RETRO BOUT

(Results: Lookout!, Words: Caspian)

Denise Richards vs. Dina Meyer

Note: this fight takes place circa 1997

Denise:
(26, 5’6, FCBA Debut, Free Agent)

Dina:
(29, 5’8, FCBA Debut, Free Agent)

BEFORE:
The Comic-Con stage is set up in front of a makeshift boxing ring that sits in the center of the hall, a stark contrast to the fantastical booths and costumed fans buzzing around the convention floor. A banner adorned with the iconic Starship Troopers logo hangs boldly across the back wall. Today, the crowd is a mix of diehard sci-fi fans and boxing enthusiasts drawn to this unique spectacle.

Casper Van Dien, resplendent in his Mobile Infantry uniform, strides onto the stage, his charming smile and easy charisma electrifying the audience.

"Welcome, Troopers, fight fans, and fellow nerds!" he booms into the microphone, his voice echoing through his chiseled smile. "Today, history is in the making – not just for Comic-Con, but for the entire Earth Federation! Settle in, because you're about to witness the ultimate showdown between two of our finest soldiers."

The crowd roars with anticipation, as Denise Richards emerges from stage right, her military fatigues clinging to her slender frame, a mischievous glint in her blue eyes. A playful smile dances on her lips as she waves to the cheering crowd. The Hollywood actress has always radiated a wholesome, girl-next-door energy, channeling the sweet charm of Carmen Ibanez, her on-screen character.

Next, Dina Meyer takes her seat on the opposite side of the stage. Clad in a olive tank-top that accentuates her athletic build, she has a seductive fire burning in her eyes. She raises a perfectly arched brow at Denise, her very presence radiating the spirit of Dizzy Flores.

Casper places himself between the two women, a theatrical grin splitting his face. "Ladies, before we get into the ring, let's give the people what they want – tell us, what does love look like in wartime?" He thrusts a microphone towards Denise.

Denise giggles, her voice a touch of playful coyness. "Well, Johnny Rico, let's be honest, sometimes love looks like a girl-next-door who's just trying to survive, maybe catch her breath between saving the galaxy, you know?" A suggestive wink at the audience ignites a burst of cheers and appreciative whistles. "And who knows, maybe a girl like Carmen has some hidden depths the audience will get to see," she teases, hinting at twists and turns in the soon-to-be-released movie.

The microphone swings to Dina, who counters with a sultry smirk. "Love in wartime?" she purrs into the microphone. "Please. If you want real love, you need a woman who can fight by your side, who's not afraid to get her hands dirty for what matters. Someone like Dizzy Flores, maybe?" She shoots Denise a challenging glance, the tension between them simmering beneath the surface. "After all, let's not forget who actually knows how to fight..."

"Now, now, ladies," Casper cuts in, his voice dripping with amused anticipation. "Save those fighting words for the ring! But before you lace up those gloves, a word for the fans. Who's gonna take home the victory tonight?"

The crowd erupts in shouts and whistles, their loyalties split as fans voice their support for Carmen or Dizzy, fueling the playful rivalry. Casper steps back, extending an arm towards the ring. "Only one way to find out! Denise Richards, Carmen Ibanez! Dina Meyer, Dizzy Flores! Prepare for the battle of the century! May the best woman win!"

Denise and Dina, still grinning, step closer to the center of the stage. Casper, still the master of ceremonies, takes a step back, before his voice booms out again, "Ladies, one last stare-down for the crowd! Let's see that fighting spirit!"

Denise flashes a quick, playful wink towards a row of cheering fans, then her bright blue eyes snap back to Dina, her smile replaced with a determined set to her jaw. She squares her shoulders and raises her fists in a lazy but determined pose. "Don't worry, Dizzy," she says, her voice laced with a hint of steel, "I brought plenty of bug spray for this mission."

Dina leans forward, her own fists raised in a steady fighter’s stance. Her eyes are narrowed in a way to show that this is more than a publicity stunt to her. "Maybe you should've brought some charm too, sweetheart," she counters, her voice a husky challenge.

Moments later, the lights blaze as Denise emerges once more, having shed her military fatigues backstage to reveal a sleek, olive-green sports bra and matching shorts, showing off her slender figure. Her blonde hair is pulled back in a no-nonsense ponytail, and her makeup is subdued, a touch of gloss highlighting her lips. A pair of red boxing gloves, oversized on her slender hands, complete the picture.

Next, it's Dina's turn to electrify the crowd. She enters the arena in her own fierce style. Gone is the skintight tank top, replaced by a black, military-inspired sports bra that emphasizes her strong physique. Black shorts, adorned with subtle camo details, add to the battle-ready look. Her hair, a cascade of dark waves, is pulled back in a tight braid, and her white boxing gloves are already laced.

With both women in their corners, Casper climbs in and approaches them both. At Denise’s corner, he leans in, offering a final word of encouragement, "Go get 'em, Carmen! Make Rico proud." He leans in further, planting a quick kiss on her cheek.

Dina, watching from her corner, rolls her eyes, a playful smirk on her lips. "Rico should be so lucky," she mutters under her breath, a touch of genuine jealousy spicing her playful taunt.

But Meyer is not to be left out. She grins as Casper approaches, his voice offering a different kind of encouragement. "Show 'em what you got, Dizzy. Time to bring the heat!" She's rewarded with a quick peck on the cheek, a gesture that fuels the competitive fire in her eyes.

Across the ring, Denise shoots Dina her own fleeting glance, a flicker of jealousy crossing her features before it's masked by a playful glare. Then, Casper strides to the center of the ring, his voice booming through the arena. "Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready?”

He gets the nod from both fighters, and HERE WE GO with ten rounds of Bantamweight action!

ROUND 1:
Here come both fighters, striding confidently forward. Denise’s got some boxing training under her belt for real, and her footwork is light, graceful even, as she dances around the ring early, sending punches aimed to test Dina's defenses, to gauge her reactions. Dina, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected burst of aggression, holds her ground. She absorbs a few glancing blows, her initial smirk fading into a look of cautious surprise. Suddenly, she throws a tentative right hook aimed at Denise's cheek, but the shorter fighter slips away with practiced ease, before continuing to pepper Dina with quick jabs to the face, scoring points while staying out of reach. Towards the end, another crisp left hook catches her flush on the jaw, and the crowd reacts with a collective gasp. Dina staggers back, momentarily off-balance, but recovers with a scowl. Sensing her strategy, she switches tactics. Instead of pursuing, she plants her feet in the center of the ring, assuming a defensive stance. She knows her foe’s whirlwind style can't be sustained forever. She's waiting for the inevitable lull, the opening to deliver her signature power punches. Denise, realizing her initial tactic is losing its effectiveness, changes her approach. She feints left, circles right, a calculated attempt to draw Dina out of her defensive shell. A short left jab lands on her arm, followed by a quick right-hand to her ribs. But despite the barrage of punches, Dina remains stoic. She absorbs the blows, waiting, banking on Denise tiring herself out in the first round. Finally, the bell rings, and Denise returns to her corner with a triumphant smile, her chest heaving with exertion, sweat gleaming on her brow. Her corner buzzes with excited praise, a chorus of "Atta girl, Carmen!" echoing in her ears. Dina, on the other side of the ring, sits on her stool, her face a stoic mask. Her team attends to her with quiet efficiency. Her eyes, however, betray a flicker of concern. Denise's initial assault was stronger than she'd anticipated.

Casper strides to the center of the ring, milking the crowd's enthusiasm. "And the winner of round one, by a landslide... the one and only, Carmen Ibanez!" The crowd erupts in cheers, a roar that washes over Dina and intensifies her scowl. Ignoring the bewildered looks from the officials, Casper winks at Denise's corner and makes a beeline for her. He throws his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close for a dramatic hug. "That's how you do it, Carmen!” Denise, momentarily flustered by the unexpected public display of affection, manages a weak smile and a playful shove. Dina, fuming in her corner, throws a water bottle to the ground with a frustrated growl.

ROUND 2:
Dina emerges from her corner transformed, her initial hesitation replaced by a cold, focused fury. Now, it's raw aggression, a calculated plan to overwhelm Denise with her superior power. She barrels towards her, easily forcing her onto the ropes by her aggressive stance. Denise, caught off guard by the sudden shift in tactics, attempts to dodge and scram, but Dina's reach is longer, her punches heavier. A right hook crashes into the side of her ribs, stealing the air from her lungs and forcing a choked gasp. Denise, reeling from the blow, digs her heels in, determined not to back down. She throws a quick left jab to the head, a desperate attempt to keep Dina at bay. But another powerful left cross snags her on the mouth, sending her head snapping back in shock. The crowd roars, a mix of excitement and horrified fascination. Denise staggers, stars dancing in her vision, but she refuses to fall. Gritting her teeth against the pain, she throws a wild right hook at the oncoming Meyer, a last act of defiance more than a calculated punch. Miraculously, it connects – not with Dina's face, but glancing off her shoulder, throwing her off balance. The blow isn't enough to deter Dina's attack, but it does give Denise a precious second to catch her breath and regain some composure. When the bell finally rings, it’s Denise’s turn to stumble back to her corner, cradling her body, not used to getting punched in the breadbasket. Her team swarms around her, their voices a worried blur. Across the ring, Dina stands tall, chest heaving but a triumphant smirk playing on her lips. Her team offers muted praise. She knows she landed powerful blows, but something is missing. The knockout punch remains frustratingly elusive. Casper, of course, is already sauntering into the center of the ring. “...And the winner of round two, a stunning comeback… Dizzy Flores!” The roar of the crowd washes over Denise, intensifying the throbbing pain in her ribs. She throws a shaky glance towards Dina, unable to conceal the fear in her eyes. The sweet girl-next-door persona is crumbling. Dizzy is a real threat, and she's only getting started. Casper then strolls towards Dina's corner with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Knock her down, Dizzy!" Casper bellows, extending his arms towards her in a grand gesture. Before Dina can fully process the unexpected gesture, Casper leans down and plants a quick kiss on her cheek. Her eyes widen, a mixture of amusement and surprise flaring beneath the harsh ring lights. He winks and steps back, leaving a faint smudge of lipstick on her cheekbone. Across the ring, Denise watches the scene unfold. A flicker of jealousy sparks in her eyes, a sharp contrast to the lingering fear.

ROUND 3:
Sense of urgency here, as the playful charade fades fast, replaced by the stark realization that this is no longer just a promotional gimmick. It's a fight, and it's getting real. Denise emerges from her corner with a determined fire in her eyes. The pain still radiates through her body, a constant reminder of Dina's power. But Dina meets her in the center of the ring, and both women launch into a flurry of punches, any semblance of controlled technique abandoned in favor of raw, desperate blows. Denise unleashes a barrage of quick jabs aimed at breaking through her defense, and Dina, no longer waiting for the perfect opening, attacks with her own heavy hooks that crash into her arms instead, the force of the impact vibrating up her body. It’s an unspoken agreement – this is an all-out battle now, and only one of them can be the winner. Suddenly, Denise throws caution to the wind. She dives inside Dina's defenses, risking a powerful counter for the chance to land a series of punches to the body. A left hook catches her flush on the side of her face, followed by a wild right swing that catches her on her ribs. Dina grunts and stumbles back, caught off guard by the sudden aggression. But Dina, though stunned, swings back on instinct, shoving a straight punch into the mouth before a brutal right hook smacks off Richards’ unprotected abdomen. Denise grunts in pain, her body doubling over instinctively. And sensing her vulnerability, Dina pounces! She unleashes more combos, each fueled by frustration and a burning desire to prove herself the superior fighter. Denise manages to deflect some of the blows, but she’s clearly getting pushed back! Her ribs continue to throb, agony vibrating through her body. As Dina lands another one-two thump thump to her sides, she cries out, the pain piercing through the protective adrenaline coursing through her veins. Thankfully, the bell rings soon after, and Casper gets in between the two brawling ladies. The crowd may be erupting in a frenzied mix of excitement and horror, but it’s clear this isn't just a promotional bout any longer; it's turning into a brutal slugfest.

ROUND 4:
Denise moves with a newfound caution. The pain in her ribs burns with every step, but beneath the pain, a defiant spirit flickers, fueled by the cheers of her fans and a primal desire to survive. Her movements are sharp, economical, designed to conserve her dwindling energy. She feints, jabs, circles, searching for an opening, a chance to shift the momentum back in her favor. Meanwhile, Dina stalks Denise with a ruthless determination to finish this fight, to claim victory by any means necessary. She launches a series of power punches, each aimed to overwhelm her opponent’s dwindling defenses. A right hook crashes into Denise's raised guard, the force of the impact rattling her arms and jarring her jaw. A left cross follows, a glancing blow that catches Richards flush on her cheekbone. Stunned, Denise stumbles back, her footwork faltering from the force of the blows. She shakes her head, trying to clear the cobwebs from her vision, but the world seems to tilt and sway, refusing to come back into focus. Immediately, Dina moves in for the kill, unleashing a relentless volley of punches: a left hook slams into the exposed left ribcage, a sickening "THUD" echoing through the makeshift arena, forcing Denise to gasp out loud, a wave of nausea washing over her as pain radiates from the point of impact. Her body doubles over, a desperate attempt to shield her vital organs from another crippling blow. But a split second later, a brutal right cross smashes into her jaw. Her vision EXPLODES with stars, her knees buckle, and she CRASHES to the canvas with a sickening thud!! It’s a shocking KNOCKDOWN for Dina Meyer!!

And the crowd erupts in a frenzy! Denise lies crumpled on the floor, her eyes dazed and unfocused, her breaths shallow and desperate. Casper immediately dives in, herding Dina back, waving his arms.

"ONE...TWO…" his voice booms over the chaotic din. Struggling against the overwhelming urge to surrender, Denise fights to push herself up. Through the haze of pain, she hears Casper's voice, a distant echo urging her on. A surge of adrenaline, fueled by sheer defiance, courses through her veins. With a shaking hand, she pushes herself to her knees, her vision slowly returning.

"THREE...FOUR…" The crowd chants the count in unison, as Denise digs her fingers into the canvas, searching for the strength to rise. A single thought pounds in her mind: she can't lose.

At the count of EIGHT, Denise surges to her feet, swaying precariously but unyielding. Casper crouches beside her, his face etched with concern. "Carmen," he says, his voice a low rumble, "Can you hear me? You gotta show me some fight here. Look at the crowd, they're behind you. You can do this." The tired actress meets his gaze, her eyes blazing with a newfound determination. She nods, and with a final, desperate effort, she raises her gloves to continue.

ROUND 5:
The knockdown has changed everything. Denise, fueled by a resurgence of adrenaline, moves out of her corner with a newfound confidence. This is her fight to lose now, and she refuses to be a victim. With a sudden flurry of punches, Denise presses her advantage. She lands a sharp jab to Dina’s cheek, followed by a quick right cross that connects squarely on her jaw. Dina grunts, surprised by the renewed vigor of her opponent. Another perfectly-timed left hook smashes into the side of her head before she can recover, the powerful blow sending a shockwave through her body. Instantly, Dina stumbles back, her legs wobbly, her vision momentarily blurred! She didn’t even get a chance to land a shot in the first minute! The crowd roars, intoxicated by the sudden shift in momentum. AND HERE DENISE COMES, throwing more jabs and hooks into her frame, till a devastating uppercut catches Dina squarely on her chin, forcing her head to snap upwards, and a pained grunt echoed from her lips! The blow paralyzes her defenses, and she blinks rapidly, trying to steady herself. But Denise steps in and throws another brutal left hook that crashes into her raised forearms - another hook – this one catching her on the side of her face - BOOM! That’s it!! Her world spins, and her knees GIVE OUT beneath her! With a sickening thud, she CRASHES down to the canvas, her arms sprawling wide, her face a mask of pain and surprise! It’s a return KNOCKDOWN for Richards!

And the crowd is deafening, with Casper abandoning any pretense of neutrality, his voice booming through the arena. "That's how you do it, troopers!" he shouts, before heading over to Dina and starting the count.

"One…two…" Dina struggles to rise. She shakes her head, trying to regain her senses, but the world still swims dangerously out of focus. Her body screams in protest, but buried beneath the layers of pain, a flicker of her fiery spirit ignites.

"Three…four…five…" She forces herself up on trembling legs, her vision slowly returning. Casper looms over her, a stern guardian poised to end her fight. A single thought pulsates through her battered body: she refuses to lose.

"Six…seven…" She meets his gaze, a defiant spark burning in her eyes. She raises her trembling gloves, her battered arms aching in protest. The crowd, sensing her spirit, roars louder.

"Eight…" With the tenacity of a true warrior, Dina stands, unyielding! A hush falls over the crowd Casper turns his attention back to Denise. She stands poised, her breath ragged, her eyes fixed on her determined opponent. This fight is NOT over despite both ladies out to murder each other!

ROUND 6:
The early rounds of playful jabs and theatrical bravado seem like a distant memory. This is a raw, brutal battle for survival, as Denise moves in wearily. Her movements are slower, her punches less powerful, but her determination is stronger than ever. Both fighters exchange tentative jabs, testing reactions, searching for a weakness. A tired left hook from Denise glances off Dina's shoulder, and Dina quickly retaliates with a right cross that she narrowly ducks under, her reflexes a mere shadow of their former speed. They circle, circling, a tense dance where the slightest misstep could spell disaster. Suddenly, Denise sees an opening. Dina's guard, raised in unwavering defense, slips for a fraction of a second, revealing a sliver of vulnerability. With a desperate surge of energy, Denise lunges forward, unleashing a powerful right hook, which CONNECTS with a sickening thud, landing squarely on Dina's exposed jaw! The impact reverberates through her frame, as her head snaps back violently, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and pain. For a heart-stopping moment, she seems to freeze, her body swaying as if the weight of the fight has finally caught up to her! The crowd gasps as well, a collective intake of breath mirroring the agonizing split second before Dina's body FALLS to the canvas with another heavy thud! Casper immediately rushes forward to start what may be the final count! And this time, Dina ain’t moving! Her arms, like lead weights, are sprawled to either side of her head. Her legs and lower body quiver, twitching on the canvas! Fearing for her safety, Casper declares it OVER!!

Official Result: Denise Richards defeats Dina Meyer via KO6!

AFTER:
“And the winner by knockout in the sixth round… Carmen Ibanez!"

Denise raises her trembling fists in victory, exhaustion rolling down her cheeks. The pain, the agony, are all eclipsed by a surge of relief and an overwhelming sense of pride. She has fought back from the brink of defeat, defying the odds, defying expectations. She has proven herself not just a wholesome girl-next-door, but a true warrior!

Casper, the consummate showman, abandons any pretense of neutrality and rushes towards Denise. Sweeping her up into his arms with a dramatic flourish, he spins her around, planting a celebratory kiss squarely on her lips.

Despite the exhaustion coursing through her veins, she laughs, a genuine, surprised giggle escaping her lips. As Casper sets her down, she wipes a stray tear from her eye, a mix of pain, disbelief, and pure elation washing over her. Her team swarms around her, a chorus of excited congratulations and backslaps nearly drowning out Casper's booming declaration, "Told you, Denise! That's how you show 'em what the Federation's made of!"

Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the ring, a different scene unfolds. Medics huddle over Dina, their movements calm and efficient. She remains on the canvas, her once-proud posture slumped in defeat. Her face, twisted in a grimace of pain moments ago, is now an emotionless mask. Her team hovers close, their eyes filled with concern, but her gaze is fixed on the ceiling, her eyes glassy and distant. The fire of Dizzy Flores has been extinguished, leaving behind a desolate shell of exhaustion and disappointment.

Immediately, however, Denise comes over and that facade of off-screen Hollywood concern returns, asking the medical team to be careful with her. The two women, bound together by their shared experience, will take diverging paths from here on out, and the movie Starship Troopers would go on to become a mass cult hit with the masses.

Meanwhile, on the main floor, cosplay fans dressed as Mobile Infantry troopers chant Denise and Dina's names in a rhythmic fervor. Sci-fi aficionados, who perhaps arrived simply curious about the spectacle, are now swept up in the primal aftermath of the fight. Even hardened boxing enthusiasts, initially skeptical of the "celebrity bout," are on their feet, jaws slack with a grudging respect for the sheer will these women have displayed.

Cut to a shot from overhead, the camera zooming out to reveal the arena floor teeming with an ecstatic crowd. Over the chaos, a voiceover booms, perhaps Rico's, referencing the events of the upcoming movie: "Remember, troopers. FOR LIBERTY. FOR DEMOCRACY. That’s one more victory for the right side of history!" On the giant LCD screen overhead, the camera cuts to a close-up of Denise and Dina, their gazes locked just moments ago, bodies left bruised and breathing ragged in the aftermath of their battle – a final image flashes across the screen: the iconic logo, overlaid with a title card: "STARSHIP TROOPERS – COMING SOON".