Heartbeat

Heartbeat

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

London Olympics Female Boxing Finals (2012)

Here we are live at the venue for the Female Lightweight Boxing finale. Claressa Shields vs Nadedza Torlopova. The competitors make their entrance to Jesse J's Do It Like A Dude. The atmosphere at the arena is nothing short of electric. There is history to be made tonight and the stage is set.

Claressa Shields, 17 years old, will be facing  Nadedza Torlopova, 33 years old. You would think the age difference would be a factor for either competitors but no, they are consummate professionals. They know what is on the line and they are ready to beat anyone in their way to get it.

it is worth noting that Shields is the last American in this usually American-dominated event. This the U.S's final chance at coming away with a medal in this flyweight event.

It is also worth noting that Torlopova is the two time European Champion so this is no ordinary match up.
Shields in red, Torlopova in blue. It's about to go down.

The competitors make their way into the ring. They bump fists and get ready for the referees signal.


Shields looks unflustered by her more experienced opponent

The bell rings. Round One.
Torlopova throws the first punch, drawing first blood.
Shields holds her own.
Shield throws a swift jab but misses.
Shields is using her speed to her advantage
blue throws heavy shots. slow but heavy.
oh! Shields is knocked off balances but she stays on her feet.
They retreat feeling each other out. Not a lot of punches thrown in this round.
Both competitors are yet tho stamp their authority in this bout.
end of round one.
Scores even.


Bell rings. Round Two
Torlopova gets the first hit of the round again but Shields makes sure to return.
Shields is so fast and explosive; she wants this very badly.
Shields is advancing aggressively and consistently, landing most of her punches.
Torlopova  is getting overwhelmed.
Shields gets caught.
Time out: Shields needs to tie her shoe. They retreat to their corners briefly.
Torlopova gets some information from her trainer which is illegal at this point in the match. The referee is blindsided so no penalty is given.
The round continues.
Shields is more focused than before. She lands an uppercut to the abdomen knocking back Torlopova.
and they return, blue hits first again. but shields is not having that
Shields throws a a flurry of punches and hits
Torlopova is taking her time hitting slow heavy hitters.
Torlopova is hitting but not as much as she needs to win the round
Oh what a jab! Torpolova lands one on the right side of the head.
end of round two.
Shields leads 10-7.

If I'm hearing correctly, Shield's coach says to Shields in the corner, "You're getting hit too much. I dont want you getting hit so much." Let's see if Shields is as good at taking instructions as she is at giving punches.

Bell rings. Third round.
Torlopova begins the round by landing the first punch. She follows with a left hook but misses giving Shields the opportunity to counter. She responds  with a three hooks to the ribs.
Shields is ducking and striking. No wasted movements. She is doing exactly as she is told at the moment.
Torlopova hits hard. Very hard. They hold each other.
Shields is backed into the corner. great defensive posture from Shields.
She's fighting her way back.
The momentum slows down allowing both competitors to briefly catch their breaths.
Oh my.... Torlopova takes a marvelous shot in the face...and then the head.
Torlopova reads Shields' movements, countering beautifully.
These ladies can fight.
Nice combinations from Shields in the final seconds.
End of Round Three.
Shields leads at the end of round three 15 points to 10.

Obviously, Shield's trainer is impressed as she says, "Good job. You did what you needed to do. Now let's have some fun." Confidence is flowing nicely from the American corner.

Bell rings. Forth and final round.
Shields appears more relaxed now. And more cocky. Her footwork is great too.
Torlopova lands the first punch again!If points were awarded for first hits, Torlopova would have that covered.
Shields ducks and misses a couple of punches of her own but her speed is magnificent.
Torlopova is hitting and Shields is returning.
Shields stuck her tongue out at Torlopova resulting in a warning from the referee. Not the best example of sportswomanship but Shields is obviously having fun at this point.
Everything is on the line
the ref separates them
Shields takes a one to the face but she is unfazed.
she gathers herself and starts afresh.
the 17 year old is out performing the 33 year old hands down right now
her speed and strength is not failing her at the moment.
25 seconds to go and the crowd is chanting "USA! USA! USA!"
Shields finishes strong.
End of round four
Shields leads with 19-12.

Claressa Shields wins! She has punched her way to Olympic immortality. Shields pounds her chest as the announcer confirms her coronation as the second youngest Olympic champion in Olympic history. She gives her opponent a hug, a show of mutual respect. What an epic finale. The first female to win in the Flyweight Female Boxing Olympic Title.She has secured her place in history. Is she doesn't turn pro before Rio in 2016, she will be a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division.
she is absolutely phenomenal. She is totally owning the moment as she basks in the  glory.

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