PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight kickboxing rules bout between Alex Alexandrov (ranked 22703 p4p, 474 weight class) and Mike Tyson (ranked 23137 p4p, 494 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Alexandrov
vs
Tyson

188 cm
22
205 lbs
11 - 6 - 0

178 cm
21
225 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Great elbows
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Alex Alexandrov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Mike Tyson!
The judges for this bout are Hirohito Nitta, Yukihiro Yamamoto and Kenichi Hosakawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tyson swings for the body but Alexandrov moves out of range.

Alexandrov closes the distance and clinches.
Alexandrov has Tyson pressed against the ropes.
Alexandrov effectively controlling the action here.
Tyson misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Tyson working hard to break the clinch.
Tyson lands with a left to the head.
Alexandrov lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Tyson backwards.
Alexandrov works on Tyson's body with a couple of short punches.
Alexandrov trying to stall but Tyson improves his position.
Alexandrov looking to slow down the pace here.
Tyson can't break the clinch.
I was talking to Alexandrov's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Alexandrov breaks the clinch.
Tyson has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Tyson throws a right hand that Alexandrov ducks under and follows up with a left that Alexandrov also avoids with ease.
A lazy left from Tyson finds it's target.
Tyson throws a jab when Alexandrov was well out of range.
Tyson misses with a wild body shot.
Alexandrov went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Alexandrov moves into the clinch.
Tyson is trying to push Alexandrov away but Alexandrov has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.
Tyson tries to break free but Alexandrov pushes him back against the ropes.
Alexandrov prevents a body shot from Tyson.
Tyson looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Alexandrov is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Tyson lands a right hand that snaps the head of Alexandrov backwards.
Alexandrov lands a hook that snaps the head of Tyson backwards.
Tyson lands an elbow inside that Alexandrov shrugs off.

It looks like Alex Alexandrov has been cut.
A short left from Alexandrov.
Alexandrov with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Tyson works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
A bit of stalling here from Alexandrov.
Alexandrov stalling.
Knees in the clinch landing for Alexandrov.
Tyson misses with the head strike.
Tyson can't find room to land a body shot as Alexandrov controls the action.
Alexandrov works on Tyson's body with a couple of short punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tyson doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Alexandrov pushes Tyson back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Alexandrov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Tyson misses with a body punch.
Tyson misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Alexandrov lands a shot to the body.
Alexandrov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Tyson lands a right hand.
Tyson tries to throw a body punch but Alexandrov avoids it by throwing Tyson back against the ropes.
Alexandrov lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the ropes.
Alexandrov blocking some punches.
The referee calls for Alexandrov to work.
Tyson misses with some punches.
Alexandrov is working Tyson over against the ropes.
Alexandrov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the ropes.
A body shot lands from Alexandrov.
Tyson misses with a short punch on the inside.
Tyson misses with a hook from the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Alex Alexandrov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Alex Alexandrov's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Alexandrov instigates a clinch.
Nice body punch from Alexandrov - that landed with a thud.
Alexandrov blocks an elbow strike from Tyson.
Tyson misses with a punch to the body.
Tyson lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Alexandrov or not.
A head punch on the inside from Tyson fails to land.
Tyson misses with the head strike.

Alexandrov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Tyson lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Alexandrov backs up against the ropes.

Tyson gets tackled into the ropes by Alexandrov. Alexandrov maintains the clinch.
A short uppercut from Alexandrov.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Alexandrov.
A body shot lands from Alexandrov.
A head punch on the inside from Tyson fails to land.
Good body shot from Alexandrov.
Alexandrov lands a shot to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A right handed body shot lands from Alexandrov.
Tyson struggles to land a body shot inside as Alexandrov controls his hands.
Alexandrov blocks a body shot from Tyson.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tyson struggles to land a body shot inside as Alexandrov controls his hands.
Tyson's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Alexandrov taking a breather.
Tyson struggles to land a body shot inside as Alexandrov controls his hands.
Tyson misses with an elbow over the top.
Tyson misses with a body punch.
Alexandrov tries to throw a body punch but Tyson avoids it by throwing Alexandrov back against the ropes.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Alexandrov.
Tyson misses with an elbow over the top.
Tyson struggles to land a body shot inside as Alexandrov controls his hands.
Tyson struggles to land a body shot inside as Alexandrov controls his hands.
Alex Alexandrov has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Alexandrov prevents a body shot from Tyson.
Alexandrov trying to land knees to the body.
Alexandrov lands a shot to the body.
Tyson wants to get back to striking at distance but Alexandrov won't allow it.
Tyson being controlled against the ropes.
Alexandrov misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Tyson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Good body shot from Alexandrov.
Alexandrov prevents Tyson from breaking the clinch.
Alexandrov avoids the elbow strike from Tyson, against the ropes.
Nice body punch from Alexandrov.
Tyson misses with a punch to the body.
Tyson can't find room to land a body shot as Alexandrov controls the action.
Tyson has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Alexandrov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Alexandrov digs a right hand into Tyson's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Tyson's gas tank.
Tyson tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Alexandrov's elbow.
Tyson has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Alexandrov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Alexandrov.
Tyson is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Tyson tries to throw a body punch but Alexandrov avoids it by throwing Tyson back against the ropes.
Tyson tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Alexandrov lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Tyson.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Alexandrov blocks a body shot from Tyson.
Alexandrov can't find room to land a body shot as Tyson controls the action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alex Alexandrov dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Alex Alexandrov's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Tyson swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A swing and a miss from Tyson.
Tyson scores with a sloppy right hand. Alexandrov should have avoided that one.
Tyson misses with a straight left.

Alexandrov darts in and clinches Tyson up against the ropes.
Alexandrov works on Tyson's body with a couple of short punches.
Tyson is trying to push Alexandrov away but Alexandrov has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.
Alexandrov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Tyson tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Alexandrov lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Tyson misses with a hook to the ribs.
Tyson is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Alexandrov lands a body punch.
Tyson has a couple of punches blocked by Alexandrov.
Alexandrov lands with a right to the head.
Alexandrov keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Tyson's efforts to push away.
Alexandrov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Tyson backwards.
Tyson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Alexandrov lands a nice shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tyson letting Alexandrov take a breather here.
A right hand to the body from Alexandrov.
Alexandrov lands a nice shot to the body.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Alexandrov.
Alexandrov gets through Tyson's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Alexandrov digs a right hand into Tyson's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Tyson's gas tank.
Alexandrov lands a body shot.
Alexandrov is leaning against Tyson and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Alexandrov is working Tyson over against the ropes.
Alexandrov digs a right hand into Tyson's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Tyson's gas tank.
Alexandrov is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Alexandrov lands a hook that snaps the head of Tyson backwards.
A right hand to the body from Alexandrov.
Alexandrov stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.

Alexandrov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Alexandrov throws a series of punches but Tyson avoids them all with ease.
Alexandrov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Tyson can do to turn this around?

Alexandrov gets in close and instigates a clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A hook to the body from Alexandrov.
Tyson tries to work over Alexandrov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Alexandrov taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Alexandrov lands with a left to the head.
Alexandrov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Alexandrov keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Tyson's efforts to push away.
Alexandrov lands with a light punch inside.
Tyson's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!

Alexandrov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Alexandrov instigates a clinch.
Tyson tries to throw a body punch but Alexandrov avoids it by throwing Tyson back against the ropes.
Alexandrov lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the ropes.
Alexandrov effectively controlling the action here.
A body shot lands from Alexandrov.
Alexandrov stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Alexandrov lands a body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alex Alexandrov clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Alex Alexandrov's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Alexandrov clinches.
Alexandrov stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
A hook to the body from Alexandrov.
Alexandrov scores with a shot to the side of Tyson's head.
Alexandrov digs a right hand underneath Tyson's ribcage. Tyson let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Alexandrov lands a nice shot to the body.
The referee is keeping an eye on Alexandrov - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Tyson swings wildly with an uppercut but Alexandrov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tyson lands a damaging elbow.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tyson struggles to land a body shot inside as Alexandrov controls his hands.

Alexandrov breaks from the clinch.
Tyson throws an overhand right that lands on Alexandrov's shoulder, as Alexandrov tries to avoid the shot.
Alexandrov is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Tyson.
Tyson on the wrong end of a nice hook.

Alexandrov rushes Tyson and pushes him back against the ropes in a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Alexandrov makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Tyson is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
With the fighters clinched against the ropes, Alexandrov creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Alexandrov works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Tyson struggles to land a body shot inside as Alexandrov controls his hands.
Alexandrov slows down the pace here.
Tyson struggles to land a body shot inside as Alexandrov controls his hands.

Alexandrov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Alexandrov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Tyson.
Mike Tyson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Tyson lands with a cross.

Alexandrov drives through and clinches with Tyson against the ropes.
A shot in the inside from Alexandrov.
Tyson is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Tyson tries to throw a body punch but Alexandrov avoids it by throwing Tyson back against the ropes.
Alexandrov scores with a shoulder strike.
Tyson can't find room to land a body shot as Alexandrov controls the action.
Alexandrov lands a body punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Alexandrov prevents a body shot from Tyson.
Alexandrov has Tyson pressed against the ropes.
Tyson prevents a body shot from Alexandrov.
Tyson tries to throw a body punch but Alexandrov avoids it by throwing Tyson back against the ropes.
Tyson is trying to break the clinch but Alexandrov has him pressed against the ropes.
Tyson can't break the clinch.
Alexandrov lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Tyson.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Alexandrov stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Tyson misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A left hand lands to the body for Alexandrov.
Alexandrov lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Tyson or not.
Alexandrov scores with a hook to the body.
A short body shot lands from Alexandrov as the two fighters clinch.
A left hand lands to the body for Alexandrov.
Alexandrov lands a body shot in the clinch.
Alexandrov lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Tyson or not.
Alexandrov slowing the pace effectively.
Alexandrov leaning his opponent against the ropes.
Alexandrov gets a warning from the ref for wasting time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alex Alexandrov had his way with Mike Tyson in that round.
The cut man is working on Alex Alexandrov's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Alexandrov fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Tyson, pushing him back against the ropes.
Tyson tries to circle away but Alexandrov has him pinned against the ropes.
Alexandrov presses Tyson against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Alexandrov digs a right hand into Tyson's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Tyson's gas tank.

Alexandrov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Alexandrov gets a clinch.
Tyson on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Alex Alexandrov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Tyson can't find room to land a body shot as Alexandrov controls the action.
Tyson misses with a body punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Alexandrov scores with a knee to the head.
Alexandrov struggles to land a body shot inside as Tyson controls his hands.
Alexandrov is stalling here.
Alexandrov lands a body shot in the clinch.
A short uppercut from Alexandrov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tyson is working Alexandrov over against the ropes.
Alexandrov will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Tyson up against the ropes.
Good body shot from Tyson.
Alexandrov lands a right hand.
Tyson can't find room to land a body shot as Alexandrov controls the action.
Alexandrov prevents Tyson from breaking the clinch.
Tyson tries to work over Alexandrov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Alexandrov manages to break the clinch.
Tyson throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Alexandrov lands with a good body shot.
Alexandrov fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Alexandrov moves in looking to clinch but Tyson pushes him off.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tyson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Alexandrov.

Alexandrov takes the fight into the clinch.
Tyson misses with a hook to the ribs.
Alexandrov prevents a body shot from Tyson.
Tyson can't find room to land a body shot as Alexandrov controls the action.
Tyson struggles to land a body shot inside as Alexandrov controls his hands.
Alexandrov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Tyson goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Tyson misses with an elbow strike.
Alexandrov avoiding damage.
Tyson misses with a punch to the body.
Tyson misses with a short punch on the inside.
Mike Tyson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Tyson lands with a light punch inside.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alex Alexandrov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Alexandrov, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 50:45
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 50:45
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alex Alexandrov!
Alex Alexandrov retains his heavyweight title!
After winning the bout, Alex Alexandrov thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.