PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight kickboxing rules bout between Michał Kowalkiewicz (ranked 2147 p4p, 22928 weight class) and Veli Ilkka Perkules (ranked 299 p4p, 660 weight class). Veli Ilkka Perkules acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the ring.

Kowalkiewicz
vs
Perkules

195 cm
26
188
11 - 3 - 0

187 cm
43
175
28 - 10 - 1

World class boxer
Insanely flexible

World class MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Michał Kowalkiewicz!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 28 - 10 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Veli Ilkka Perkules!
The judges for this bout are Patrick Alders, Paul Aken and Aafke Stam.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Perkules sizes up Kowalkiewicz with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Kowalkiewicz lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Perkules at a distance.
Kowalkiewicz with a jab.
Good standup being displayed there by Kowalkiewicz as he connects with a hook.
Perkules throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

Kowalkiewicz moves into the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Kowalkiewicz.

It looks like Veli Ilkka Perkules has been cut.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a punch to the body.
Kowalkiewicz tries to throw a body punch but Perkules avoids it by throwing Kowalkiewicz back against the ropes.
Kowalkiewicz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Perkules can't find room to land a body shot as Kowalkiewicz controls the action.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Kowalkiewicz.
Perkules landing knees to the head.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Kowalkiewicz swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kowalkiewicz goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Perkules pushes Kowalkiewicz back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.

Perkules pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Kowalkiewicz dips to his left and cracks Perkules with an uppercut!
Perkules lands the left hand.
Perkules throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kowalkiewicz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kowalkiewicz tries to clinch up but Perkules circles away and keeps his distance.
Crunch! Kowalkiewicz slams his shin into Perkules's torso.
A combination from Kowalkiewicz does no damage.
Perkules throws a wild body kick that Kowalkiewicz sees coming a mile off.
Kowalkiewicz is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Kowalkiewicz lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Perkules swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kowalkiewicz throws a quick counter head kick but Perkules was just out of range.

Kowalkiewicz clinches with his opponent.
Perkules stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
A head punch on the inside from Kowalkiewicz fails to land.
Kowalkiewicz prevents a body shot from Perkules.
Kowalkiewicz blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Perkules lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Perkules blocking some punches.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kowalkiewicz.
Perkules with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Perkules tries to circle away but Kowalkiewicz has him pinned against the ropes.
Perkules fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Perkules misses with some punches.
Perkules blocking some punches.
A body shot lands from Perkules.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kowalkiewicz doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kowalkiewicz is trying to stall.
Perkules lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Perkules with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Kowalkiewicz lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Kowalkiewicz lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Perkules backwards.
Perkules tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Perkules blocks a body shot from Kowalkiewicz.
Perkules lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Perkules misses with a body punch.
Perkules misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kowalkiewicz tries to stall but Perkules uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
A shot in the inside from Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz blocking some punches.
Kowalkiewicz lands with a light punch inside.
Kowalkiewicz scores with a shot to the side of Perkules's head.
Kowalkiewicz has a couple of punches blocked by Perkules.
Kowalkiewicz tries to stall but Perkules uses the opportunity to gain a better position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Perkules with a knee to the head.
Perkules scores with a shot to the side of Kowalkiewicz's head.
Kowalkiewicz blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Perkules has a couple of punches blocked by Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a punch on the inside.
Kowalkiewicz lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Perkules backwards.
Perkules tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kowalkiewicz's elbow.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Perkules misses with a punch on the inside.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Perkules as Kowalkiewicz tries to tie him up.
Kowalkiewicz blocking some punches.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Perkules.
Perkules doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kowalkiewicz working aggressively here.
Kowalkiewicz lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Perkules backwards.

Perkules escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kowalkiewicz throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Perkules looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Kowalkiewicz swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kowalkiewicz lands a leg kick that knocks Perkules off balance momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kowalkiewicz blocks the body kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kowalkiewicz tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Perkules tries to land a front kick but Kowalkiewicz steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Kowalkiewicz displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Perkules throws out the jab.
Kowalkiewicz misses with an uppercut.
Kowalkiewicz tries to clinch up but Perkules circles away and keeps his distance.
Kowalkiewicz tries to land a front kick but Perkules steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Perkules! But no joy.
Kowalkiewicz throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Perkules pivots, looking for a leg kick but Kowalkiewicz is out of range and Perkules settles back down.
Kowalkiewicz keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kowalkiewicz. Perkules does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kowalkiewicz wants to clinch up but Perkules keeps it at a distance.
Perkules takes a jab right on the kisser.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kowalkiewicz lands the left hand.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Michał Kowalkiewicz will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Veli Ilkka Perkules's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Kowalkiewicz moves into range and clinches up with Perkules.

Perkules breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kowalkiewicz is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Perkules takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Michał Kowalkiewicz seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kowalkiewicz tries to work over Perkules's front leg with a kick but Perkules checks it.
Perkules flicks out a counter leg kick but Kowalkiewicz steps away.
Kowalkiewicz fails in his attempt to clinch.
Perkules sizes up Kowalkiewicz with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Perkules lets loose with a powerful body kick. Kowalkiewicz will feel that in the morning.
Kowalkiewicz ducks under a wild hook from Perkules.
Perkules moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Kowalkiewicz tries to clinch there but Perkules circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kowalkiewicz fails to land with a series of punches.
Perkules misses with a looping right.
Good work by Kowalkiewicz as he checks the leg kick.
It looks like Kowalkiewicz has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
Kowalkiewicz gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kowalkiewicz displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a wild body shot.
Perkules tries to work over Kowalkiewicz's front leg with a kick but Kowalkiewicz checks it.
Kowalkiewicz looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Kowalkiewicz scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Perkules wants to slow Kowalkiewicz down by chopping away at his legs.
Kowalkiewicz rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Perkules counters with an outside leg kick.
Kowalkiewicz throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Perkules throws a sloppy head kick and Kowalkiewicz moves out of range easily.
Kowalkiewicz tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Perkules was well out of range. Poor timing from Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz walks into a jab.
Nice uppercut lands for Kowalkiewicz. That snapped Perkules's head back.

Kowalkiewicz rushes Perkules and presses him up against the ropes.
Perkules tries a knee to the head but Kowalkiewicz blocks it.
Kowalkiewicz tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A short left from Perkules.
Perkules throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kowalkiewicz blocks it with crossed arms.
Perkules lands a body shot in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Perkules misses with some punches.
Perkules blocks a body shot from Kowalkiewicz.

Perkules escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kowalkiewicz blocks a jab.
Kowalkiewicz digs a good body shot into Perkules's ribs.
Kowalkiewicz uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Perkules has time to react.
Kowalkiewicz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Perkules.
Kowalkiewicz is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Kowalkiewicz lands a nice looking body shot.
Kowalkiewicz lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Perkules takes one to the side of the head.
Perkules misses with a few strikes there.
Kowalkiewicz looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a two punch combination.
Kowalkiewicz tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in to close the distance. Perkules manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Kowalkiewicz looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Kowalkiewicz is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Perkules! But no joy.
Michał Kowalkiewicz is winning the standup battle so far.
Kowalkiewicz with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Perkules throws a quick inside leg kick.
Perkules throws a head kick but Kowalkiewicz moves out of range.
Perkules dips to his left and cracks Kowalkiewicz with an uppercut!
Kowalkiewicz throws a nice inside leg kick.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a low kick.
Kowalkiewicz throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Kowalkiewicz tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Perkules paws at him with a jab and circles away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kowalkiewicz fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Perkules.
A jab from Perkules misses.
Kowalkiewicz was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Perkules.
Perkules checks a low kick from Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz throws an off balance right hand
and Perkules counters with a thumping low kick.
Kowalkiewicz bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kowalkiewicz tried to counter with a leg kick but Perkules avoided it.
Kowalkiewicz takes a swing at Perkules's ribcage but misses.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a body kick.
Perkules moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Perkules lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Kowalkiewicz has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Kowalkiewicz and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Perkules keeps the fight on the outside.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Perkules! But no joy.
Kowalkiewicz tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Kowalkiewicz takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Perkules finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Veli Ilkka Perkules will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Veli Ilkka Perkules's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business.

Perkules swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Perkules on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Perkules wants to land a leg kick but Kowalkiewicz is out of range.
Perkules throws a chopping leg kick but Kowalkiewicz manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Kowalkiewicz scores with a punch to the head.
Perkules throws a looping overhand right but Kowalkiewicz ducks down to avoid it.
A quick step to the side and Kowalkiewicz tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Perkules misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz tries to score with a low kick but Perkules moves his leg out of the way.
A head kick from Kowalkiewicz lands but Perkules takes it in his stride.
Perkules uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kowalkiewicz.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Perkules throws a hook to the side of Kowalkiewicz's head but Kowalkiewicz sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Perkules closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Perkules does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Perkules tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Perkules takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kowalkiewicz thows a left - swing and a miss!
Perkules blocks a head kick by Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Perkules.

Kowalkiewicz has taken the fight to the clinch.
Perkules misses with a punch on the inside.
Perkules misses with some punches.
Kowalkiewicz takes a shot to the head.
Kowalkiewicz lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kowalkiewicz tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Perkules misses with a hook to the ribs.
Perkules misses with a punch on the inside.
A nice left hand lands by Kowalkiewicz.
Perkules has a couple of punches blocked by Kowalkiewicz.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Perkules lands with a short head shot on the inside.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Perkules landing knees to the head.
Perkules throws a head punch that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Perkules tries a body shot but Kowalkiewicz blocks it.
Kowalkiewicz throws a head punch that misses.
Kowalkiewicz misses with some punches.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a punch on the inside.
Perkules blocks a body shot from Kowalkiewicz.
Perkules misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A short right from Kowalkiewicz on the inside.
Perkules lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Perkules using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kowalkiewicz has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Perkules connects with a nasty looking knee right to Kowalkiewicz's face.
Kowalkiewicz lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Perkules lands with a short punch from the clinch.

Perkules escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kowalkiewicz closes the distance but Perkules moves to the side
and Perkules cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kowalkiewicz misses with an uppercut. Perkules saw that one coming.
Kowalkiewicz throws a body punch but Perkules moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Perkules misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Perkules lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Kowalkiewicz at a distance.
Perkules takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Kowalkiewicz tries to land a front kick but Perkules steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
A lazy body kick from Perkules
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Kowalkiewicz!
Kowalkiewicz lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Perkules backs up against the ropes.
Kowalkiewicz lands with an uppercut that bounces Perkules off the ropes and back into range.

Kowalkiewicz clinches with his opponent.
Kowalkiewicz lands a hook that snaps the head of Perkules backwards.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Perkules has a couple of punches blocked by Kowalkiewicz.
Perkules throws a knee to the head but misses.
Perkules working aggressively here.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Perkules.
Nice body punch from Kowalkiewicz - that landed with a thud.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Perkules throws a punch but it's blocked by Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz has a couple of punches blocked by Perkules.

Perkules escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Perkules connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Kowalkiewicz fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Perkules looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Perkules moves forwards but Kowalkiewicz connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Kowalkiewicz throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kowalkiewicz throws a hook but Perkules avoids it easily.
Kowalkiewicz throws a push kick but Perkules slaps the foot to one side.
Perkules looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Kowalkiewicz tries to clinch up but Perkules circles away and keeps his distance.
Kowalkiewicz connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Perkules uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kowalkiewicz.
Perkules let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Kowalkiewicz is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Michał Kowalkiewicz clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Veli Ilkka Perkules's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Kowalkiewicz misses with a wild body shot.
Kowalkiewicz moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Kowalkiewicz turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Kowalkiewicz defending well as Perkules loads up on a big left hand.
Perkules walks into a jab.
The crowd cheers as Kowalkiewicz lands an impressive looking overhand right. Perkules doesn't seem phased though.
A decent looking cross lands there for Perkules.
Perkules takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Kowalkiewicz takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Kowalkiewicz pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kowalkiewicz lands with an uppercut that bounces Perkules off the ropes and back into range.
Perkules changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Perkules takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
A jab from Perkules misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kowalkiewicz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kowalkiewicz motions for Perkules to come forward. Kowalkiewicz throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Kowalkiewicz throws the left hand but Perkules avoids the punch easily.
Kowalkiewicz is looking to clinch but Perkules is avoiding it.
Perkules swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Perkules fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

Kowalkiewicz gets a clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Perkules fails to land.
Perkules misses with a hook from the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Perkules.
Perkules misses with a punch to the body.
Kowalkiewicz swings wildly with an uppercut but Perkules uses good head movement to avoid it.
Perkules lands with a left to the head.
A shot in the inside from Perkules.
Kowalkiewicz can't find room to land a body shot as Perkules controls the action.
Perkules prevents a body shot from Kowalkiewicz.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kowalkiewicz stalling in the clinch but Perkules improves position.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Perkules as Kowalkiewicz tries to tie him up.
Maybe Kowalkiewicz would be better served going for some more strikes rather than trying to control so much.
Perkules lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Perkules blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kowalkiewicz is trying to maintain a safe position but Perkules gets an underhook and turns Kowalkiewicz into the ropes.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a punch to the body.
Perkules lands a hook that snaps the head of Kowalkiewicz backwards.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kowalkiewicz throws a head punch that misses.
Perkules tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Perkules misses with a knee strike.

Perkules breaks from the clinch.
Kowalkiewicz lands a jab to the nose.
Kowalkiewicz finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Perkules avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kowalkiewicz tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Perkules paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Perkules looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.

Kowalkiewicz clinches with his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Perkules has a couple of punches blocked by Kowalkiewicz.
A short left from Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz lands a left hand that snaps the head of Perkules backwards.
Kowalkiewicz looking to stall.

Perkules's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Perkules takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Perkules has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Kowalkiewicz lands a head shot.
Perkules avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Kowalkiewicz backing away here, and Perkules unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Perkules misses with an uppercut.
Perkules fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Perkules avoids the head kick by Kowalkiewicz.
Perkules looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Kowalkiewicz lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Kowalkiewicz ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Perkules moves away.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Perkules.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kowalkiewicz connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Perkules's hands.
Perkules throws a half hearted mid kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Good leg kick by Perkules.
Kowalkiewicz lands a slapping body shot.
Kowalkiewicz smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Kowalkiewicz moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Perkules pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

Perkules tries to keep at a distance but Kowalkiewicz has taken the fight into the clinch.
Perkules lands a nice uppercut.
Kowalkiewicz throws a punch but it's blocked by Perkules.
Perkules with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Perkules lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Perkules lands a body shot.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Kowalkiewicz working aggressively here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Michał Kowalkiewicz will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Veli Ilkka Perkules's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Kowalkiewicz shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Kowalkiewicz uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Perkules.
Kowalkiewicz was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Perkules misses with a leg kick
and Kowalkiewicz counters with a two punch combo.
Perkules swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Perkules looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Perkules throws a half hearted mid kick.
Perkules throws out a powerful jab.
Kowalkiewicz lands with an uppercut that bounces Perkules off the ropes and back into range.
Kowalkiewicz avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Perkules keeps the fight on the outside.
Perkules ducks right into an uppercut from Kowalkiewicz.
Good work by Kowalkiewicz as he checks the leg kick.
Perkules swats away the attempt to clinch by Kowalkiewicz.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kowalkiewicz throws a body kick that misses.

Kowalkiewicz closes the distance and clinches.
Perkules lands with a light punch inside.
Perkules's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Perkules misses with some punches.
A shot in the inside from Perkules.
Veli Ilkka Perkules seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Perkules works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Kowalkiewicz wants to stall.
Perkules misses with some punches.
Kowalkiewicz tries to work over Perkules's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Perkules lands with a left to the head.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a punch to the body.
Kowalkiewicz throws a punch but it's blocked by Perkules.
A shot in the inside from Perkules.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kowalkiewicz throws a head punch that misses.
Veli Ilkka Perkules has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Perkules pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Kowalkiewicz tries to clinch but Perkules is having none of it.
Perkules takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Some bone on bone action there as Perkules checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Perkules pulls out of a head kick attempt.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kowalkiewicz tries to land a body kick
and Perkules counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Perkules checks a low kick from Kowalkiewicz.
Perkules swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Perkules throws a nice outside leg kick.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a kick to the body
letting Perkules counter with a right hand.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Perkules cracks Kowalkiewicz with a nice body shot.
Still in the clinch, Perkules scores with a nice short uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kowalkiewicz is trying to maintain a safe position but Perkules gets an underhook and turns Kowalkiewicz into the ropes.
Perkules lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!

Kowalkiewicz is rocked!
Kowalkiewicz throws a punch but it's blocked by Perkules.
Kowalkiewicz tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Perkules's elbow.
Perkules pushes Kowalkiewicz back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Oh Kowalkiewicz is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Kowalkiewicz misses with a punch to the body.
Perkules fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Perkules looking to throw knees to the head but Kowalkiewicz is blocking nicely.
Kowalkiewicz seems to have got his legs back now.
Kowalkiewicz lands a right hand that snaps the head of Perkules backwards.

Perkules manages to break the clinch.
Kowalkiewicz tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in to close the distance. Perkules manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Perkules scores with a punch to the head.

Kowalkiewicz clinches up with Perkules and pushes him back against the ropes.
Kowalkiewicz struggles to land a body shot inside as Perkules controls his hands.
Kowalkiewicz makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Perkules blocking some punches.
Perkules lands with a short shot to the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kowalkiewicz tries a body shot but Perkules blocks it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Perkules with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a punch on the inside.
Kowalkiewicz throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Perkuless head.
Kowalkiewicz pushes Perkules back against the ropes and unloads with a body punch.
Perkules prevents a body shot from Kowalkiewicz.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a hook to the ribs.
Perkules is trying to force a seperation but Kowalkiewicz has the dominant position.
Still in the clinch, Kowalkiewicz scores with a nice short uppercut.
Perkules swings wildly with an uppercut but Kowalkiewicz uses good head movement to avoid it.
Perkules lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Kowalkiewicz backwards.
Kowalkiewicz lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Perkules lands a right hand.
Perkules throws a knee to the head but misses.
A short body shot lands from Perkules as the two fighters clinch.
Kowalkiewicz misses with a punch on the inside.
Michał Kowalkiewicz is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Kowalkiewicz blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kowalkiewicz lands on the inside with an uppercut.

And that's the end of the fight!
Veli Ilkka Perkules comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Kowalkiewicz has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Patrick Alders scores the fight 48:47
Judge Paul Aken scores the fight 48:47
Judge Aafke Stam scores the fight 49:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Michał Kowalkiewicz!
Michał Kowalkiewicz retains his welterweight title!