Event#13 WBO champ Spinks vs Foster....Bivens vs Hopkins.....SRL vs Antonio Tarver

[BoxBuzz]

Opening Bout
Ray Leonard vs Antonio Tarver

Fight info: L Street Arena, Sacramento, CA, United States, 2024-04-20, announcer is Howard Leigh, referee is Randy Neumann, the bout will be scored by three judges: Silvestre Abainza (Philippines), Alfred Buqwana (South Africa) and Tony Perez (Puerto Rico), ring card girl is Amy Longlegs, this is not a title bout, the bout is scheduled for 10 rounds, Unified-rules are in effect, three KD rule is not in effect, save by the bell is not in effect, only the referee can stop the fight, mandatory 8 count is not in effect, fight stopped due to an accidental head butt: Tech. Draw through 4/Scorecard after 4, game will check for injuries, game will adjust ratings for weight class, use judges bias is set to 'random', Scoring System is 10 Points
In the red corner: Ray Leonard - Record: 4-1-1 (1) - Career Stage: Prime - Conditioning: Top Condition - Trainer: Jack Loew - Cut Man: Lou Duva
In the blue corner: Antonio Tarver - Record: 4-3-0 (2) - Career Stage: Prime - Conditioning: Top Condition - Trainer: Robert Garcia - Cut Man: Whitey Bimstein

Round 1
Time Commentary Points
0:00 The bell signaling the start of the fight sounds here at this popular venue. 0:0
0:11 Tarver whiffs with the hook. 0:0
0:18 Tarver fires a light jab to the stomach 0:2
0:32 Leonard lands a hard cross! 5:2
0:32 Leonard just delivered some big time hurt with that punch! Even the fans at ringside felt it! 5:2
0:44 There's a lot of excitement surrounding this fight. The fans are really in to it. 5:2
0:51 Tarver slides along the far ropes. 5:2
01:01 Tarver just comes up short with the cross. 5:2
01:08 Tarver just absorbed a terrifying shot to the body. 10:2
01:08 Tarver is trying to regroup after those punches... 10:2
01:24 Tarver grabs and holds Leonard... 10:2
01:29 * Tarver is going to use every weapon at his disposal from the looks of things and now he's being cautioned by the referee about using his shoulders illegally. 10:2
01:51 Considering the clinch Tarver has on Leonard it looks like he wants to dance with him, not fight him. Ray Leonard pushes him away. 10:2
02:00 Referee Neumann has to separate the two... 10:2
02:09 Leonard's misses as Tarver backpedals away. 10:2
02:12 * That was a blatant low blow by Tarver and Neumann has stopped the action to scold him 10:5
02:36 Ray Leonard clamps Tarver's arms to his side and holds on until Neumann breaks the hold. 10:5
02:45 Neumann moves them apart. 10:5
02:57 Leonard is on his bicycle, moving from corner to corner forcing Tarver to chase him. 10:5
03:00 Tarver fires a shot, but it glances off Leonard's shoulder. 10:5
03:00 There's the bell. Round 1 comes to an end. 10:5

Round 2
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Leonard and Tarver square off as the bell sounds to start the action for Round 2. 0:0
0:06 Leonard's corner men did their job with quiet efficiency and confidence. 0:0
0:11 Leonard comes in low. Tarver puts a headlock on him. Neumann knocks Tarver's arm off Leonard's head. 0:0
0:20 Tarver shoves Leonard away. 0:0
0:29 Both fighters are circling, keeping their distance from each other. 0:0
0:37 Leonard fires a left hand that Tarver takes high on the shoulder. 0:0
0:48 Tarver lets his hands go but his punches land on the arms of Leonard. 0:0
01:00 Tarver shoots a vicious cross right down the pipe and catches Leonard flush! 0:4
01:00 Leonard is hurt and he had better reach deep if he's going to continue! 0:4
01:13 Leonard hooks off the jab and scores to the body or Tarver. 2:4
01:22 Tarver rips off two quick jabs and one finds the mark. 2:6
01:36 Tarver works his way in and leans on Leonard... 2:6
01:40 Tarver and Leonard each take a step back. 2:6
01:45 Both men look to measure one another. 2:6
01:52 Tarver wraps up Leonard. 2:6
02:01 Neumann separates the two... 2:6
02:10 That punch actually went behind Leonard's head as he moved inside of a looping shot from Tarver. 2:6
02:13 Leonard bangs the uppercut home. 4:6
02:13 Tarver comes out of his crouch and there is a clash of heads as Leonard leans in. That's how nasty cuts occur! 4:6
02:28 As high as Leonard is holding his gloves he is leaving his body wide open to a damaging body punch if Tarver takes advantage of it. 4:6
02:31 A solid right hand scores for Ray Leonard. 7:6
02:48 Tarver bangs away with both hands and a nice uppercut finds a home. 7:8
03:00 There's the bell. Leonard wings a parting shot that misses. That was close. Round 2 is history. 7:8

Round 3
Time Commentary Points
0:00 The bell starts the action as Ray Leonard and Tarver leave their corners. 0:0
0:12 Tarver connects with a double jab, followed by a left. 0:2
0:28 Leonard's corner is urging him on. They're really vocal tonight. 0:2
0:38 Tarver is flicking the jab, trying to keep Leonard at long range. 0:2
0:43 Ray Leonard hitches up his trunks. He'd better be careful. He may get nailed while his hands are down. 0:2
0:51 Leonard leaves the jab just short. 0:2
0:53 Tarver forces his way inside and he lands a nice uppercut to the chin of Leonard. 0:4
01:04 Leonard glances a hook off Tarver's side. 2:4
01:17 Tarver gets in a short cross to the body. 2:6
01:31 Leonard clinches... Tarver gets an arm free! He should be punching with it! 2:6
01:36 Now they break clean. 2:6
01:48 Tarver misses with the right and then fails to connect with the left as well. 2:6
01:50 Leonard scores with a nice right cross. 4:6
02:01 Leonard really drove that combination to the body home with authority, you could hear those shots land all through the arena. 7:6
02:19 Leonard is clinching. Early in a fight you have to wonder but late in a fight clinching can give a fighter a breather. 7:6
02:24 * Neumann has stopped the action. He is issuing a warning to Antonio Tarver for using the shoulder. 7:6
02:41 Leonard feints downstairs, then lands two quick blows to the head. 9:6
02:59 Leonard fails to connect with that punch. He pushed it out there instead of cutting loose with it. 9:6
03:00 The bell sounds - more boxing to come in a moment. 8:8

Round 4
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Amy 'The Smile' Longlegs exits the ring to wild cheering. We await the bell, signaling the start of Round 4. There it is! 0:0
0:06 Leonard got some great advice from Jack Loew between rounds, let's see if he puts it to use here in round 4. 0:0
0:08 Ray Leonard lands two quick, hard uppercuts forcing Tarver to take a half step backwards. 3:0
0:12 Both fighters are unmarked at this stage of the fight. 3:0
0:20 Leonard lands the jab but comes up short with a second one right behind it. 5:0
0:32 Leonard misses with the jab but scores with the follow up cross. 7:0
0:47 Leonard is moving like he is walking on air tonight. 7:0
0:57 Leonard misses badly. It looked like he changed his mind half way through the punch. 7:0
01:08 Tarver does a great job of moving as Ray Leonard tries to work inside. 7:0
01:15 Tarver drops his shoulder as if to throw a right, then quickly rips a quick left hook to the body. 7:4
01:15 Leonard is suddenly in trouble! 7:4
01:25 Tarver sneaks in a quick uppercut that lands cleanly. 7:6
01:34 Both fighters are being extremely cautious in this one. We hadn't expected such a tactical battle. 7:6
01:38 Leonard lands a quick jab. He'd like to keep Tarver on the end of that punch. 9:6
01:47 That was a reckless uppercut from Tarver but it still manages to score cleanly. 9:9
02:01 Leonard fires a wild overhand right and misses everything. 9:9
02:15 Leonard misses with the jab. He lets go with a left and that fails to find its mark, too. 9:9
02:25 Leonard bobs and weaves his way inside and lets his hands go, scoring with a hook. 11:9
02:39 Leonard lands a solid hook! 15:9
02:39 Tarver is favoring his ribs, he's hurt!! 15:9
02:52 Leonard misses with that punch. 15:9
03:00 Leonard misses with the left and then fails to connect with the right as well. 15:9
03:00 There's a nice round of applause from the crowd as the round comes to an end. 17:9

Round 5
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Tarver rushes out at the bell. Whatever his corner said to him seems to have him fired up. 0:0
0:11 Leonard is dancing and flicking harmless punches at Tarver. 0:0
0:11 Both fighters show virtually nothing in the way of damage. 0:0
0:25 Whatever Jack Loew said to him in the corner between rounds must have had some effect as Leonard has some spring in his step here in the 5th round. 0:0
0:26 A hard uppercut from Tarver lands flush. 0:3
0:40 Tarver just comes up short with the hook. 0:3
0:42 Leonard throws the cross and scores to the head of Tarver. 2:3
01:03 Tarver is clinching... Leonard is trying to free his gloves... They are under Tarver's arms... 2:3
01:15 Leonard works his way free! 2:3
01:20 Neither fighter is using their jab enough this round. 2:3
01:24 Leonard gets off a nice little three punch salvo. 4:3
01:33 Both fighters want to work inside for the moment, as Leonard blasts home a hook. 6:3
01:33 Tarver steps back and checks for blood after the fighters bump heads. 6:3
01:51 Leonard throws a flurry of punches but Tarver either blocks or slips them. 6:3
02:06 Tarver misses wildly with the Hook. 6:3
02:19 Leonard doesn't connect with the uppercut. 6:3
02:21 Tarver launches a strong uppercut that connects to Leonard's jaw. 6:6
02:45 Tarver picks off the jab thrown by Leonard. 6:6
02:57 Leonard misses. He had an opening and whiffed with the punch. 6:6
03:00 The bell sounds ending Round 5. 8:5

Round 6
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Both fighters look ready to go as Round 6 begins. 0:0
0:11 Tarver doubles up to the body, though Leonard seems unfazed. 0:2
0:15 Neither fighter has a mark on them at this point of the fight. 0:2
0:27 Leonard fires and misses. 0:2
0:38 Neumann tries to separate the boxers but Leonard has a vice-like grip on Tarver. 0:2
0:43 Tarver tries to get free... Here comes Neumann to break them up... 0:2
0:50 Both fighters take a half-step back. 0:2
0:58 Tarver works free! The fighters move to ring center. 0:2
01:10 That's a pretty long clinch! Do these guys want to hug or fight? 0:2
01:14 Antonio Tarver pushes Leonard away. 0:2
01:27 Tarver lands a wicked combination! 0:6
01:27 Leonard is suddenly in trouble after those punches! 0:6
01:44 Antonio Tarver connects with a violent uppercut! 0:11
01:44 Leonard was shaken by that blow! 0:11
01:58 Leonard ties up Tarver. Why would he want to clinch now? 0:11
02:02 Neumann is shouting at Leonard to break! 0:11
02:07 A straight cross from Leonard gets through Tarver's guard. 2:11
02:18 Leonard throws a nice, short uppercut that scores to Tarver's jaw. 4:11
02:32 Tarver bounces off the ropes, challenging Leonard to come get him. 4:11
02:42 Tarver is blocked in his own corner... 4:11
02:46 Leonard is still trying to find the range with his punches. He's just missing with some of his shots. 4:11
02:53 Tarver lands a vicious uppercut! 4:15
02:53 Leonard is staggered... 4:15
02:57 There seems to be a bit of puffiness under Leonard's right eye. 4:15
03:00 Tarver has freed himself from Leonard. They move quickly to ring center. 4:15
03:00 It looks like Leonard has a pretty solid lead at this stage of the fight. 4:15
03:00 There's the bell, finishing Round 6. 4:16

Round 7
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Leonard is off his stool and waiting for the bell to begin Round 7. 0:0
0:11 Tarver gets off a jab to the solar plexus 0:2
0:19 Jack Loew not only gave Leonard encouragement between rounds but also some solid advice on how to handle Tarver. Now it's up to Leonard to implement it. 0:2
0:26 Tarver is probing with his jab as he tries to find an opening in Leonard's defense. 0:2
0:33 Leonard is covering up to prevent body shots, but he's leaving his chin dangerously unprotected! 0:2
0:38 Leonard retreats into the far left corner. 0:2
0:38 Both fighters miss, now Tarver follows up with a solid hook to the body of Tarver! 0:5
0:50 Tarver looks to the midsection, then fires a combination to the head 0:7
0:55 Leonard is fading... 0:7
01:05 Both fighters are throwing but it looks like Leonard is scoring more than Tarver. 3:9
01:14 Tarver lands a jab to Ray Leonard's midsection 3:11
01:19 The swelling under Leonard's right eye is increasing. It's going to get tougher and tougher for to see punches coming. 3:11
01:31 Tarver retreats into a neutral corner. 3:11
01:31 Ray Leonard plants a cross on Tarver's rib cage. 5:11
01:42 Leonard snakes the jab through Tarver's gloves. He had some snap on that one. 7:11
01:51 Tarver continues to pop the jab 7:13
02:05 Tarver works himself free. Now the fighters move back to ring center. 7:13
02:15 Leonard picks off the cross by Tarver. 7:13
02:17 Leonard scores with a cross, though it did not land flush. 9:13
02:30 Leonard traps Tarver in the corner! 9:13
02:30 That was a blistering exchange of punches between Leonard and Tarver! 11:15
02:43 Antonio Tarver has Leonard cornered! 11:15
02:43 Tarver scores to both the head and body and then moves away. 11:17
02:47 Leonard looks to be out of gas at this point. 11:17
02:52 Antonio Tarver doesn't have to look for Leonard this round. He is right there in front of him. 11:17
03:00 Leonard is off target with that cross. 11:17
03:00 This fight is very close at this point. 11:17
03:00 Both fighters have their supporters and each man is receiving a well-deserved round of applause from a pumped up crowd! 11:19

Round 8
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Here come the fighters to ring center... 0:0
0:08 The swelling on the face of Leonard is almost as pronounced as it was before his corner worked on it, in spite of their efforts. 0:0
0:08 Both fighters are pawing with the jab, trying to find an opening. Tarver digs a quick hook into the exposed side of Ray Leonard. 0:2
0:17 Leonard is trying to avoid shots to the body. He'd better look out for shots to the head! 0:2
0:25 Leonard has Tarver pinned! 0:2
0:29 Leonard lets his hands go inside, but Tarver protects his body well. 0:2
0:32 Tarver scores from the outside with a nice cross to the body. 0:5
0:44 Neither fighter is straying far from the middle of the ring. 0:5
0:48 Tarver's constant movement can be frustrating to an opponent who's not capable of cutting off the ring on him. 0:5
0:53 Talk about loading up on your punches, that hook that Tarver just connected with had everything but the kitchen sink behind it! 0:8
0:58 Leonard's right eye is becoming more swollen. his corner is going to need to be control it or it will become a factor. 0:8
01:13 Leonard fires a lead right that Tarver manages to avoid. 0:8
01:20 Tarver lands a devastating cross! 0:13
01:20 Leonard is gasping for air!! 0:13
01:33 Tarver swings...and misses. 0:13
01:36 Leonard drills Tarver with a left and right and another left. 2:13
01:50 Leonard drives home a wicked hook to the midsection! 6:13
01:50 Tarver is hurt! 6:13
02:19 Tarver lands a crushing hook! 6:18
02:19 Leonard looks shaken! 6:18
02:23 Leonard has some apparent swelling under that left eye of his. 6:18
02:31 Ray Leonard slips inside and lands a hook. 8:18
02:40 Tarver lands a nice cross but Leonard turned with it, absorbing most of its power. 8:20
02:45 The swelling around Leonard's left eye is getting messy and his vision has to be obscured. 8:20
02:55 Tarver usues subtle movement and a tight guard protecting his body as Leonard tries vainly to score. 8:20
03:00 Leonard tries a straight right that's blocked by the gloves of Tarver. 8:20
03:00 Neumann motions the fighters to their corners as the bell sounds to end Round 8. 8:22

Round 9
Time Commentary Points
0:00 It's Round 9 of this scheduled 10 rounder. 0:0
0:05 Tarver received a pep talk from Robert Garcia before he left his corner; we'll see if it worked. 0:0
0:05 The swelling on the face of Leonard is noticeable, even at a distance. Although his corner men were applying cold compresses and trying to work the swelling away from his eyes, Leonard still has distension. 0:0
0:11 Leonard tries to drop the right hand over the top but Tarver ducks under it. 0:0
0:13 Leonard eats a jab from Tarver 0:2
0:27 Leonard landed a sharp combination that rocked Tarver back on his heels! 4:2
0:27 Tarver is going to need to regroup after that series of blows... 4:2
0:43 Tarver has Leonard trapped in the near neutral corner... 4:2
0:47 Tarver slips out of a corner, as Leonard attempts to trap him. 4:2
0:59 Tarver misses with an uppercut from way outside. That's a dangerous punch to throw. You leave yourself wide open for a counter. 4:2
01:14 Tarver will tie a guy up if he has to. 4:2
01:18 Tarver uses his shoulder to force Leonard out of the clinch. 4:2
01:30 Oh!!! Tarver unleashed a crippling right hand to the head! 4:7
01:30 Leonard looks like he was hurt by that punch! 4:7
01:34 Leonard's eyes are starting to worsen as the swelling increases. 4:7
01:47 Leonard looks to land a cross but misses the mark. 4:7
01:49 Tarver delivers a cross to the nose of Leonard. 4:10
01:53 The swelling under Leonard's right eye is growing to a point where the eye could end up shut if his corner can't reduce or at least control it. 4:10
01:59 Leonard retreats into his own corner... 4:10
02:03 Leonard usues his legs to avoid Tarver's punches. 4:10
02:06 A flurry of blows from Leonard lands to the body 6:10
02:18 Tarver lands two stinging combinations that stop Leonard in his tracks. 6:13
02:18 * Oh! That last shot has opened a cut on Leonard because there's blood flowing from somewhere. 6:14
02:18 The cut that has opened up is right in the middle of the right eyebrow from the looks of it and that is a nasty place for a cut. If it isn't closed, you can be sure that Leonard's vision is going to be obscured. 6:14
02:30 Leonard is keeping away from the ropes. 6:14
02:35 Leonard is moving around the ring nicely. 6:14
02:43 Tarver moves into a neutral corner. 6:14
02:47 Leonard pins Tarver's arms against his body stopping him from throwing any punches. 6:14
02:52 Referee Neumann separates the two... 6:14
02:57 Tarver and Leonard clinch, throwing feeble punches as they grab a quick breather. 6:14
03:00 Tarver is pinned in his own corner... 6:14
03:00 Leonard can't find the range as he tries to work the body. 6:14
03:00 Tarver appears to have this fight under control. 6:14
03:00 The fighters continue the action as the bell rings to finish Round 9, forcing Neumann to step in. 6:15

Round 10
Time Commentary Points
0:00 There are 03:00 more minutes of fighting to go in the 10th and final round. 0:0
0:07 Leonard is ready to go. The cut on the right eyebrow he suffered won't be a factor at the beginning of the round because his corner man has the bleeding stopped. 0:0
0:07 Leonard's corner didn't ignore the swelling he's suffered so far in this bout; however, even with the attention that they gave it, the puffiness doesn't look lessened much, if at all. 0:0
0:08 Tarver is going to come out on the short end of this exchange of punches. 3:2
0:13 It seems every shot Leonard takes on his right makes the swelling worse. 3:2
0:22 Leonard is trying to free his gloves from under Tarver's gloves. 3:2
0:27 Neumann has to break them apart. 3:2
0:32 Leonard is receiving a lot of encouragement from his corner. If this helps win fights, he has a real good shot tonight. 3:2
0:35 Tarver backs into the upper corner. 3:2
0:39 Leonard lands a strong cross! 7:2
0:39 Tarver is badly hurt! 7:2
0:54 Leonard is holding Tarver tighter than most men do their wives -- or girlfriends! 7:2
01:03 Neumann moves in to break the clinch. 7:2
01:19 Ray Leonard is just missing by a hair with his punches. 7:2
01:35 Leonard telegraphed that shot and Antonio Tarver ducks under it easily. 7:2
01:46 Tarver and Leonard lean on one another, neither willing to do any work for the moment. The referee pushes them apart and tells them to get on with the action. 7:2
01:48 They're coming back to the center of the ring now... 7:2
01:53 Antonio Tarver pins Leonard's arms. Now they move apart. 7:2
01:57 Neumann pries them apart. 7:2
02:19 Ray Leonard moves into the left corner. 7:2
02:19 Antonio Tarver throws the jab and it lands cleanly. 7:4
02:31 Leonard seems really focused on what he's doing this round. 7:4
02:35 Leonard pins Tarver in the corner! 7:4
02:39 Leonard looks for a breather; he grabs Tarver and holds on. Tarver pushes Ray Leonard off and looks for an opening. 7:4
02:44 Neumann separates the two fighters. 7:4
02:53 Leonard misses with the left and then fails to connect with the right as well. 7:4
03:00 Tarver seems to have done enough to win this fight. 7:4
03:00 The final seconds of Round 10 expire and this bout is going to go to the scorecards. 6:4

Fight Result

Howard Leigh has the call...

Ladies and Gentlemen, the judges have tallied their scorecards and here is your decision...

Silvestre Abainza, Philippines scores the bout 97 to 95

Alfred Buqwana, South Africa scores the bout 97 to 94

Tony Perez, Puerto Rico scores the bout 98 to 93

The winner by unanimous decision is Antonio Tarver!


Score Cards

Silvestre Abainza Round Total
Philippines 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ray Leonard 10 9 10 10 10 9 9 9 10 9 95
Antonio Tarver 10 10 10 9 9 10 10 10 9 10 97

Alfred Buqwana Round Total
South Africa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ray Leonard 10 9 10 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 94
Antonio Tarver 9 10 10 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 97

Tony Perez Round Total
Puerto Rico 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ray Leonard 9 9 10 9 10 9 9 9 9 10 93
Antonio Tarver 10 10 10 10 9 10 10 10 10 9 98

Round Totals Round Total
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ray Leonard 29 27 30 29 30 27 27 27 28 28 282
Antonio Tarver 29 30 30 28 27 30 30 30 29 29 292


Statistics
Categories Ray Leonard Antonio Tarver
Knockdowns scored 0 0

Jabs / Round 3.50 6.10
Hooks / Round 3.70 4.70
Crosses / Round 3.70 4.20
Combinations / Round 5.60 4.20
Uppercuts / Round 3.10 4.20

Punches Landed / Round 19.60 23.40
Punches Missed / Round 75.20 33.40

Punching Accuracy 20.7% 41.2%

Total Number of Fouls 0 3
Low Blow 1
Using Shoulder 2

Foul Penalties:
Official Warning 1
Caution 2

Suffered Accidental Head Butt 2
Bouts with eye swelling resulting from punches 2

Cuts totals (opened/reopened/worsened) 1 / 0 / 0 0 / 0 / 0
Cuts after head butts (opened/reopened/worsened) 0 / 0 / 0 0 / 0 / 0

Cut locations breakdown:
Cut on right eyebrow 1 / 0 / 0

Bouts halted to check cut(s) 0 0

Corner work on closing cuts (trials/success):
Trickle 0 / 0 0 / 0
Minor 0 / 0 0 / 0
Bleeding 0 / 0 0 / 0
Bad 1 / 1 0 / 0
Heavy 0 / 0 0 / 0
Gushing 0 / 0 0 / 0

Strategies (demanded/followed)
Cover Up 0 / 0 1 / 1
Fight Inside 0 / 0 0 / 0
Fight Outside (Offensive) 4 / 4 0 / 0
Fight Outside (Defensive) 0 / 0 6 / 6
Go for KO 0 / 0 0 / 0
Go All Out for KO 3 / 2 0 / 0
Protect Cut 0 / 0 0 / 0
Take a Round Off 1 / 0 1 / 1

Preliminary 1
Jimmy Bivins vs Bernard Hopkins

Fight info: L Street Arena, Sacramento, CA, United States, 2024-04-20, announcer is Chuck Hull, referee is Curtis Thrasher, the bout will be scored by three judges: Mike Fitzgerald (United States), Malcolm Bulner (Australia) and Steve Epstein (United States), ring card girl is Amy Longlegs, this is not a title bout, the bout is scheduled for 10 rounds, Unified-rules are in effect, three KD rule is not in effect, save by the bell is not in effect, only the referee can stop the fight, mandatory 8 count is not in effect, fight stopped due to an accidental head butt: Tech. Draw through 4/Scorecard after 4, game will check for injuries, game will adjust ratings for weight class, use judges bias is set to 'random', Scoring System is 10 Points
In the red corner: Jimmy Bivins - Record: 7-4-1 (2) - Career Stage: Prime - Conditioning: Top Condition - Trainer: Jesse Reid - Cut Man: Joe Chavez
In the blue corner: Bernard Hopkins - Record: 3-9-0 (2) - Career Stage: Prime - Conditioning: Top Condition - Trainer: Jack Mosley - Cut Man: Carlos Vargas

Round 1
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Thrasher gives the fighters their final instructions. They touch gloves and return to their respective corners to await the bell for the start of Round 1. 0:0
0:16 Bernard Hopkins fires a left hand that Bivins takes high on the shoulder. 0:0
0:19 Bivins gets off a wicked four-punch combination, scoring to the head and body, as Hopkins backs away. 3:0
0:28 There's a lot of excitement surrounding this fight. The fans are really in to it. 3:0
0:36 Bivins is boxing beautifully, smoothly moving side to side and in and out. 3:0
0:41 Both men look to measure one another. 3:0
0:45 Jimmy Bivins doubles up to the body, though Hopkins seems unfazed. 5:0
0:59 Bivins is off target with that combination. 5:0
01:01 Both fighters are pawing with the jab, trying to find an opening. Hopkins digs a quick hook into the exposed side of Bivins. 5:2
01:11 Jimmy Bivins hooks off the jab and scores to the body or Hopkins. 7:2
01:25 Bivins fires away but finds nothing but air. 7:2
01:48 Bivins misses badly. It looked like he changed his mind half way through the punch. 7:2
02:00 Bivins tries to go to the body but he can't find an opening. 7:2
02:06 Both fighters take a half-step back. 7:2
02:08 Bivins is trying to move in behind the jab, which lands. 9:2
02:31 Bivins bounces off the ropes, challenging Hopkins to come get him. 9:2
02:41 Bivins lets his hands go but his punches land on the arms of Hopkins. 9:2
02:52 Hopkins is protecting the body nicely as Bivins fails to score inside. 9:2
03:00 Bivins looks to land a cross but misses the mark. 9:2
03:00 Round 1 of this scheduled 10 rounder ends as the bell sounds. 11:2

Round 2
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Bernard Hopkins looks a bit disgusted as Round 2 gets underway. 0:0
0:15 Look at that subtle shoulder movement. See how Hopkins rolls them? That throws off your opponent's timing. 0:0
0:23 The two men are circling one another, looking for an opening. 0:0
0:26 Both fighters are circling, keeping their distance from each other. 0:0
0:28 Bivins lands with a short, quick uppercut in close. 2:0
0:28 Hopkins staggers backwards after that clash of heads onside. 2:0
0:38 As high as Hopkins is holding his gloves he is leaving his body wide open to a damaging body punch if Bivins takes advantage of it. 2:0
0:46 Bivins fires a volley of punches but Bernard Hopkins was already moving laterally and was out of harm's way. 2:0
0:57 Bernard Hopkins is clinching... 2:0
01:02 Hopkins uses his shoulder to force Jimmy Bivins out of the clinch. 2:0
01:11 Hopkins looks to work the body, but Bivins covers up nicely. 2:0
01:20 Not a lot of action in the ring right now. 2:0
01:31 Fans call for more action as Bivins ties up Hopkins. Thrasher agrees with the fans and yells for Bivins to quit playing games and fight. 2:0
01:40 Hopkins tries to get free... Here comes Thrasher to break them up... 2:0
01:46 Bivins lands the uppercut but there wasn't much on it. 4:0
02:03 Hopkins cuts loose with a combination and the crowd roars, but the truth is none of those punches landed. Bivins had his elbows tucked in nicely. 4:0
02:06 Bivins works his way inside and scores with a hook to the body. 6:0
02:19 Bivins seems really focused on what he's doing this round. 6:0
02:27 Hopkins misses with the left and then fails to connect with the right as well. 6:0
02:37 Bivins jolts Hopkins with a hard jab. 9:0
02:47 Jimmy Bivins scores with a crisp uppercut inside. 11:0
02:55 Hopkins said he wanted to start fast but so far, he still hasn't found his rhythm. 11:0
03:00 Hopkins just misses with a huge shot as Bivins chooses the perfect time to suddenly backpedal. 11:0
03:00 Bivins spins around and moves quickly back to his corner at the sound of the bell, ending Round 2. 10:1

Round 3
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Shouts of encouragement for both fighters can be heard as the bell rings for Round 3. 0:0
0:15 Hopkins is trying to free his gloves from under Bivins's gloves. 0:0
0:19 Hopkins works his way free! 0:0
0:24 Jesse Reid seemed to pump up Bivins between rounds. 0:0
0:25 Bernard Hopkins pumps a solid jab into the face of Bivins; now he tries to move inside behind the punch. 0:3
0:36 Bivins lands a nice jab. He tries to follow it up with a cross but it misses. 2:3
0:45 Bivins feints downstairs, then lands an uppercut under Hopkins's chin. 4:3
01:02 Bivins misses with the jab. He lets go with a left and that fails to find its mark, too. 4:3
01:09 The action slows for the moment. 4:3
01:12 Jimmy Bivins finds a home for his jab, keeping Hopkins at bay. 6:3
01:21 Bivins connects with an uppercut to the head of Hopkins. 8:3
01:34 Bivins goes to the head and the body, though neither punch had much on it. 10:3
01:43 Bivins forces his way inside and he lands a nice uppercut to the chin of Hopkins. 12:3
01:57 Hopkins shoots a vicious cross right down the pipe and catches Bivins flush! 12:8
01:57 Jimmy Bivins's knee almost touched the canvas... 12:8
02:06 Hopkins doesn't have to look for Bivins this round. He is right there in front of him. 12:8
02:09 Hopkins and Bivins trade punches in an even exchange. 14:10
02:26 Jimmy Bivins fails to connect with that punch. He pushed it out there instead of cutting loose with it. 14:10
02:29 The uppercut just landed by Hopkins is a nice weapon on the inside. 14:12
02:45 Bivins is really fluid in his movement. 14:12
02:49 Hopkins's corner is shouting to their man, encouraging him to pick up the action. 14:12
02:57 Bivins just comes up short with the combination. 14:12
03:00 There's a nice round of applause from the crowd as the round comes to an end. 15:12

Round 4
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Round 4 gets underway as the fighters move to the middle of the ring. 0:0
0:13 Bivins bangs the uppercut home. 2:0
0:17 Neither fighter shows any wear and tear at this point. 2:0
0:26 Bivins can't score with short uppercut inside. Hopkins got his gloves in front of the punch. 2:0
0:43 Bivins flicks a lead right to the head of Hopkins. 4:0
01:01 Hopkins does a great job of moving as Bivins tries to work inside. 4:0
01:13 Hopkins lands a crushing cross! 4:4
01:13 Bivins is hurt and he had better reach deep if he's going to continue! 4:4
01:22 Bivins moves in and scores with a quick jab. 6:4
01:31 Both fighters are being extremely cautious in this one. We hadn't expected such a tactical battle. 6:4
01:35 Bivins misses with the jab but scores with the follow up cross. 8:4
01:46 Hopkins tries a hook but Jimmy Bivins blocks it and then he scores with a hook of his own! 10:4
01:56 The fighters are tangled up inside. Bivins has a hand free and lands a little uppercut. 12:4
02:09 Bivins throws a leaping shot that fails to hit the target. 12:4
02:19 Bivins is receiving a lot of encouragement from his corner. If this helps win fights, he has a real good shot tonight. 12:4
02:23 Bivins glances a hook off Hopkins's side. 14:4
02:41 Hopkins voluntarily moves onto the ropes. 14:4
02:50 Bivins wants to go downstairs, but can't penetrate Hopkins's defense. 14:4
03:00 Hopkins swings...and misses. 14:4
03:00 Round 4 of this scheduled 10 rounder ends as the bell sounds. 15:5

Round 5
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Bivins looks to be in good shape as Round 5 gets underway. 0:0
0:07 Whatever Jack Mosley said to him in the corner between rounds must have had some effect as Hopkins has some spring in his step here in the 5th round. 0:0
0:13 Hopkins works his way in and leans on Jimmy Bivins... 0:0
0:18 Bernard Hopkins shoves Jimmy Bivins away. 0:0
0:18 Both fighters are unmarked at this stage of the fight. 0:0
0:32 Bivins can't find the range as he tries to work the body. 0:0
0:38 Both fighters are being cautious and keeping out of range. 0:0
0:46 Bivins is either lucky or has radar. Bernard Hopkins's last punch missed landing by a fraction of an inch! 0:0
0:53 Thrasher is doing a nice job so far. He's maintaining control yet you hardly notice that he's in the ring. 0:0
0:56 Bivins doubles up on the jab and he managed to score with the second one. 2:0
01:05 Hopkins lets a quick hook go, catching Bivins moving in. 2:2
01:19 Bivins is moving nicely, using every inch of this ring. 2:2
01:32 Hopkins is still trying to find the range with his punches. He's just missing with some of his shots. 2:2
01:34 Bivins shoots the right home. That's a sneaky punch. 4:2
02:00 Hopkins fires a shot, but it glances off Jimmy Bivins's shoulder. 4:2
02:07 Both fighters are working the angles, looking to get the upper hand in this contest. 4:2
02:16 There's a clinch. Neither fighter seems to want to break. 4:2
02:20 Bivins finally lets go of Hopkins. 4:2
02:26 Bivins backs away and hitches up his trunks. 4:2
02:30 Both fighters could stand to vary their punches a little more. 4:2
02:38 Bivins dips and connects with a hook to the side of Hopkins's head. 6:2
02:47 Hopkins bangs away to the body with the hook, but there is no leverage on that punch. 6:4
03:00 Bivins usues subtle movement and a tight guard protecting his body as Hopkins tries vainly to score. 6:4
03:00 The round comes to a close and neither fighter did a thing. Maybe someone should inform them that this is a boxing match. 6:4

Round 6
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Amy 'The Smile' Longlegs exits the ring to wild cheering. We await the bell, signaling the start of Round 6. There it is! 0:0
0:13 Bivins tries to muscle inside but Hopkins clinches him. 0:0
0:22 Thrasher steps in and breaks it up. 0:0
0:22 Both fighters show virtually nothing in the way of damage. 0:0
0:34 Bivins lets his hands go inside, but Hopkins protects his body well. 0:0
0:43 Hopkins's corner is urging him on. They're really vocal tonight. 0:0
0:57 Hopkins hitches up his trunks. He'd better be careful. He may get nailed while his hands are down. 0:0
01:05 Hopkins misses with the left and then fails to connect with the right as well. 0:0
01:12 These guys are both being extremely tentative in there tonight. 0:0
01:15 Bivins gets in close and comes straight up to the chin of Hopkins with an uppercut. 2:0
01:30 Hopkins misses. He had an opening and whiffed with the punch. 2:0
01:32 Bivins gets in a hook to the body of Hopkins. 4:0
01:46 Bivins's misses as Hopkins backpedals away. 4:0
01:58 Hopkins tries to drop the right hand over the top but Bivins ducks under it. 4:0
02:00 Bivins scores with a quick one-two to Bernard Hopkins's midsection 6:0
02:16 Bivins seems really focused on what he's doing this round. 6:0
02:19 * Bivins is told to quit holding and hitting by Thrasher. 9:0
02:37 Hopkins throws a quick, compact uppercut that scores to the head of Jimmy Bivins. 9:3
03:00 Bivins appears to have a pretty good lead at this point. 9:3
03:00 The bell sounds ending Round 6. 9:3

Round 7
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Round 7 begins as the bell sounds. 0:0
0:07 Jack Mosley was really animated in Hopkins's corner and Hopkins was nodding in agreement. 0:0
0:13 Jimmy Bivins wraps his arms around Hopkins. 0:0
0:17 Referee Thrasher steps in to break it up. 0:0
0:17 Appearance wise these two both look good for this stage of the fight. 0:0
0:25 Bivins gives a nice head feint and then lands a hook to the head of Hopkins. 2:0
0:34 Hopkins is covering up to prevent body shots, but he's leaving his chin dangerously unprotected! 2:0
0:50 Bernard Hopkins tries to get the hook into the the ribs, but Bivins blocks it. 2:0
01:04 Hopkins is clinching... Bivins is trying to free his gloves... They are under Hopkins's arms... 2:0
01:09 Thrasher has to break them apart. 2:0
01:16 Bivins eats a jab from Hopkins 2:2
01:26 Bivins punishes Hopkins with his piston-like jab and if he keeps doing it, he might bust Hopkins up. 5:2
01:42 Bivins misses with that uppercut. 5:2
01:44 Hopkins bangs away with both hands and a nice uppercut finds a home. 5:4
01:56 Bivins lands a hook to the ribs. 7:4
02:16 Jimmy Bivins is circling his opponent. 7:4
02:21 Both fighters are circling, keeping their distance from each other. 7:4
02:29 Bivins tries a straight right that's blocked by the gloves of Hopkins. 7:4
02:31 Hopkins is putting his punches together, scoring well with combinations. 7:6
02:44 Bivins takes a hard cross to the chin from Hopkins. 7:9
03:00 Bivins misses wildly with the Hook. 7:9
03:00 It looks like Bivins has a pretty solid lead at this stage of the fight. 7:9
03:00 There's the bell. Bivins wings a parting shot that misses. That was close. Round 7 is history. 7:9

Round 8
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Bivins is off his stool and waiting for the bell to begin Round 8. 0:0
0:06 Jesse Reid knows Bivins lost that last round, but he took the postive approach between rounds. 0:0
0:10 Bernard Hopkins grabs and holds Bivins... 0:0
0:15 Now they break clean. 0:0
0:15 Despite the punches landed, both fighters remain unmarked. 0:0
0:24 Bivins usues his legs to avoid Hopkins's punches. 0:0
0:39 Bivins picks off the jab thrown by Hopkins. 0:0
0:41 Bivins feints downstairs, then lands two quick blows to the head. 2:0
0:53 Hopkins is trying to avoid shots to the body. He'd better look out for shots to the head! 2:0
01:01 Bernard Hopkins wraps up Bivins... Neither fighter will break... 2:0
01:10 Thrasher pries them apart. 2:0
01:14 Bivins steals a quick glance at his corner. 2:0
01:22 Hopkins lands a wicked hook! 2:4
01:22 Bivins's hurt, that blow stopped him cold! 2:4
01:40 Hopkins circles around the ring. 2:4
01:49 Hopkins fires and misses. 2:4
02:03 Hopkins misses with an uppercut from way outside. That's a dangerous punch to throw. You leave yourself wide open for a counter. 2:4
02:15 Hopkins connects with a violent hook! 2:8
02:15 Mercy! that was a crushing blow! Jimmy Bivins is trying to hang on... 2:8
02:27 There's the uppercut from Hopkins. That opening has been there all fight for him. 2:10
02:38 Hopkins seems really focused on what he's doing this round. 2:10
02:49 Bivins takes a hook as he tries to work inside. 2:12
03:00 Bivins appears to have this fight under control. 2:12
03:00 The bell sounds - more boxing to come in a moment. 2:12

Round 9
Time Commentary Points
0:00 There's two rounds of boxing left, and it looks as if Hopkins is going to need a knockdown to win this fight. 0:0
0:12 Hopkins leaves the jab just short. 0:0
0:14 Bivins lands a nice cross but Hopkins turned with it, absorbing most of its power. 2:0
0:19 Hopkins is starting to suck wind... 2:0
0:19 Neither fighter has a mark on them at this point of the fight. 2:0
0:23 Hopkins got quite a pep talk in his corner; we'll see if Jack Mosley's instructions work. 2:0
0:24 Not a lot on that hook to Bivins's side, but it scored. 2:2
0:34 Bivins bangs home a hard cross. 5:2
0:47 Hopkins tried a jab but he left it hanging out there, and Bivins lands a sizzling cross over the lazy jab. 8:2
0:51 Hopkins's punches are losing their steam as he looks beat. 8:2
01:00 It's a sweet uppercut by Bernard Hopkins! He snapped Bivins's head straight back with that punch! 8:6
01:00 Bivins seems to be in big trouble after that blow... 8:6
01:14 Oh!!! Hopkins unleashed a crippling right hand to the head! 8:10
01:14 Bivins is dazed and he is in trouble!! 8:10
01:28 The two men are bumping heads as they wrestle on the inside. Now, Bivins lands a short uppercut to the chin of Hopkins. 10:10
01:39 A cross to body by Bivins gets through. 12:10
01:53 Bivins is flicking the jab, trying to keep Bernard Hopkins at long range. 12:10
01:59 Hopkins drives a brutal left hook home just above Bivins's trunks. 12:13
02:16 Hopkins throws a straight right that glances off the shoulder of Bivins but it's enough to keep him off-balance. 12:13
02:30 Hopkins is turning this fight into a clinching and holding affair as he continues to wrap his arms around Bivins. 12:13
02:35 Thrasher separates them. 12:13
02:49 Bivins ties up Hopkins. 12:13
02:53 Thrasher has to separate the two... 12:13
03:00 Jimmy Bivins works free! The fighters move to ring center. 12:13
03:00 Bivins seems to have done enough to win this fight. 12:13
03:00 It doesn't get much better than that last round folks, non-stop fury from start to finish has the crowd in an uproar. 13:13

Round 10
Time Commentary Points
0:00 We go to the last round, as the bell sounds to start the 10th. 0:0
0:14 Bivins takes a heavy uppercut downstairs. 0:4
0:14 Jimmy Bivins is clutching his side! 0:4
0:22 Jimmy Bivins received a pep talk from Jesse Reid before he left his corner; we'll see if it worked. 0:4
0:28 Hopkins tries to double up on the jab but neither hit the mark. 0:4
0:34 Bivins scores with a quick hook to the head of Hopkins after Hopkins missed with a wild shot of his own. 2:4
0:46 Bivins has Hopkins cornered! 2:4
0:51 Both fighters seem willing to clinch... Someone's got to throw some leather... 2:4
0:55 Referee Thrasher has to separate the two... 2:4
01:12 Bernard Hopkins frees himself from Bivins's clutches! They move to ring center now. 2:4
01:21 Bivins pins Hopkins's arms! The fighters are tied up... 2:4
01:25 The Referee breaks it up... 2:4
01:30 Hopkins seems really focused on what he's doing this round. 2:4
01:41 Hopkins lets his hands go but his punches land on the arms of Bivins. 2:4
01:48 Bivins's corner is shouting at him to be more aggressive. He seems to hear but it remains to be seen if he'll follow the advice. 2:4
01:56 The quickness and footwork of Hopkins is definitely keeping Bivins off balance. 2:4
02:05 Bivins clinches... Hopkins gets an arm free! He should be punching with it! 2:4
02:09 Thrasher moves in to break the clinch. 2:4
02:18 Bivins and Hopkins clinch, throwing feeble punches as they grab a quick breather. 2:4
02:27 Bivins is holding Hopkins tighter than most men do their wives -- or girlfriends! 2:4
02:31 Thrasher separates the two... 2:4
02:41 Bivins is dancing and flicking harmless punches at Hopkins. 2:4
02:53 Bivins ties up Bernard Hopkins. Why would he want to clinch now? 2:4
03:00 Thrasher is shouting at Bivins to break! 2:4
03:00 That's it! This fight is over and we'll go to the scorecards. 2:5

Fight Result

We go to the ring where Chuck Hull is ready with the call...

Ladies and Gentlmen, the scorecards are in, and here is your official decision...

Mike Fitzgerald, United States scores the bout 97 to 94

Malcolm Bulner, Australia scores the bout 98 to 93

Steve Epstein, United States scores the bout 97 to 94

And your winner by unanimous decision Jimmy Bivins!!!


Score Cards

Mike Fitzgerald Round Total
United States 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Jimmy Bivins 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 9 10 9 97
Bernard Hopkins 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 94

Malcolm Bulner Round Total
Australia 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Jimmy Bivins 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 9 10 10 98
Bernard Hopkins 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 9 93

Steve Epstein Round Total
United States 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Jimmy Bivins 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 9 10 9 97
Bernard Hopkins 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 94

Round Totals Round Total
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Jimmy Bivins 30 30 30 30 30 30 27 27 30 28 292
Bernard Hopkins 27 27 27 27 27 27 30 30 30 29 281


Statistics
Categories Jimmy Bivins Bernard Hopkins
Knockdowns scored 0 0

Jabs / Round 7.00 3.10
Hooks / Round 5.60 2.30
Crosses / Round 4.70 2.80
Combinations / Round 3.40 2.70
Uppercuts / Round 4.70 2.30

Punches Landed / Round 25.40 13.20
Punches Missed / Round 59.50 61.00

Punching Accuracy 29.9% 17.8%

Total Number of Fouls 1 0
Holding Head and Hitting 1

Foul Penalties:
Caution 1

Suffered Accidental Head Butt 1

No cuts occured

Strategies (demanded/followed)
Cover Up 1 / 1 0 / 0
Fight Inside 0 / 0 0 / 0
Fight Outside (Offensive) 0 / 0 6 / 6
Fight Outside (Defensive) 8 / 7 0 / 0
Go for KO 0 / 0 0 / 0
Go All Out for KO 0 / 0 3 / 2
Protect Cut 0 / 0 0 / 0
Take a Round Off 0 / 0 0 / 0


Co-Feature
Michael Spinks vs Bob Foster

Fight info: L Street Arena, Sacramento, CA, United States, 2024-04-20, announcer is Amy Hayes, referee is Johnny Callas, the bout will be scored by three judges: Manuel Gonzalez (Panama), Henk Meijers (Netherlands) and Jose Rivera (Puerto Rico), ring card girl is Amy Longlegs, the fighters will compete for the WBO title(s), the bout is scheduled for 12 rounds, Unified-rules are in effect, three KD rule is not in effect, save by the bell is not in effect, only the referee can stop the fight, mandatory 8 count is not in effect, fight stopped due to an accidental head butt: Tech. Draw through 4/Scorecard after 4, game will check for injuries, game will adjust ratings for weight class, use judges bias is set to 'random', Scoring System is 10 Points
In the red corner: Michael Spinks - Record: 8-2-2 (3) - Career Stage: Prime - Conditioning: Top Condition - Trainer: Gil Clancy - Cut Man: Ace Marotta
In the blue corner: Bob Foster - Record: 5-5-2 (3) - Career Stage: Prime - Conditioning: Top Condition - Trainer: Ignacio Beristain - Cut Man: Danny Milano

Round 1
Time Commentary Points
0:00 The fighters look anxious as they wait for Round 1 to start. The bell rings and its show time. 0:0
0:15 Spinks lands a devastating uppercut! 4:0
0:15 Foster is going to need to regroup after that blow... 4:0
0:29 Foster bores in determined to maul Spinks 4:0
0:39 Foster lands a wicked uppercut! 4:4
0:39 Mercy! that was a crushing blow! Spinks is trying to hang on... 4:4
0:53 Spinks scores with a winging right! Foster's head snapped back violently with that punch! 9:4
0:53 Bob Foster is reeling after that shot! 9:4
01:07 Spinks doesn't connect with the jab. 9:4
01:17 Spinks misses with the left and then fails to connect with the right as well. 9:4
01:28 Spinks is circling his opponent. 9:4
01:37 Look at that subtle shoulder movement. See how Spinks rolls them? That throws off your opponent's timing. 9:4
01:46 Watch Michael Spinks move. He is darting in and out, in and out, keeping Foster off balance. 9:4
01:55 Spinks lets his hands go but his punches land on the arms of Foster. 9:4
02:10 Spinks lands a crushing hook! 14:4
02:10 Foster is suddenly in trouble! 14:4
02:26 Foster takes a hard combination from Spinks 18:4
02:26 Foster is hurt and he had better reach deep if he's going to continue! 18:4
02:45 That punch actually went behind Foster's head as he moved inside of a looping shot from Spinks. 18:4
02:57 Foster grabs Spinks's head, pulls it down, into his chest. Callas has to force Foster to let go. 18:4
03:00 Callas moves them apart. 18:4
03:00 There's the bell. That brings the first Round to a close. 20:4

Round 2
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Foster looks to be in good shape as Round 2 gets underway. 0:0
0:07 Gil Clancy not only gave Spinks encouragement between rounds but also some solid advice on how to handle Bob Foster. Now it's up to Spinks to implement it. 0:0
0:14 Bob Foster gets a jab in but it was more of a push than a punch. 0:2
0:28 Spinks tries to drop the right hand over the top but Foster ducks under it. 0:2
0:40 Those were mostly arm punches from Michael Spinks but several got through. 2:2
01:01 Foster fires a shot, but it glances off Spinks's shoulder. 2:2
01:07 The action slows for the moment. 2:2
01:15 Spinks pins Foster's arms against his body stopping him from throwing any punches. 2:2
01:20 Callas moves in to break the clinch. 2:2
01:30 Spinks misses. He had an opening and whiffed with the punch. 2:2
01:36 Both fighters could stand to vary their punches a little more. 2:2
01:44 Foster tries to get the hook into the the ribs, but Spinks blocks it. 2:2
01:47 Spinks slips inside and buries a hook to the body of Bob Foster. 5:2
02:05 Foster looks to work the body, but Spinks covers up nicely. 5:2
02:07 Spinks splits Foster's gloves with a powerful uppercut. 8:2
02:23 Spinks throws a leaping shot that fails to hit the target. 8:2
02:35 Foster works free! The fighters move to ring center. 8:2
02:40 Foster traps Spinks in the corner! 8:2
02:52 Spinks is receiving a lot of encouragement from his corner. If this helps win fights, he has a real good shot tonight. 8:2
03:00 Foster lands a crushing hook! 8:6
03:00 That punch may have stunned Spinks momentarily. 8:6
03:00 Spinks spins around and moves quickly back to his corner at the sound of the bell, ending Round 2. 8:7

Round 3
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Foster is getting his full rest as he remains on his stool as the Round 3 bell sounds. Now he's up and his corner scrambles to exit the ring. 0:0
0:17 Foster misses with the left and then fails to connect with the right as well. 0:0
0:29 Foster fires a left hand that Spinks takes high on the shoulder. 0:0
0:45 Foster lands a nice jab. He tries to follow it up with a cross but it misses. 0:2
01:00 Spinks is protecting the body nicely as Foster fails to score inside. 0:2
01:02 Spinks lands a stinging jab. 2:2
01:14 Foster moves into the right corner. 2:2
01:14 Spinks gets off a nice little three punch salvo. 4:2
01:32 Foster misses wildly with the hook. 4:2
01:35 Spinks scores with the jab. 6:2
01:44 Spinks traps Foster in the corner! 6:2
01:44 What an exchange!! Spinks got the best of that, but Those two were going at it hell bent for leather!! 9:4
01:55 Both fighters scored in that exchange, which is dead even. 11:6
02:15 Foster tries a straight right that's blocked by the gloves of Spinks. 11:6
02:17 Spinks blasts two wicked shots to the ribs of Foster and you could see him wince in pain. 14:6
02:26 Spinks lands a devastating hook to the body. 17:6
02:37 Spinks fires the jab. It finds its target. 19:6
02:53 Spinks is clinching. Early in a fight you have to wonder but late in a fight clinching can give a fighter a breather. 19:6
02:57 Callas has to separate the two... 19:6
03:00 They're coming back to the center of the ring now... 19:6
03:00 Foster cuts loose with a combination and the crowd roars, but the truth is none of those punches landed. Spinks had his elbows tucked in nicely. 19:6
03:00 There's the bell. Spinks wings a parting shot that misses. That was close. Round 3 is history. 19:6

Round 4
Time Commentary Points
0:00 Round 4 is about to begin... There's the bell! 0:0
0:06 Foster got some great advice from Ignacio Beristain between rounds, let's see if he puts it to use here in round 4. 0:0
0:07 Foster scores with a nice short hook inside the defense of Spinks. 0:2
0:12 Both fighters are unmarked at this stage of the fight. 0:2
0:16 Ignacio Beristain is just telling Foster the obvious: throw more punches, move your head, step it up. That's not going to help much! 0:2
0:23 Foster wants to go downstairs, but can't penetrate Spinks's defense. 0:2
0:25 Spinks scores to the body with a jab 2:2
0:35 Spinks scores with a nice two-punch combination. 4:2
0:45 Michael Spinks goes downstairs with the hook. 6:2
01:03 Spinks tries to muscle inside but Foster clinches him. 6:2
01:07 Spinks pushes Foster away. 6:2
01:12 Spinks has Foster trapped in the right neutral corner... 6:2
01:16 Michael Spinks wraps up Foster... Neither fighter will break... 6:2
01:25 Callas separates the two... 6:2
01:35 Michael Spinks is gliding around the ring like it's his own personal dance floor. 6:2
01:39 The action is at ring center. 6:2
01:39 Some good body work by Spinks but not much on those punches. 8:2
01:48 Foster slides into the corner... 8:2
01:48 Spinks lands a glancing, overhand right. He just missed landing that one square. 10:2
02:02 Spinks is dancing and flicking harmless punches at Foster. 10:2
02:12 Foster dips as if to launch a body shot, then goes upstairs with a quick hook to the head that puts Spinks back on his heels! 10:6
02:12 Spinks's eye's are glazed over after that shot, he is definitely hurt! 10:6
02:24 Spinks gets the cross through Foster's guard. 12:6
02:40 Spinks telegraphed that shot and Foster ducks under it easily. 12:6
02:52 Spinks fires away but finds nothing but air. 12:6
02:54 Foster lands a jab. He's using it as both an offensive and defensive weapon on occasions. 12:8
03:00 Spinks is moving like he is walking on air tonight. 12:8
03:00 Round 4 finishes with the sound of the bell. 14:7

Round 5
Time Commentary Points
0:00 It's Round 5 of this scheduled 12 rounder. 0:0
0:05 Spinks received a pep talk from Gil Clancy before he left his corner; we'll see if it worked. 0:0
0:07 Spinks is pinned in his own corner... 0:0
0:07 Foster scores with a hook to the side of the head. 0:2
0:11 Neither fighter shows any wear and tear at this point. 0:2
0:19 Foster drives the hook home. 0:5
0:35 Spinks smothers Foster's attack with a clinch! 0:5
0:40 Now they break clean. 0:5
0:52 Spinks does a great job of moving as Foster tries to work inside. 0:5
0:59 Spinks catches Foster coming in with a sweet uppercut! 4:5
0:59 Foster looks like he might have been hurt by that punch! 4:5
01:13 Spinks moves to the center of the Ring taunting Foster with his hands by his sides. 4:5
01:17 Spinks pumps the jab into the face of Foster. 7:5
01:26 It is a good boxing crowd tonight. They know the game and are reacting to every good punch that lands. 7:5
01:38 There's a straight right by Michael Spinks! 12:5
01:38 That shot landed square and Foster felt it, he's in a world of hurt! 12:5
01:38 * Spinks's last punch snapped back the head of Foster. And it looks like it has also drawn blood! 14:5
01:38 * A very nasty torn lip is dripping blood down the chin and onto the chest of Foster. 14:5
01:38 * More than once this round, it has appeared as if the referee has thought about stepping between the fighters due to the increased bleeding from at least one cut on Foster's face. Now the third man in the ring is doing just that, as we get a stoppage in the action while the referee leads Foster toward the ringside doctor for a quick consultation. In Foster's favor, the bleeding isn't flowing into either of his eyes. 14:5
01:38 * The referee won't stop the fight on his own if the reason for the stoppage directly has to do with a cut or swelling; he'll always consult the ringside doctor. And it looks like, in this case, we're going to see some more boxing because the physician has given his okay to let the fight continue. Both fighters are assuming their positions and the timer has restarted here in Round 5 as the fighters approach one another. 14:5
01:52 There's a hard shot off the top of Foster's head! 18:5
01:52 That punch has Foster staggering around the ring like a drunken sailor! 18:5
02:05 Spinks landed a sharp combination that rocked Foster back on his heels! 22:5
02:05 What a beautiful combination! Foster might not survive this... 22:5
02:14 Foster winces as he takes a hard combination to the body from Spinks. 25:5
02:14 Foster was stopped cold by that punch! Spinks has a reputation as a great finisher. Let's see if he can live up to it! 25:5
02:23 Spinks has Foster trapped! 25:5
02:23 Spinks is trying to move in behind the jab, which lands. 27:5
02:23 Michael Spinks has Foster reeling. Spinks can win the fight right now if he doesn't get sloppy and just flail away. 27:5
02:32 Foster takes a right to the body. 29:5
02:32 Foster is in trouble. Spinks needs to stay on him if he wants to end this now. 29:5
02:36 * Callas has got to step in! Callas jumps in and is waving it off!! It's over! The winner by TKO here in round 5...Spinks! 29:5

Fight Result

Let's go to Amy Hayes for the call...

Ladies and Gentlemen! The winner and still WBO light heavyweight champion by technical knockout at the 02:37 mark in Round 5 is...

Michael Spinks!


Score Cards

Manuel Gonzalez Round Total
Panama 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Michael Spinks 10 10 10 10 40
Bob Foster 9 9 9 9 36

Henk Meijers Round Total
Netherlands 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Michael Spinks 10 10 10 10 40
Bob Foster 9 9 9 9 36

Jose Rivera Round Total
Puerto Rico 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Michael Spinks 10 10 10 10 40
Bob Foster 9 9 9 9 36

Round Totals Round Total
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Michael Spinks 30 30 30 30 120
Bob Foster 27 27 27 27 108


Statistics
Categories Michael Spinks Bob Foster
Knockdowns scored 0 0

Jabs / Round 7.60 2.80
Hooks / Round 6.40 4.00
Crosses / Round 10.20 2.00
Combinations / Round 6.40 2.20
Uppercuts / Round 4.80 2.40

Punches Landed / Round 35.40 13.40
Punches Missed / Round 50.40 58.20

Punching Accuracy 41.3% 18.7%

Total Number of Fouls 0 0

Cuts totals (opened/reopened/worsened) 0 / 0 / 0 1 / 0 / 0
Cuts after head butts (opened/reopened/worsened) 0 / 0 / 0 0 / 0 / 0

Cut locations breakdown:
Split lip 1 / 0 / 0

Bouts halted to check cut(s) 0 1

Corner work on closing cuts (trials/success):
Trickle 0 / 0 0 / 0
Minor 0 / 0 0 / 0
Bleeding 0 / 0 0 / 0
Bad 0 / 0 0 / 0
Heavy 0 / 0 0 / 0
Gushing 0 / 0 0 / 0

Strategies (demanded/followed)
Cover Up 0 / 0 1 / 1
Fight Inside 0 / 0 2 / 2
Fight Outside (Offensive) 0 / 0 2 / 2
Fight Outside (Defensive) 4 / 4 0 / 0
Go for KO 0 / 0 0 / 0
Go All Out for KO 0 / 0 0 / 0
Protect Cut 0 / 0 0 / 0
Take a Round Off 0 / 0 0 / 0

[armageto]

As I figured, the Foster who doesn't care shows up. Guess he hasn't turned the corner after all.

Hopkins just can't get going this season.

Nice unmanaged fighter win for Tarver.