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BBU AFTER DARK

Posted by caspian2 on 8 April 2024 at 1:08 pm

(Results: Vassago, Words: Caspian)

BBU After Dark: Yixin Chen vs. Erika Tham (BBU Debut)

Yixin:
(23, 5’7, BBU Debut, Free Agent)

Erika:
(24, 5’4, BBU Debut, Free Agent)

BEFORE:
As the press conference room at the SIRENs headquarters, a beacon for the British Boxing Unlimited (BBU) scene in downtown Edinburgh, buzzes with anticipation, the arrival of the fighters adds excitement to the air. The venue, steeped in the legacy of boxing greats and the future of female fighters, is the perfect backdrop for this debut match that holds the promise of new and future legends to enter the ring.

Yixin Chen, making her way into the hall, commands immediate attention. The Singaporean actress-turned-fighter is dressed in a sleek, black athletic tracksuit, with her auburn hair pulled back in a tight ponytail. At 23 years old and standing 5’7 tall, her stride is purposeful as she makes her way to the stage.

Her opponent for tonight, Erika Tham, follows, her presence equally commanding. She wears a red and white sporty ensemble, fitting snugly and highlighting her muscular physique. Her shorter stature, at 5’4, is more than compensated for by her vibrant energy and the confident, approachable smile she wears.

As the fighters take their seats, facing a room filled with journalists, photographers, and scouts from various stables, the moderator introduces them. This match could potentially catch the eye of scouts, and offer the winner a chance to be recruited into an official boxing stable.

Erika, however, takes the opportunity to highlight Yixin’s past in the FCBA, over the seas, pointing out, “Yixin has shown her spirit in the FCBA with two fights, though not with the outcomes she hoped for. Knowing she’s loss every bout she’s been in gives me confidence in my preparation and in my chances to win tonight. It's an opportunity to prove myself here in the BBU.”

Yixin, however, responds with a mixture of defensiveness and dismissal, her tone carrying a hint of resilience shaped by past experiences. “What happened in the FCBA stays in the FCBA. This is the BBU, a new league, a new start for me. My focus is on the future, not the past. Every fight is a lesson, and I’ve learned mine. Tonight, I’m here to win, and that’s all that matters.”

The press conference unfolds with questions probing their training regimes, strategies for the match, and aspirations within the boxing world. Both fighters articulate a deep respect for the sport and for each other, yet an undercurrent of rivalry suggests a fierce competition ahead.

As the conference draws to a close, both competitors rise from their seats for the official staredown and photo-op. Yixin strides confidently towards the center of the stage, her gaze locked on Erika. Erika, equally determined, meets her halfway. They stand toe-to-toe, the physical contrast between them highlighted by their intense expressions and poised stances.

In a display of mutual challenge, they simultaneously raise their fists, Yixin aiming hers at Erika’s chin while Erika targets Yixin’s tummy, symbolizing their intentions to attack vulnerabilities with precision. The proximity allows them to lock eyes, their stares unyielding, each trying to psych the other out before the first bell has even rung.

Then, almost inaudibly against the murmur of the captivated audience, the taunts begin. These are not the respectful acknowledgments of skill and determination shared with the press moments earlier; these are personal challenges, designed to unsettle and provoke.

Yixin, her fist aimed at Erika's chin, leans in slightly, her voice a low growl only her counterpart can hear, "I'm gonna knock you out. You won't see it coming."

Erika, undaunted, meets her fierce gaze with a confident smirk. Her fist, poised at Yixin's tummy, signifies her own threat as she retorts, "Dream on. I'll dominate you from the bell. You won't touch me.”

As they lower their fists and step back, the intensity of their exchange lingers in the air, leaving the audience and the scouts from SIRENs with a tantalizing preview of what’s to come. The fighters’ return to their corners, their faces a mix of focused determination and the slightest hint of respect for their opponent's mettle.

Later, the atmosphere inside the SIRENs headquarters' sports hall, transformed tonight into an arena of combat, is electric. With a capacity of 500, every seat is filled, and the intimate setting of the hall ensures every spectator will feel close to the action, the dimmed lights focusing all attention on the ring at the center. Banners of the BBU and SIRENs drape the walls, and the ring itself is a stark square of light, the ropes taut and the canvas pristine.

In their respective corners, Yixin, now stripped of her tracksuit, reveals her fight attire: a sleek, black sports bra paired with matching trunks, her gloves red, offering a stark contrast. Her hair, previously in a ponytail, is now braided tightly against her head. She shadowboxes, her movements sharp and precise, a physical manifestation of her vow to knock Erika out. Her coach offers last-minute advice, his words barely audible over the crowd's murmurs, but she nods, her eyes never leaving the ring.

Erika, similarly attired for battle, wears a red sports bra and white trunks, mirroring her entrance outfit, her gloves a deep blue that stands out in the bright ring lights. Her dark hair is tied back in a secure bun, ensuring no distractions. She practices her footwork, bouncing lightly on her toes. Her corner team surrounds her, a protective circle of strategy and support, their encouragement visible in their focused expressions and brief, pointed gestures.

The crowd, a mix of boxing fans, local enthusiasts, and members of the BBU community, creates a hum of excitement that fills the space. The lights above the ring cast both fighters in a dramatic glow, shadows dancing around them as they complete their preparations. Photographers and videographers position themselves strategically, eager to capture the moments that will define this fight.

Without further ado, there’s the wave of the referee’s hand, and HERE WE GO with ten rounds of Bantamweight action!

ROUND 1:
As the bell rings, Yixin and Erika emerge from their corners with a mix of eagerness and caution. Both being rookies, their initial movements are tentative, sizing each other up from a distance, the desire to make a strong first impression battling with the nerves of their debut. Chen, with her dark hair tightly braided, takes the first step forward, throwing a jab that misses its mark, slicing through the air and illustrating her inexperience. Tham, on the other hand, responds with a couple of wild hooks, her red-tipped gloves creating a blur of motion but connecting with nothing but the atmosphere of anticipation that fills the hall. The audience watches as both fighters struggle to find their range, their punches lacking the precision of seasoned professionals. However, the rawness of their technique adds an unpredictable element to the fight. A sloppy left from Chen finds an unexpected home against Tham’s guard, eliciting a muffled grunt from the latter as she absorbs the impact. Tham, her shorter stature giving her a lower center of gravity, tries to capitalize on this, lunging forward with a series of strikes aimed at Chen’s midsection, and the sound of leather on flesh, a thudding “thwack,” escapes as some of her punches break through her defenses, drawing sharp breaths from Chen, who tries to backpedal and regroup. The action seesaws, with each fighter landing blows more through luck than strategic execution. Chen, finding a momentary opening, unleashes a wild right hand that connects with a surprising thump against the cheek, causing the crowd to gasp as Tham’s head snaps to the side, her hair whipping through the air. Recovering quickly, the other Singaporean fighter shakes off the hit, her determination visible as she charges back in, gloves up, throwing punches that, while lacking in form, carry the weight of her ambition. The rookies’ exchange is punctuated by the sounds of their struggle: the slap of gloves against guards, the thud of leather on body, and their respective groans and grunts as they absorb each other’s attempts.

As the round progresses, both fighters begin to settle, their initial caution giving way to a more aggressive exchange of punches. The rhythm of the fight takes shape amidst the cacophony of the crowd and the visceral soundtrack of the bout—each punch thrown, landed, or missed telling its own story. Then, Tham decides to shift gears dramatically. In a sudden burst of aggression, she closes the distance, her determination crystallizing into a more focused assault. Her red-tipped gloves are now a blur of motion, as she launches a series of body shots aimed at overwhelming Chen early. And soon, the sound of gloves thudding against Chen's torso fills the small arena, punctuated by her grunts of discomfort and the crowd's growing excitement. Chen’s certainly taken aback by this sudden onslaught, scrambling to defend herself. She attempts to block and dodge, but Tham's aggression keeps her on the back foot. And as Tham continues to press in, she lands a particularly hefty left hook that sends a shockwave through Chen's frame, it becomes evident that Tham is not just fighting to score points; she's fighting to send a message. Chen, despite her efforts to counter, finds herself outpaced and outmaneuvered in these crucial moments. And the bell rings to conclude the round, but the message has been sent. Tham walks back to her corner with a noticeable bounce in her step, her eyes alight with the knowledge that she has taken the round convincingly. The judges, having witnessed her effective aggression and control, award her the round by a wide margin. Chen, meanwhile, returns to her corner, her breath heavy, her body feeling the weight of Tham’s attacks. Her team works quickly, offering advice and encouragement, trying to refocus her strategy and bolster her spirit for the rounds ahead.

ROUND 2:
Tham carries forward her momentum, starting off with feints designed to keep Yixin off balance. She displays a cunning learnt in the first round, launching feigned jabs towards Chen's head, intending to disguise her true target: her opponent’s body. Each feint is a calculated attempt to draw Chen’s guard up and expose her midsection for the real assault. Chen, however, seems to have adapted to her foe’s strategy. Anticipating the feints, she uses her speed to sidestep Tham’s advances, creating the distance she failed to maintain in the previous round, allowing her to recalibrate and respond. And she does so with a series of sharp, precise jabs aimed squarely at the face, landing more and more with increasing frequency, the sound of her gloves making contact with a "pop, pop, pop!” Tham, caught off guard by the sudden accuracy and volume of the attacks, tries to adjust her guard and counter, but Chen's speed keeps her just out of reach, frustrating her attempts to retaliate effectively. But the younger actress’s strategy, while effective, is not without its flaws. In her focus on offense, she starts to leave openings in her defense, through which Tham manages to land several body shots under her arms. Despite these exchanges, it's Chen's round through sheer volume and accuracy of strikes to the face. The crowd responds to this shift in momentum, rallying behind Chen as she finds her moment in the spotlight, marking a significant turnaround from the first round. However, as the bell signals the end of Round 2, it’s clear that Chen's victory has come at a price. She breathes heavily, the toll of her offensive output and the leakage of Tham’s punches evident in her demeanor as she returns to her corner. Her team quickly sets to work, patching up the damage and reinforcing the importance of balance between attack and defense.

ROUND 3:
The third begins with Tham picking up where she left off, but with a renewed focus on aggression. She immediately sets about harassing Chen, back to targeting the body and arms with a series of punishing blows. She wants to break down Chen's defenses and stamina, limiting her ability to counterattack effectively. Yixin finds herself under a relentless barrage of shot after shot landing to her arms or thumping under into her belly, the sheer intensity of Tham's attacks forcing her back, step by step, until she finds herself trapped against the ropes—an unfavorable position that Tham exploits without hesitation! Immediately, Erika charges in, unleashing another furious combination of hooks and uppercuts, her gloves rocking inwards with even more force and intensity, the muffled thuds against flesh and the sharper cracks against Yixin’s gloves—fill the arena. Chen tries to defend, her gloves raised in a protective guard, but the sheer volume of punches makes it impossible to block them all. More hooks begin to thud off Chen's ribcage, Tham's gloves finding their mark on the left and then the right side of Chen's torso, targeting the vulnerable areas just under the arms. And as Chen attempts to shield her body from the punishing blows, she raises her arms, trying to form a protective barrier. However, Tham expertly exploits the openings this defense creates. She simply switches her focus, delivering powerful uppercuts that drive upwards, targeting the underside of Chen's arms, her right arm coiling back before launching forward in a sharp arc. She delivers a powerful uppercut that travels upward with lethal intent, cutting through the air before landing with a solid "whud" against Chen's navel. The impact is immediate and debilitating. Chen's body reflexively folds over, a groan escaping her lips as the air is forcefully expelled from her lungs. The sound of the punch, a deep, resonant thud, reverberates through the hall, drawing a collective gasp from the audience. Chen, overwhelmed by the pain and the sudden loss of breath, instinctively brings her arms down to her midsection, trying to protect herself from further damage. Her knees buckle slightly, a testament to the effectiveness of Tham's precision strike. For a moment, she’s vulnerable, her focus solely on regaining her composure and the breath knocked out of her. Then, in a decisive moment, Tham lands a heavy right hook to Chen’s jaw, a clean shot that sends her staggering off to the side, looking stunned, before she COLLAPSES to the canvas! The crowd erupts, the air charged with shock and excitement at the sudden turn of events! And it might just look like Miss Chen might extend her cursed losing streak!!

Chen, however, is far from defeated. Displaying remarkable fighting spirit, she shakes her head and slowly pushes herself up from the mat, her face wincing till she finally beats the referee’s count of 7, standing ready to continue despite the setback. And with the fight resumed, she has no doubt but to adopt a more defensive posture, managing to parry and dodge Tham’s follow-up attempts more effectively. Now, she’s focused on survival, using her remaining strength and awareness to avoid further damage. Yet, as the round progresses, it becomes evident that Tham’s relentless pursuit has taken its toll on her stamina. Her movements start to slow, her punches lacking their earlier sharpness. This noticeable fatigue hampers her ability to finish the fight, allowing Chen to defend and recover as the round nears its end. At the sound of the bell, Tham returns to her corner, her breathing heavy, reflecting the energy expended in her aggressive push. Chen, on the other hand, despite the knockdown, shows no signs of giving up, her spirit undimmed as she prepares for the rounds ahead, her team working quickly to assess and address the damage.

ROUND 4:
The momentum firmly rests with Erika Tham, who comes out with the confidence of a fighter in control. She resumes her strategy of applying pressure, aiming to further weaken Chen and further secure her lead. Tham moves with purpose, her attacks varied and her defense tight, showcasing her adaptability and learning from the earlier exchanges. Throughout the round, she once again maintains her focus on the body, delivering short jabs and fierce hooks that force the other actress to constantly adjust her guard. Her movement is fluid, circling about the taller Chen, looking for angles to exploit. Her punches, though slightly less frequent as she conserves energy, remain precise and impactful, each one drawing a reaction from either her opponent or the crowd. Chen, for her part, remains determined despite the toll the previous rounds have taken on her, showcasing her resilience, moving and trying to find her own rhythm in the fight. She manages to block and evade some of Tham's slowed assaults, her defense tightening up compared to the earlier onslaughts. Just as the round seems as though Tham will once again emerge clearly victorious, in the final seconds, Chen finds a reserve of strength and launches a counterattack! With Tham momentarily lowering her guard, a powerful right hand CONNECTS directly to the jawline, the punch landing with a crisp snap, visibly shaking Tham and halting her momentum! The impact sends her staggering back with a look of surprise on her face, as she feels the sting of Chen's power for the first time in the match. The crowd erupts, buoyed by Chen’s display of fighting spirit and the sudden shift in the bout’s dynamics. The bell rings to end the round, giving Tham a narrow escape from a situation that could have rapidly deteriorated. Both fighters return to their corners—Tham to reassess and recover from the late hit, and Chen with a renewed sense of possibility, having finally managed to break through her foe's defenses.

ROUND 5:
Entering the fifth, the dynamics undergo a dramatic shift. Tham, her previous rounds of relentless aggression catching up with her, begins to show signs of exhaustion. Her movements, once fluid and precise, now carry a noticeable sluggishness, and her once rapid combinations are replaced with single, less effective punches. This fatigue marks a significant turning point in the bout, one that Chen is quick to exploit. From the outset, she’s more aggressive, sensing the vulnerability in her foe, beginning to land clean shots to both the face and body. She targets the shorter girl with a series of jabs and crosses, each landing with increasing frequency, gradually wearing her down. Tham, trying to rally, fires back with her own shots, but the lack of power behind them is evident, while Chen's body shots, methodical and punishing, further sap her of her dwindling reserves, forcing her to retreat and defend. In the second half, Chen's control becomes more pronounced. Her confidence grows with each landed punch, her movements becoming sharper, a stark contrast to her opponent’s growing lethargy. Another perfectly timed right cross crunches clean into Tham’s lips, catching her off-guard, her guard momentarily lowered! Immediately, she winces and flails, before LOSING her balance and FALLING back over onto her bum! It’s a return KNOCKDOWN for Yixin Chen, who uses her longer reach to exploit!

The crowd ROARS on her behalf, as Chen takes a decisive step back, allowing the referee to begin the count. Tham, her spirit still fighting but her body betraying her fatigue, struggles to her feet, beating the count at 8, however, though she’s taking large swaths of air as she stands, and it's clear to all watching that she's dazed, her stability uncertain, her eyes glazed as she tries to focus. The bell rings shortly after, ending the round and giving Tham a much-needed respite, but the message has been sent. Chen, now looking significantly better physically and mentally, returns to her corner with a nod of acknowledgment from her team. They quickly set to work, offering praise and strategic advice for capitalizing on her newfound advantage. Tham, on the other hand, is met with concern and urgent counsel from her corner. Her recovery during the break is paramount, not just for the immediate next round but for any hope of reclaiming the lead she's seen slip through her fingers.

ROUND 6:
As the sixth unfolds, Tham, decides to go ALL-IN, channeling the last reserves of her energy into one final attempt to reclaim the fight! She starts off aggressively, attempting to overwhelm Yixin from the get-go and hoping to land a decisive blow that could turn the tide in her favor. However, the gamble reveals the depth of her fatigue and the diminishing precision of her punches. Chen, now in better control and sensing the desperation in Tham’s actions, waits for her moment. And it comes sooner than expected; As Tham's right hook cuts through the air, missing its mark, she finds herself momentarily unbalanced, her defense open! Her opponent sees the opening and takes it! She pivots slightly, her body coiled like a spring, before launching left hook high through the air! The punch arcs through the air, the gap between the fighters disappearing, landing cleanly on Tham's jaw!! OUCH! The impact is immediate and decisive as Tham's head SNAPS to the side, the force of the blow sending shockwaves through her body! Her legs, already taxed from the rounds of punishment and effort, betray her, unable to support her weight any longer! Tham CRUMBLES to the canvas in a slow, almost surreal motion, landing with a deep, resonant thud! It’s ANOTHER KNOCKDOWN for the third time in this fight, and for a brief second, time seems to pause, the significance of the moment hanging in the air. Chen steps back, her posture relaxed but alert, watching as Tham continues to struggle to push herself to all fours against the canvas, the resilience of the fighter evident even as she faces the daunting task of rising once more. The arena holds its breath as against all odds, Erika struggles back to her feet, beating the count just barely before the 10-count, but her legs staying wobbly, her stance unsteady as she holds her back against the ropes! Good lord! This is just their DEBUT match, but it’s already clear to all present that these two ladies want it all!

Bell rings again and sensing the end is near, Chen doesn’t hesitate! She rushes back in and resumes her assault, her gloves back to targeting Tham’s face and body with the accuracy of a seasoned sniper. The first punch, a straight right, lands squarely on the nose, the impact resonating with a dampened thud that sends a visible shudder through the rest of her frame. The force compresses the cartilage, a sharp pain exploding in a burst of stars behind her eyes, her head snapping back as a reflex to the brutal introduction. Without pause, Chen follows up with a left hook, grazing Tham's lips, splitting the skin with the sheer velocity of the blow. The taste of iron floods Tham’s mouth, a visceral reminder of the fight’s stakes. Then, with Tham's guard compromised by the instinctive need to protect her battered face, Chen shifts her focus downward. She delivers a series of body shots, each one landing with precision on Tham’s abdomen. The punches sink deep into her tummy, the sound of each impact a deeper, more resonant thud that echoes the earlier blows’ menace, the force of each folding Tham over, each breath becoming a labor, her attempts to defend herself growing increasingly feeble and uncoordinated. With every hit, her body rocks in place, her feet shuffling in a desperate bid to find balance and reprieve. Her arms, heavy and slow, attempt to parry Chen's relentless assault, but they're like barriers made of smoke, offering no real protection against the storm. The air around them is filled with the sounds of the struggle—the sharp intakes of breath from Tham, the grunts of effort from Chen, and the underlying, continuous dampened thuds of glove against flesh. The crowd is a distant murmur, their presence felt rather than heard, as the focus narrows down to the two fighters locked in this moment of determination and survival. Tham, trapped against the ropes and unable to effectively shield herself from the onslaught, looks wounded, her defenses crumbling under Chen’s relentless attack. And the referee, closely monitoring the action, sees her condition deteriorating rapidly, and after another particularly vicious left-right combo that makes her lurch forward and drop her arms, he thinks Tham is UNABLE to respond further! That’s it! He decides to JUMP IN, deciding that the fight must be stopped! It’s OVER via TKO6!

Official Result: Yixin Chen defeats Erika Tham via TKO6!

AFTER:
Immediately, the call to stop the fight draws a mixed but understanding reaction from the crowd. Some are on their feet, applauding the courage displayed by both fighters, while others express concern for Tham's well-being.

As the realization of her victory sinks in, Chen’s initial reaction is a mixture of disbelief and overwhelming joy. This isn’t just any win; it's her first victory in her boxing career, a milestone that marks both an end and a beginning.

Chen, still breathing heavily from the exertion, slowly lowers her gloves, her eyes scanning the crowd and then settling on her corner. Her team erupts in cheers, their faces alight with pride. With a sudden burst of energy, she raises her arms high above her head, her gloves touching in a symbol of victory. She turns in a slow circle, absorbing the moment, her smile wide and unabashed. The crowd responds in kind, their applause and cheers filling the arena, a collective acknowledgment of her skill, determination, and the heart she displayed in the ring.

Meanwhile, the focus on Erika Tham is of a different nature. Concerned for her well-being after the punishing final rounds, the medical team is quick to enter the ring. Tham, though visibly dazed and bearing the marks of the bout, nods and communicates with them, her spirit unbroken despite the fight’s outcome. A stool is brought into the ring for her to sit on, while a more thorough examination is conducted, the team ensuring that her health is the paramount concern.

Chen then makes her way to her corner, where her coaches and team await. They envelop her in embraces, their congratulations and praise a cacophony of joy. The realization of her hard work, the sacrifices, and the countless hours of training culminating in this moment of victory fills Chen with a profound sense of accomplishment and gratitude. She knows this is but the first step in her journey, the first of many challenges she will face and overcome.

After her celebratory moment, however, the younger and taller actress decides to cement her first win. With a gleam in her eyes, she strides confidently over to where Erika is still seated on a stool and being attended to by the medical team. Chen’s demeanor is one of unmistakable pride and a hint of bravado, embodying the adrenaline-fueled atmosphere of the ring. Striding right up to the defeated girl, she deliberately looks down at Tham, her expression serious.

“Told you I’d knock you out,” Chen states, her voice carrying the weight of her triumph and the fulfillment of her pre-fight promise.

Tham, despite the physical toll of the fight, lifts her head to meet Chen’s gaze. Her eyes, clear and unwavering, shine with a defiance that seems undiminished by her defeat. “This is just the start for me,” she retorts, her voice steady and strong. “I’ll see you in the ring again.”

The exchange, brief yet charged with the intensity of their competition, ends with Chen nodding slightly, acknowledging Tham’s spirit before turning to leave the ring, allowing the medical team to finish their work.

Later, backstage, both fighters address the press separately, sharing their thoughts on the fight’s proceedings and what lies ahead.

Chen, her face still flushed with the excitement of her victory, speaks first. “Tonight was about proving to myself that I could do this. That all the hard work, the training, it was all worth it,” she says, her voice a mix of joy and relief. “Erika is a tough fighter, no doubt. Knocking her out wasn’t just about winning; it was about meeting the challenge I set for myself. But respect to her, she held her own. We’ll probably meet again, and I’ll be ready.”

Tham, showing signs of her bout but equally composed, faces the press with a stoic grace. “Every fight is a lesson,” she begins, her demeanor reflective. “Tonight, I learned a lot, not just about my opponent but about myself. Yixin fought well, and she earned her win. But this isn’t the end for me. It’s just the beginning. I’ll be back in the gym, working on my game, improving. We might share the ring again, and next time, I’ll be the one standing at the end.”