Posted by simguy on 1/4/2003

Before: Casta riding high - often compared to Jeri Ryan stylistically, it's a terrific boxer/puncher match up on paper. Laetitia really broadening her tool box in her last few outings - she's shown body punching, stalking pressure, decent movement, good defence and crushing power. Ryan equally complete - some might have thought her the harder hitter, but that was before Casta's annihilation of once-sturdy Shannon Elizabeth. Mutual respect prevalent beforehand - no need to sell this fight on anything other than merit. Ryan in red bikini, Laetitia in bra and panties, black leather in the back, leopard print in front, hair in tight top ponytail.

During R1: Cautious first minute - girls stepping the jabs, feinting each other. Ryan getting the first good touches off firm double hooks against Casta's pale belly. Laetitia protecting high, accepting the body blows as she tries to work into range. Ryan moving off to the left after making deposits, using the jab as she turns - sound blonde technique. Midway through, Casta dipping her head side to side, weaves in for a right hand and GETS NAILED a right instead. Ryan just ducking into an exquisite short right on the button, following through low with her shoulder against Casta's body - Laetitia momentarily draped on Ryan's back then sloughing off to the canvas and it's OVER! Jeri standing up with smoking guns at waist level, flushed with triumph as she stares down at an abject, helpless ex-champ. KO1 for the winner and NEW lightweight champion - Jeri Ryan!

After: Casta out for many anxious moments - the ol' Ryan jinx, sinker of Charlize Theron in one, claimer of many others, brings the Casta express to a shattering halt. "We both had the same idea," beams Jeri in postfight, festooned with belts, "We knew we had to get the right hand in. I got a couple of good digs to her body and that set things up real nice. We know that Casta can really take a punch, but when I landed the right, I knew the fight was over. Nobody south of middleweight shakes off that shot!" Spectacular conclusion, but many questions unanswered - Can Ryan really believe in her supremacy given this result? Can Casta? Hopefully we'll hear it from them.