inside from River fails to land.
Shamkhalaev blocks a punch to the side of the head.
River fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
River throws a head punch that misses.
Shamkhalaev blocks an uppercut.
Shamkhalaev throws a punch but it's blocked by River.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
River lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Shamkhalaev pushes off an throws an elbow but River leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
A head punch on the inside from Shamkhalaev fails to land.
Shamkhalaev throws a knee to the head but misses.
Shamkhalaev working aggressively here.
Shamkhalaev has a couple of punches blocked by River.
Shamkhalaev makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Shamkhalaev.
River scores with a shot to the side of Shamkhalaev's head.
A short body shot lands from River as the two fighters clinch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Still in the clinch, River scores with a nice short uppercut.
Shamkhalaev throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, River creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
River is leaning against Shamkhalaev and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
River lands a nice shot to the body.
River lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Shamkhalaev backwards.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A short right from River.
River scores with a hook to the body.
River can't find room to land a body shot as Shamkhalaev controls the action.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
River dodges an elbow strike from Shamkhalaev.
River misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Shamkhalaev misses with a hook from the clinch.
A short right from River.
River scores with a shot to the side of Shamkhalaev's head.
River lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
A short body shot lands from River as the two fighters clinch.
River digs a right hand underneath Shamkhalaev's ribcage. Shamkhalaev let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A nice right hand lands inside from River.
River lands a nice uppercut.
River lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Shamkhalaev is rocked!
River lands a body shot in the clinch.
Oh Shamkhalaev is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
River works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, River creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
River lands a nice shot to the body.
River tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Shamkhalaev's elbow.
Shamkhalaev seems to have got his legs back now.
River lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
River working some nice short punches in the clinch.
River cracks Shamkhalaev with a nice body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Joe River really dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Back to the action!
River fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Shamkhalaev, pushing him back against the cage.
River is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
River lands with a light punch inside.
River lands with a left to the head.
Shamkhalaev lands a right hand that snaps the head of River backwards.
A short right from River on the inside.
River tries a body shot but Shamkhalaev blocks it.
Shamkhalaev misses with an elbow over the top.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, River creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
River can't find room to land a body shot as Shamkhalaev controls the action.
Shamkhalaev working aggressively here.
Shamkhalaev throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but River blocks it with crossed arms.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
River lands a shot to the body.
Shamkhalaev lands a right hand.
Shamkhalaev tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Shamkhalaev lands with a short head shot on the inside.
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!
Nice body punch from Shamkhalaev.
A right handed body shot lands from River.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
That's one minute gone in the round.
River breaks from the clinch.
River misses with a straight left.
A counter left hand to the body from Shamkhalaev misses its target.
River circles away from the clinch attempt.
Shamkhalaev is looking to clinch.
Shamkhalaev tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Good exchange - River coming out on top.
River uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
River throws a good cross that connects.
Shamkhalaev moves into the clinch.
Shamkhalaev lands an elbow inside that River shrugs off.
Shamkhalaev working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A short right from River on the inside.
Shamkhalaev blocks an uppercut.
A short right from River.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
River misses with a hook to the ribs.
River lands a hook that snaps the head of Shamkhalaev backwards.
River misses with a hook to the ribs.
River tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A body shot lands from River.
River blocks an elbow strike.
Shamkhalaev blocks a body shot from River.
A left hand lands to the body for River.
River lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Shamkhalaev or not.
River misses with a shot to the kidneys.
River softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Shamkhalaev keeps the fight in the clinch, despite River's efforts to push away.
River pushes Shamkhalaev back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Shamkhalaev just misses with a elbow thrown towards River's brow.
River lands a body punch in the clinch.
River scores with an uppercut up the middle.
River lands with a left to the head.
Shamkhalaev misses with some punches.
River lands a hook to the side of the head.
River blocking some punches.
A head punch on the inside from Shamkhalaev fails to land.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
River lands a left hand that snaps the head of Shamkhalaev backwards.
Shamkhalaev lands an elbow inside that River shrugs off.
River takes an elbow to the forehead.
River digs a right hand into Shamkhalaev's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Shamkhalaev's gas tank.
River misses with a short punch on the inside.
River pushes Shamkhalaev back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
River has had enough of the clinch but Shamkhalaev keeps him there for the moment.
A short left from River.
River blocks an uppercut.
Shamkhalaev's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Shamkhalaev throws a head punch that misses.
River can't find room to land a body shot as Shamkhalaev controls the action.
River tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Shamkhalaev's elbow.
Shamkhalaev lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
River tries to work over Shamkhalaev's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A short body shot lands from River as the two fighters clinch.
River managing to block the knees to the body from Shamkhalaev.
Shamkhalaev's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Shamkhalaev.
River working aggressively here.
River lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
River lands a right hand that snaps the head of Shamkhalaev backwards.
A nice right hand lands inside from River.
Good body shot from River.
River can't find room to land a body shot as Shamkhalaev controls the action.
River lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
River doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Shamkhalaev lands an uppercut.
Shamkhalaev blocks a body shot from River.
A short right from River on the inside.
Shamkhalaev misses with an elbow strike.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
River blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Shamkhalaev tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
River blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
River breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
River ducks under a wild hook from Shamkhalaev.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from River! But no joy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Joe River dominated that fourth round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!
River circles away from the clinch attempt.
River just misses with a punch to the body.
River misses with a hook.
It looked like Shamkhalaev wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
A shot to the liver by River. Beautiful body shot.
River has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
River gets in close and instigates a clinch.
River scores with a shot to the side of Shamkhalaev's head.
River breaks the clinch.
River circles away from the clinch attempt.
Shamkhalaev moves away from the strike by River.
Shamkhalaev bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
River misses with a straight left.
River jabbing away but nothing is landing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
River looks to throw the jab but Shamkhalaev is out of range.
Shamkhalaev is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
River keeps the fight on the outside.
Shamkhalaev wants to clinch up but River keeps it at a distance.
River wants to counter the offense by Shamkhalaev and move into the clinch position.
River fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Shamkhalaev looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
That's one minute gone in the round.
River scores with a jab to the jaw.
Shamkhalaev motions for River to come forward. Shamkhalaev throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
An inside leg kick lands from Shamkhalaev.
Shamkhalaev rushes River and presses him up against the cage.
River works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
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.
Shamkhalaev throws a head punch that misses.
River lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A shot in the inside from Shamkhalaev.
River working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
River tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Shamkhalaev misses with a punch on the inside.
River tries a body shot but Shamkhalaev blocks it.
River blocks an elbow strike.
River digs a right hand underneath Shamkhalaev's ribcage. Shamkhalaev let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A left hand lands to the body for River.
River misses with a body punch.
River gets through Shamkhalaev's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
River lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Shamkhalaev fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
River scores with a shoulder strike.
River gets through Shamkhalaev's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
River working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Good body shot from River.
Shamkhalaev swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Shamkhalaev tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
River stalling.
River tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Shamkhalaev tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Shamkhalaev tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A right hook to the body lands for River.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Shamkhalaev.
Shamkhalaev throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
River swings wildly with an uppercut but Shamkhalaev uses good head movement to avoid it.
River scores with a shot to the side of Shamkhalaev's head.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice elbow from Shamkhalaev.
Shamkhalaev misses with a short punch on the inside.
Shamkhalaev throws a punch but it's blocked by River.
A right hook to the body lands for River.
River scores with a shot to the side of Shamkhalaev's head.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, River creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
River blocking some punches.
Still in the clinch, River scores with a nice short uppercut.
Shamkhalaev has a couple of punches blocked by River.
River doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
River doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
River lands a hook that snaps the head of Shamkhalaev backwards.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from River.
River avoids the elbow strike from Shamkhalaev, against the cage.
Shamkhalaev misses with some punches.
Shamkhalaev tries to land a knee to the head but River blocks with his arms.
River scores with a shot to the side of Shamkhalaev's head.
Shamkhalaev misses with an elbow over the top.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A right hand to the body from River.
River swings wildly with an uppercut but Shamkhalaev uses good head movement to avoid it.
River misses with some punches.
Nice body punch from River - that landed with a thud.
River lands a nice uppercut.
Shamkhalaev blocks a body shot from River.
Shamkhalaev blocking some punches.
River tries to break the clinch but Shamkhalaev is controlling the position.
Shamkhalaev throws a head punch that misses.
River misses with a punch to the body.
Shamkhalaev lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
River throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Shamkhalaevs head.
River misses with a body punch.
A short left from River.
River can't find room to land a body shot as Shamkhalaev controls the action.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Shamkhalaev.
And that's the end of the fight!
Joe River comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well River has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 46:50
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight 46:50
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 46:50
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Joe River!
Joe River is the new lightweight champion!
After the fight, Joe River was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.
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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
88% |
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