Posted by Bonzo on 3/2/2011, 10:31 am

BOXING AFTER DARK

BEFORE: Brit welter Michelle Ryan usually fighting on British shores, against UK competition, made her official debut late in 2010 against Katrina Law – impressively knocking the brunette out after a close fight. Next chance to gain notoriety and get FCBA attention with another fighter out of the Bonzo welter pool – darkhorse Milena Govich. Govich went low-profile after her attempts to beat stablemates Nadia Bjorlin and Amanda Righetti failed – had to settle with a backseat, seemed destined to be a strong journeywoman for better fighters. But Govich beat Law and Order friend Alana de la Garza next – and then somewhat surprisingly handled newcomer Katrina Law who was supposed to be the new it girl at Bonzo’s welters with brutal efficiency and a systematic beatdown – Milena looking for actual momentum here, gain profile, reach the rankings.

‘Are actually using a win over Katrina Law as proof that Milena’s a good fighter?’ Michelle wants to know. ‘Law is fun, and fun to knock out, but she’s SO stupid. I think she’s the dumbest fighter I’ve ever met – anybody with some clue about what to do in a boxing ring and good punch can knock her out. To me, this is a good opportunity to get FCBA action on US soil. HUGE chance – and everybody’s right when they talk about Milena’s sparring-partner mentality. Strong body – weak mind. Me, I’m looking to enter the welter elite – Govich’s just a stepping-stone.’

R1: Ryan aggressive, mobile, effective and busy for a welter – employs a hit-and-move strategy to get at Govich this round. Ryan agile on her feet, shooting jabs at Milena’s strong body, trying to get a right hand in if the opportunity is there, then quickly moves off. Govich slower, looking a little sluggish at all the agility Michelle has. Govich basic in her approach, strongly standing on her feet, firmly holding her ground while Ryan’s more active, taking the points. Govich covers up, not willing to take Michelle’s pace. Ryan targeting Govich body with wide spearing rights before getting away out of respect for what power Govich might have in her counters. Michelle upbeat by the bell – agile approach seems a good recipe to impress judges and avoid Govich-power body-to-body.

R2: Govich needs to adjust, disrupts Ryan’s on-march with a heavy single jab to the eyes that has Ryan on stuttering legs for a second. Milena follows up to the body, walks into Michelle with ramming lefts as they step into each other’s way. Milena lands hard punches to the mid-section on close quarters, hurting Michelle. Milena firing pretty rapid punches now, sensing weakness – brunette leaning into hard-hitting stuff, whacking at Michelle before walking the Brit down. Ryan back-pedalling, eyes wide, getting hurt by a series of shots that Govich throws while stalking Ryan towards the ropes. Quick fists for Milena here, don’t look like much, but it’s like getting bumped by a medicine ball when the two brunettes step into each other’s bodies. Lots of body contact – Ryan a little hurt at the bell.

R3: Ryan re-using her agility, trying to hit and then get out of firing range. Govich stalking Brit on strong feet, trying to step into her, dish out pain. Good round for Michelle – she generally avoids any big Milena punches, very flexible work from Michelle as she gets a few good shots at Milena. Even round: Ryan very effective, using strong but quick legs, while Milena makes points when they DO step together, squirms away close to the body.

R4: Govich able to take early charge, muscular punches straight and painful to the body hurting Michelle so her hit-and-run isn’t working. Milena bodies up, making Michelle take weight, pressing her to the ropes. Ryan strong in counters, aggressive jabs prevent a full Govich siege. Counter off the ropes gets at Govich, but brunette won’t budge. Lots of inside punches have both girls taking body-punches. Ryan targets Milena’s softer paunch while Milena whacks at Michelle’s chest. Effective defense from Brit – but it’s Govich getting the better punches in, looking fresher at the bell.

R5: Ryan frustrated, wants to use her legs to avoid inside punches but a patient, effective Milena takes charge AGAIN. It’s Govich’s tempo – muscles Ryan to ropes as the Brit slows down, has to focus on defending herself properly. Icy approach Govich: she’s very patient, very controlled, getting a good consistency of jabs and right hands to CONTROL Michelle. Brit strong, tough, not shying away from all-out slugging when necessary, but she’d prefer a little more wiggle-room. Govich looking stronger during the last minute, body-punches slowing Michelle’s output. Slightly puffy look on Michelle’s face, swolling while Govich’s fists do a little rampage just before the bell, rifling a one-two combination that leaves Michelle staggering to her corner.

R6: Ryan unable to execute her plan/her style - Milena's third straight round looking pretty dominant here. Muscular jabs are enough to bring Ryan onto Milena’s terms – Brit frustrated, taking a lot of damage to her face and body. Govich obviously fighting the Lilly/Righetti way – choking off Ryan’s options. Output from Michelle slowing down, she’s in earmuff at the ropes while Govich punches for control, but never losing patience or restraint. Pretty impressive for Govich – she’s actually able to get systematic on Brit. Pressure increases – shabby look for Ryan.

R7: Poor Michelle Ryan walked to ropes immediately, hardly trying to stop Govich who hammers out her authority with a few early jabs. Ryan looks tired, beaten up at the ropes by Govich. Milena with strong rights and left hooks now focusing on Michelle’s chin! Sluggish responses from Michelle – her guard’s getting punched out of the way, fists battered to the side, leaving her face vulnerable. Ref doesn’t like Ryan’s look here – Brit all ram-shackle, blinking, leaning back into the ropes exhausted. Nothing back from Michelle – brunette swooning in weakness, eyes pleading, unresponsive, helpless – merely proud mind and strong legs have the big Brit standing upright but Govich’s battering her. Ryan takes a crushing right to the jaw – winces in pain – doubles over. Govich rams her right into hovering Michelle’s belly – has her cramping up. Shout of pain Michelle, hugging her stomach AND THE REF’S HAD ENOUGH! Before Govich can whack away at the humbled Brit’s face, he jumps in, pushes Milena away and the Brit sags into his arms/the ropes – that’s a TKO7 Milena Govich!

AFTER: Ryan groggy in the ref’s arms, poor Brit pounded out in brutal fashion. Govich praised for her systematic performance – cool, efficient and patient approach took the fight away from Michelle, Brit’s good skills/technical ability rendered useless at the steady succession of strong punches. Govich still a little icy, but upbeat at the win – second row fighter getting a little spotlight, beats Katrina Law and Law-busting Michelle Ryan back-to-back. ‘Can you believe I didn’t get ranked in the latest welterweight list?’ Govich says. ‘It’s frustrating, but I really want to prove I’m not just some journeywoman. I’ve got TOP 10 potential!’