RMC Sport1: Mathieu Bauderlique vs. Doudou Mapwanga Kitanda Djiké Ngumbu RBR

Respect to champion and challenger. Heck of an effort by the latter, but nice turnaround in momentum by the former to retain her title.

 

...anybody parlez-vous Français?

 

I know who you mean. God, I'm picturing her now... think I might be too distracted to finish the RBR..

 

Yvan Mendy vs. Diego Fabián Eligio Mendoza, 12 rounds @ lightweight

 

This is for the WBA Intercontinental lightweight title, Mendy's 1st defense.

 

Same anthems, French & Mexican again... even though we literally just did them both for the previous fight.

 

They accidentally played the opening bars of the British national anthem instead of the Mexican. "Pato" Eligio took it with good humor, chuckling about it with his corner.

 

She would've been the cherry on top for sure, but I don't see why you wouldn't tune in. Solid card, for a Thursday.

 

Round 1

Eligio is popping a quick left jab up into Mendy's guard. Body and head jabs by Mendy creeping forward behind earmuffs. Mendy winning the jab battle, his both more powerful and more accurate. Eligio is using lots of lateral movement, light-footing his way around the inner perimeter, but pointedly avoiding the corners. Flurries into the guard by Eligio, punctuating with hooks on the body that do nothing to slow Mendy's advance. Mendy hacks with a right hand into the upper coiffure of Eligio.

10-9 Mendy, close (but I can see a judge favoring Eligio's work rate)

 

Round 2

Eligio is moving left and right with first his feet, then his shoulders while planting himself firmly in place, just swaying above the waist to dodge Mendy's 1-2s at mid-range. Eligio is throwing straight volleys and then hooking wide after Mendy has reacted to his bait with a pinched-together guard. They fence with jabs as Mendy stalks Eligio, nearly into the ropes. Quick left between the eyes by Eligio, then a dash leftward and he claps a wide slapping left hook against the ear. Mendy is leaning forward, trying a looping lead right, but Eligio's movement is too constant & fluid for him to get caught flush.

10-9 Eligio

19-19

 

Pretty big fan of The Lion and figured this was an easy W for him on paper...but honestly getting a little nervous for him. Looking every bit 34, in with a hungry 22yo pest..