Posted by Simguy on 6/21/2003, 9:45 am.

Before: make or break fight for Shakira—tempestuous blonde has struggled of late and nobody’s enjoyed it more than Penelope Cruz. “I have waited a long time to avenge myself on this peeg,” snarls Cruz in prefight. “It weel be a pleasure to punch her into retirement.”  “Shakira should beat Penelope,” says one Latina beat scribe, “she’s done it before, she knows WHAT to do, but Shak’s had problems executing this year. That could kill her against Cruz who can box—if Shake can’t find a way to get to that delicate chin, she’ll get carved up trying.” Cruz in fuschia string bikini, Shak in pale blue bandeau top, white bottoms, pretty high ponytail w/blue ribbon.

During R1: Energetic Shak early on, hauling overhand rights against Penelope’s jab, getting to Cruz’ high cheekbones and rocking her to the ropes. Penelope won’t be tied down early, flurrying and spinning off the strands—she’s fighting well in retreat in the face of two fisted Colombian pressure. Shak takes over the seesaw round late, hammering right hands to the ribcage to put Cruz ropeside, then muscling in underneath to prop the Spaniard up, Gorgeous digging rips-Shak just pushing up and slugging lefts and rights to the slender waist of her foe—she’s got Penelope groaning at the bell.

R2: Shak charging the mound—overhand rights leading the way, discouraging Penelope’s jab as brunette gets shocked upstairs, Cruz against the ropes once again and looking desperate: on her heels, pushing back leather, eyes wild—Shak just barreling in, swinging away wide to the jaw or ribs without rhyme or reason. Midway through, Cruz trying to slug her way off the strands—she gets shook up a clanging right on the chin that has her limp and a following up left draws a shout fro ringsiders as Cruz’ head torques violently on long neck. Cruz out on her feet, slumping forward—Shak bundles the girl into the ropes and HAMMERSA AWAY! Cruz out, helpless—Shakira mauling the helpless brunette with non-stop punching. Practically holding the girl up with pure fury until the ref steps in. KO2 Shakira.

After: Sigh of relief from Shakira’s camp—exuberant punching performance carries Shak past the skillful, but chin-chinned Spaniard in a return to form for the blonde. Shak enjoying the moment, seizing the wrecked brunette off her stool and muscling her around the ring for a joyous walk of shame—Cruz’ head lolling badly—you have to wonder if these crushing losses to Shakira haven’t put Penelope on the road to retirement herself.

Reposted by Archer 12/4/09.