Alesia Schumann vs. Akane Watanabe II – Round 8

Akane fears that the fight is slipping away, so she startsRound 8 with much more energy to try and turn it around.

From the moment Lee says “Box!” she makes attacking moves, but in different ways than before. She fakes and uses her footwork to try and confuse Alesia. The German remains disciplined, though.

Little Storm fakes a change of position to lead from a right hand. Then Ally moves her left forward to block. Akane switches to the left hook to smack her opponent on the right cheek, just under the eye.

Esther: “Watanabe is more lively at the moment and for good reason. She has some catching up to do. Catching up with an old friend!”

Akane keeps attacking and putting the Diva under pressure, but she manages it well. She lets the Japanese take her to the edges of the ring, making her spend energy while avoiding further big shots. She’s content with landing small punches on the counter to minimise risks.

Ally thinks: “Yes, she’s slowed down.”

An opportunity comes at 1:11. Akane fakes the left but goes for the right hook. Ally slips under it, bringing her torso down. The slip and missed punch expose Little Storm’s body.

Esther: “When she signed a contract for this fight, Watanabe unknowingly and unwillingly signed up for a defend-and-counter masterclass by Schumann. Although she’s a strong fighter, she doesn’t seem to have solutions for the German’s ring tactics.”

Akane finishes her motion with the missing right hook and Alesia is in a perfect position to counter to the body.

Short range, short move: just enough of an upper body turn to sink a right hand in the local’s unprotected midsection.

Akane: “Ugh!”

In the red corner, Naomi is very frustrated.

Esther: “Let that sink in… Schumann brought her A game to the ring today and Watanabe is in serious pain. She must be thinking: this is Godzilla  all over again.”

Akane started Round 8 strongly but Alesia reacts quickly to make herself harder to it by moving around quickly and avoiding further shots.

Desperate to win the round, Akane goes forward to hopefully land a big right hand, but her attack is a bit sloppy. She pumps her right shoulder before going forward, prompting Ally to send her a devil of a left hook. Akane walks into the punch.

PISH!

The crowd is as stunned by the power shot as the boxer herself.

In the blue corner, Regina is very happy. At the commentator’s desk, Esther’s eyes show concern for Akane.

Esther: “She’s badly hurt! Watanabe just received the biggest punch of the fight. Schumann never looked more dangerous!For her part, Watanabe has never been in this much trouble in any fight.”

A giant left hook made serious damage and Akane retreats. She escapes from Alesia’s range and is content with not getting anywhere close to her for the last 20 seconds of Round 8.

The German stays focused on her disciplined game plan and minimises risks. She’s ready to bet on her ability to keep things under control later.

The bell rings.

Lee: “Stop!”

Both women go back to their corners.

In the blue corner:

Regina: “Brilliant! You, Ally, are brilliant! She started the round well but you managed her and landed the biggest punch.”

Alesia: “Thanks!”

Regina: “Just stay on your toes. Don’t lose focus. We enter a part of the fight when she will be desperate, and she will look for something to turn it around. She got slower, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t dangerous.”

Alesia: “Got it!”

In the red corner:

Naomi: “Dammit, another round that goes to her. Sis… you need at least a knockdown to draw or have a chance to win. You have to come out firing in the next round. It’s urgent. Push her around to pop her bubble. I don’t see another solution at this point other than doing unusual things. She’s been improving with each round and you have to do something special.”

Akane: “I’ll try!”

Both coaches take care of their boxers’ faces.

Lee: “Seconds out!”

Scorecard update? Got you covered.

Esther: “We had 8 rounds of excellent boxing and Alesia Schumann is coming out on top after winning the first round in the business end of a fight. Watanabe has the firepower to fight back, but does she have the energy and tactical acumen to do so? Let’s find out now.”

Alesia Schumann
Alesia Schumann
Super Lightweight champion of the world, German champion and one of the pound for pound best. The Diva is known for her tactical strength and durability.