Posted by Simguy, Monday, 27-Dec-1999 20:35:04.

Before: Peeples resurfacing again after years of semi-retirement, unable to procure lucrative fights, was always a scrappy, athletic fighter in her prime. Nia still hoping to win titles under 120 pounds, look as tight and solid as ever, and goes nose to nose with Hayek during the staredown to show no fear.

Salma in black bandeau bikini, Peeples in red for Clairol 110 title.

During R1: Nia showing good respect for Salma, dazzles the champ with spring legs, quick fists with a series of darting hit and run attacks. Peeples’ favorite tactic: hopping in with a jolting short lead right, hopping back out with a stinging left hook on the chin to leave Salma swinging at air.

R2,3,4: Champ shows why as she cuts off the ring, rips one-twos to the dusky midriff of the challenger. Salma slowly wearing Nia down until the cute brunette stands flat footed, slugging toe to toe with Hayek, just the way the champ likes it. Salma working Duran-like, putting her head on Nia’s shoulder, ripping double and triple hooks up in behind the elbow, and not afraid to stray low to keep Nia hurting.

R5: Nia using good lateral movement this round, keeps Salma at arms length with a flashy, stinging jab, and a hard right cross midway through the round stops Salma in her tracks. Nia snaking her torso up and down, shows a Pernell Whitaker look as she stand right in front of Salma, makes her miss and counters with smacking blows up and down Hayek’s side to pitch the shutout.

R6: Salma bullying her way forward, scores some firm hooks to the ribs early, but Nia starting to move in and out again, potshotting and smacking back Salma’s head with leads rights, left hooks. Hayek hurt again at the end of the round as Nia stuns her with a one-two on the chin, then another as Hayek wobbles helplessly.

R7: Nia now taking the champ apart, holding the left hand low, slipping Hayek’s hooks and turning into vicious right hand counters off the face. Hayek’s mouthpiece banged right off her teeth twice in this round as she walks into Nia’s smashing fists, and Peeples shows Electra-type hand speed to pound out points.

R8: Every time Salma looks like she’s back in the fight,. Nia stuns her with a multi-punch explosion and reclaims the initiative. Hayek’s face shiny and sore looking as she repeatedly stumbles forward, only to be sliced up by slashing lefts and rights she can’t defend. Nia punching straight up the middle for the most part, moves her feet after lighting Salma up to avoid the receipt.

R9: Salma last ditch effort as she fights off Nia’s chest, Peeples showing dangerous pride as she accepts the inside challenge and girls go mouth on shoulder from bell to bell. Little, powerful bodies jerking short blows up into firm tummies - it’s Salma with the edge as she outworks Nia this round.

R10:  Nia smiling, waving Salma in, and the girls go shoulder to shoulder once again as Peeples wants to beat Hayek at her own game. Savage punching as both girls tear into one another with curling uppercuts to the stomach and ribs, and slowly, Nia gets the upperhand. By the final minute, Salma has gone wobbly butt, unable to take it any longer, and lays in grimly with Nia as Peeples pours it on. 30 seconds to go, and Salma’s mouthpiece dribbles out of her mouth as Nia’ ripping body shots anaesthetize the Mexican’s lower limbs. Finally, with Nia leaning in ear to ear, rolling her shoulders to swipe lefts and rights up into Salma’s gut. Hayek slips into unconsciousness, spilling down Nia’s body to puddle at center ring. Peeples smiling, pumping her fists, is ecstatis with the bruising stoppage of the former champ.

After: Crushing victory reminds everyone of just how dangerous Peeples is as she leave Salma drained and battered in a heap. Peeples could have boxed Hayek, but in the end, purposefully waded inside to break Salma’s will - a masterful, not to mention cruel exhibition of dominance.