Posted by simguy on 4/23/2004

Before: Neve back from a long layoff, but looking fit, rested on the scales. Jolie the slashing southpaw, looks to be the favourite, but it's a good contrast in styles. "I'll get to her with pressure," affirms a confident Campbell. "Jolie wants to box - if I let her, I deserve to lose." Angelina fielding embarrassing questions about Connelly aftermath - pundits wondering if she's over physically and emotionally traumatic loss to Jen - Jolie refusing to acknowledge any lingering effects of the beating. AJ in black Tomb Raider bikini, Neve in cerulean blue.

During R1: Jolie razor-blade sharp early. Scuffing, chipping right jabs as she steps counterclockwise or occasionally changes direction. Jolie rotating, then suddenly coming in with shock lead left hands - stamping 'em flat against the body or mouth of her opponent - then darting out to the side. Nimble peek-a-boo has Campbell flustered, but Neve taking a good shot, coming forward - just getting acclimated to Jolie's unorthodox looks and slicing quicks.

R2: Neve doing a much better job cutting off the ring, jabbing and stepping over to engage Jolie. Campbell thrusting a straight right up the middle against Jolie's upperchest - punch locating Jolie, fixing her position - Neve able to turn over hooks body and head as a compliment. AJ driven ropeside at several points - Neve chin tucked, crouching forward, opens up in spots to bat hooks to rib cage, threading thick right hands straight into the torso or 'round that left elbow. Good bell to bell hound-and-pound from Campbell - Jolie frankly shocked to have been corralled and worked over that round.

R3: Jolie trying to re-assert herself, but Neve's taking the options off the table. Campbell cutting off the ring, negotiating Jolie to the corners, tossing a steady lead right up the middle against the southpaw, then hooking her way in close - Neve able to fight off Angelina's chest much of the round. Jolie trying to shrug little uppercuts on the inside - but Neve doing all the heavy lifting. Strapping beat down applied to flanks and tummy - Campbell brawny with her left shoulder, easing Jolie back to reset her for more work. Round ends to the sight of Jolie virtually helpless against the ropes, being shoved and jostled, then ripped to the body as Campbell gets her hips into it.

R4: Jolie stiff legged off her stool - grimacing - Campbell's really getting to her. Neve spitting jabs, getting into position, then getting off - no nonsense stuff from Campbell starting to break down Jolie's ornate style. Angelina bullied to the ropes again - eyes forlorn - her ribs tender and pink from muscular abuse being meted out - Campbell's starting to ramp the punishment. Neve setting her feet wide and strong, belting the waistline and ribs - Jolie gasping, extending her hands to push rather than punch - this thing's turning into a rout! Angelina paralyzed, can't get off the ropes - Neve staying on her, not smothering herself, just enough distance to get off with slobberknocking leverage, especially to the body. Jolie visibly weakening, wilting - tilting forward, cringing as Campbell's fists bounce off tender ribs and taut belly with thumping impunity - Neve just won't be denied. Final minute - Jolie in ruins, shaking as Neve heaves her hardest rights and lefts against the sides, under the jugline to bash those ribs and JOLIE GOES DOWN! Face tight with pain, Angelina takes what looks like a veteran knee to relieve pressure but SHE'S NOT GETTING UP! AJ on bended knee, head down as tears squeeze out - Thumping KO4 Neve Campbell!

After: Campbell's best showing in some time - handing a rude beat down to one of the division's sneakiest, sharpest boxers. Jolie never establishing her class - Campbell decisively into position and forcing the fight every minute from the second round on - it's a brilliant reduction of a fit and toned body to aching rubble in under 5 heats. Jolie gingerly back to her stool on rickety legs, hugging at torn up torso - Campbell makes an impression tonight on the ruined chassis of her opponent.