Joel Tambwe Djeko vs. Simone Federici RBR

Round 3

Federici is getting caught now as Djeko has found his range, backpedaling just enough to lull Federici toward him and then whipping out the left hook. Federici comes in with earmuffs on, ducking and rolling under the Djeko jab and then looping hard rights into the waist. Lots of clinching. Federici working underhanded shoeshine and looping hooker-cut combos into the body until Djeko manages to drape his tentacles over him and suck him into a draining hug. Ref is quick to split them up and make them work, to Djeko's chagrin. Federici able to slip the jab and nearly rip Djeko across the cheek with a left hook coming up off his feet, missing by scant millimeters as Djeko pulls sharply backward. Some body shots by Djeko late.

10-9 Federici, close

29-28 Federici

 

Round 4

Federici is getting jabbed in the face and then hooked in the body, with Djeko keeping him at range and sharpening up his shots. Federici struggles to get close, and finally just lurches inward, landing a couple of glancing overhands and then holding on as they collide. Federici pushing in, headhunting, falling short. Djeko putting the jab out, then leaving the stick at face height to let Federici either impale himself on it or try ducking beneath it only to be wool-gathered into another suffocating clinch. Good work outside by Djeko with the jab, not letting Federici get near him.

10-9 Djeko

38-38

 

I'm no closer to making a Djeko vs. Askin prediction now than I was before the first bell here... at some moments Djeko looks horrible, at others he boxes really nicely.

 

Cletus Seldin is, shockingly, a pretty decent commentator. Sounds like his real-life IQ vastly outpaces his ring IQ.

 

Round 5

Federici has no handle on Djeko now that he is facing not just the height advantage but the jab & some clever, economical movement. Djeko is almost cornering himself and then launching himself off the ropes or corner turnbuckle, swimming past Federici with a jab on the face or left hook downstairs. Federici takes big swipes but is left stirring the air, with Djeko tapping him lightly with counters after partially spinning him as he dashes past.

10-9 Djeko

48-47 Djeko

 

Round 6

Federici gets ripped over & over with the left hook downstairs at long range. Djeko has it dialed in and can lob it comfortably, with Federici having no defense against it and no plan B aside from just barging forth chucking overhands and thus leaving himself wide open for it. Djeko even starts threading in some plunging right hands on the breadbasket, splaying his legs briefly for extra purchase. Light counter 1-2-3 painting the face by Djeko at mid-range as Federici tries rolling up a big telegraphed right hand.

10-9 Djeko

58-56 Djeko

 

The Roman Tyson needs to sit the hell down on his stool now, sure the whole tough man gimmick was plenty cute in the first half but he is huffing & puffing now, he's going to end up hyperventilating if he doesn't just have a plop and take his damn minute's breather. Those body shots from the 6'6" and muscular Belgian are taking a toll on him.

 

Round 7

Federici eating jabs, stepping in but without too much gusto, stayed when Djeko stops to plant his feet and lean in with a stiffer version of the jab and chopping right. Djeko now undergoing an ultra-macho transformation, as the commentators say channeling fellow lanky powerhouse Deontay Wilder, thumping himself on the chest & chin and throwing jabs & rights from down by his sides while standing in front of Federici and daring him to bring the heat. Federici looks a bit nervous and out of his depth now, intimidated by these mind games as much as by the heavy shots of Djeko.

10-9 Djeko

68-65 Djeko

 

Something tells me that Zura (that name sounds...Hungarian? And of course we know what to expect with 99% of Hungarian boxers) mightn't have pushed him quite as hard as Djeko.

 

Cletus Seldin and the play by play guy are puzzling over why Djeko isn't throwing any right hands, because with a two-fisted body attack they feel he could get rid of Federici. They surmise that it might be a nagging recent or chronic hand injury hampering confidence in throwing it.

 

Round 8

Federici trying with overhands whenever he is within range, which is uncommon. Djeko is spiraling outward nonstop, counter-clockwise, always leaving Federici a couple of extra steps to make up to get in hooking or clubbing range, picking at him with jabs on the face & hooks on the body. Federici takes all the shots he needs to in order to gain entry inside, but once he's there Djeko is already circling away from him, frustratingly. A little desperation now by Federici, throwing blind windmilling flurries but getting turned & countered anyway.

10-9 Djeko

78-74 Djeko