Charlize Theron vs. Terry Farrell 9-20-00

Pundits wondering what Farrell's going to do to be competitive tonight - Theron has most of the brunette's repertoire but brings halting power as well - but Terry upbeat in camp, confident in pre-fight. TE braintrust knows how to fight Charlize - but still comes down to execution. Some speculation that Charlize might not have her eye on the ball, taking Terry only as a stop-gap for Bell, Theron insisting otherwise. Charlize in white bikini, Farrell in aqua high neck sports bra, swim trunk bottoms.

Round 1: Tentative, anxious start for Farrell - she covers up wide eyed behind her gloves, peering out at Charlize and rarely punching as the blonde whups it up. Theron unopposed, gets off with gorgeous one-twos up the middle, bending over to one side to reef smacking double hooks up into the brunette's body, then stepping a quarter turn to the left to reset the angle. Midway through, body shots drop Terry's guard a notch - Charlize slinging in the perfect right cross puts a dip in Farrell's legs, sending her stumbling backwards with a glazed expression. All shove and slug at the ropes through the final minute, Charlize reaching down her opponent's sides to hammer flank, shouldering Terry back in the chest for curling one twos to the torso. Shutout Charlize Theron.

Round 2: Farrell's tasted the power, taken her medicine - gets over the butterflies this round. Establishing the long jab, Terry starts to exert control, touching Charlize and stepping left, forcing the blonde to reach with her punches. Theron loading up, bounces hard single shots off the brunette's ribcage and jaw, but she's following the brunette and getting nibbled. Terry takes the round from outside, boxing on her toes, making Charlize chase.

Round 3: Theron continues to stalk; TERRY PUMPS JABS TO BLONDE BREASTS and moves rather than give Charlize a target. Theron not cutting off the ring, can't get into position to land that howitzer right; she's lunging to land it at all. Round to Terry.

Round 4: Farrell posting her best round, bangs out the shutout with the jab on Theron's pretty face. Charlize unhurt, but clearly frustrated as she walks after Terry but can't line her up. Farrell opening up a bulge on the scorecards, not to mention one under Theron's left eye with slick stick and move through 4.

Round 5: Charlize clearly aggravated, often stops her pursuit to stick out her chin, slapping it with her own fist in a clear invitation. Terry's not biting - still poking that jab out whether it connects or not, turning the blonde mid-ring and keeping her legs in constant motion. Charlize could be doing a better job of ring management, but disdain for her opponent's power causing her to be impatient.

Round 6: Finally Charlize steps over, squaring up on Terry and making the brunette trade. Blonde a better puncher in combinations and the brisk banging to the ribcage suits Charlize as she backs Terry to the ropes. Final minute a good one for Charlize as she slugs left and right straight arm to the flanks, then bodies up to put Farrell's butt on the ropes. Round to Charlize.

Round 7: Farrell shows a slugging look, then takes a half step back as Charlize wades in - Terry neatly picking the blonde up with a perfect short right cross and THERON IS HURT! Charlize NAILED sweet to the chin, legs stiff but she struggles forward intent on payback. Masterful retreat from Terry as she steps back to slip Charlize' right and repeatedly pounds chin with hard, flush right hands - Theron eventually collapsing past the brunette to the ropes with a hurting expression. Terry squaring up in front, rocks onto her back foot to pull a THUDDING LEFT HOOK TO CHARLIZE' CHEST, then rocks onto her front foot to drive that short right hand onto Theron's mouth. In and out - Theron pushing punches weekly as she swoons - Terry taking her apart with vicious, but precise power punches. FARRELL POUNDS STOMACH, BREASTS AND FACE with cracking blows as Charlize breaks down - a final right hand on the chin has Theron's head lolling badly as she sags back into the ropes and THE REF JUMPS IN! IT'S OVER! TKO7 TERI FARRELL!

Stunning upset by Farrell, built on the jab and Charlize' complacency leaves the blonde out on her feet. Terry beside herself with joy - loses her head and proceeds to give Theron a walk of shame! Groggy Charlize, head still buzzing wears this loopy, "You can't do this to me" expression as she stumbles around with Terry's arm about her waist. Farrell completely oblivious to Charlize' humiliation, makes a turn at the corner, going behind Theron, puts her hands on Charlize' hips and jumps up and down like an excited school girl - Theron closing her eyes in total denial. In days to follow, Terry issues apology, citing heat of the moment - but Charlize won't be appeased. "I'm never losing to another TE fighter again," says the bitter blonde, "They're going to pay. Nobody walks me and gets away with it!" Theron with only herself to blame, she let Teri box her then got careless, only to seriously underestimate the big brunette's sock.