Before: Classic B.A.D. match up at bantam - talented brunette ingenues fighting for badly needed recognition, winner can probably expect more HBO dates, loser likely held back just a little longer. Jordana more recognizable to North American audiences, long known as the movie version of Charisma Carpenter and possessing a tough background in daytime. Cruz a well regarded European out of Spain with extensive classical dance training - has some good wins over durable Brits but faces the usual hurdle of showing well in the States. Penelope in white bikini, white gloves, Jordana in red crochet bikini, red gloves.

During R1: Cruz showy, stylish in approach - lots of excessive movement, hands down, very expressive facial gestures - contrasts with Brewster's dukes up, stoic concentration, American pivoting, cutting down the ring with economical footwork. Penelope dictating through two-thirds of the round, jumping in with a right hand off her hip, then shimmying backwards with her hands down as Jordana comes up short. Nice batting one-twos to Brewster's sides, then the backward lean, retreat from Cruz - it's pretty stuff. Down the stretch, Brewster bends to block a body shot with her left elbow, then jerks back a short left hook and CRUZ IS HURT! Penelope staggering backwards with wide eyes as Brewster stalks her to the ropes. Good pounding work to the sides and hips from Jordana as she punishes the insolent Spaniard at the bell to steal the round.

R2: Penelope more serious, but still flashy - she'll circle, stamp a single hook onto Jordana's tight midsection, then pivot

away with her hands loose and low. Jumping in with hard lead right hands from the thigh - Cruz shouts out "HAH!" as she punches, then dips and slides away. Potshotting blows have Brewster contained behind her guard but not broken down until the final minute. Savage lefts and rights bat against Brewster's sides, shaking her up - Cruz working up the body to clang clean lefts and rights against the jawline to send Brewster staggering backwards to the ropes. Seconds left, Cruz steps in to bat the belly with both hands, steps out, then LAUNCHES back in with a surprise overhand right, catching Brewster peeking over her guard and dropping the brunette to her knees at the ropes. Cruz pushed back - bell sounds to save a wonky Jordana from further abuse.

R3: Brewster comes out on shot legs - Cruz shows an exquisite mean streak in breaking her girl down. Circling, hands low - Penelope will stamp a hook or right hand off the taut belly, jumping back out of range and continuing to glide around her foe - Brewster buckling, covering up - these shots are hurting her. Penelope smiling, kissing her glove after contact - she'll twitch the right to let Jordana know it's coming, then spank it hard against the body - Brewster cringing, starting to step funny midring. Surprisingly, Cruz backs off after the first minute, content to cripple her prey, but not stop her. Slapping combinations, leaping in and out forays from the Spaniard as she clearly carries the hurting American through the heat.

R4: Penelope Cruz does a complete 180 - having used her legs extensively in the previous rounds, she comes out squared up, hands high - patting her gloves off Jordana's in order to come in close and the girls fight guard on guard this round. Cruz still vicious to the body, dipping side to side to rip her punches in, or getting off with explosive combinations to the waist. Brewster won't cave - she's getting spanked, but she's alert, clouting jug with a short left hook and nipping chin with a tight right uppercut. Competitive Round to Cruz.

R5,6,7: A little of everything from Cruz. She's clearly best when dancing - Brewster's shaky legs can't cut off the ring and she's basically on the defensive when Penelope works side to side. The stamping, single shot body blows are devastating - Cruz kissing her glove after digging it into the brunette's steaming abs, smiling at Jordana's pained wince. Cruz throwing hard right hands while riding her left dangerously on her thigh - but Brewster can't get off in time, usually coming up short as Penelope dances out of range. The only good moments for Jordana come when Cruz squares up, leans in to trade Mickey Ward style - Brewster often giving as good as she gets in these moments. All three of these rounds go to Cruz - who basically ruins her own shutouts by standing toe to toe and giving Brewster some licks.

R8: Cruz' dark eyes flashing - luscious lips smiling - Brewster busted up some and slightly hobbled, but the American is determined to make the Spaniard fight. Jordana stomping forward, pounds rights and lefts to the hips - Cruz bounding backward, times a perfect counter left hook, clapping Jordana's face to the side - Brewster falling forward like she's been shot - Cruz stepping away with an arrogant Castillian sneer - KO8 Penelope Cruz in spectacular fashion.

After: Cruz breaks the European jinx in style, leaving a tough, fellow up and comer on her face after 8 punishing rounds of physical and mental abuse. Penelope with the mobility and pop to make some noise at Bantam - strong studio backing as execs are already talking about fighting Cruz in support of her movies coming up - future appears bright at the moment. Step back for Brewster - most of the fights she could have had near term will be snapped up by Penelope - zero sum business after all.