Bottier is showing Akinwande a lot of respect. Probably more than he deserves at this point in the fight.
The crowd here tonight is really vocal and making their presence known.
Bottier ties up Akinwande...
Let's hope this does not turn into a wrestling match.
Bottier pushes Akinwande away!
Bottier takes a step back and reaches toward his head. There's blood, but it didn't come from a punch.
Bottier cut Akinwande under the left eye with that last punch.
Bottier seems to be protecting his body which is leaving his head vulnerable. He doesn't like body shots but I don't know anyone that does.
Bottier throws a flurry of punches but Akinwande either blocks or slips them.
Akinwande lands a smashing combo!
Bottier was staggered by that punch...
Julio Alvarado is encouraging Akinwande and Bottier to mix it up a little and give these fans the fight that they came here to see.
Neither of these fighter ever gives up during the fight. They always ready to go the distance if need be.
Bottier throws a leaping shot that fails to hit the target.
Bottier backs into the left corner.
Akinwande suddenly goes southpaw and tries to find an opening. But his punches miss from this side too. Now he goes back to his orthodox stance.
Bottier shoots the right home. That's a sneaky punch.
Julio Alvarado is really doing a good job of controlling this fight. He's making sure that these fighters keep it clean.
Bottier backs into the corner.
Considering the grasp Akinwande has on Bottier it looks like he wants to dance with him, not fight him. Bottier pushes him away.
Bottier lets go with a hook but Akinwande blocks it and then he scores with a hook of his own!
Bottier put on a good show at the pre-fight press conference but so far tonight his performance has not backed that talk up.
Julio Alvarado warns Akinwande for holding and hitting, although he is doing a lot more holding than hitting.
Bottier tries to double up on the jab but neither hit the mark.
Akinwande lands a solid shot to the head and follows up with a better one! he can be very effective when he remembers to throw his punches in combinations.
Bottier's either lucky or has radar. Akinwande's last punch missed landing by a fraction of an inch!
The round is over and the crowd is jeering and unless they want to hear more of it, these two fighters better start throwing some punches.
Both fighters look ready to go as Round 3 begins with the ringing of the bell.
Bottier's corner is shouting at him to stay off the ropes.
The two fighters have chosen to work on the inside and it's Akinwande who scores with a short hook to chest.
Akinwande likes to use the hook but he'd better get a little closer when he throws it or Bottier's going to beat him to the punch and hurt him!
There seems to be more moving and clinching than we anticipated from these two. We didn't expect this bout to turn into a chess match.
Akinwande grabs Bottier. If this were football, there'd be penalty flag thrown for holding.
The Referee breaks it up...
Each fighter is measuring the other. Now Akinwande lets his hands go and scores several quick punches to the head of Bottier
There's some nice hand speed. Akinwande fired off a volley of shots, several of which scored.
Bottier comes in low. Akinwande puts a headlock on him. Julio Alvarado knocks Akinwande's arm off Bottier's head.
It's a knowledgeable crowd tonight. They are letting the fighters know they want to see some action and when it slows down they are quick with their show of displeasure.
Bottier moves into left corner.
Akinwande bobs and weaves his way inside and lets his hands go, scoring with a hook.
Akinwande fires a volley of punches but Bottier was already moving laterally and was out of harm's way by the time Akinwande started punching.
There's lot of headhunting going on this round. Both fighters are looking for a quick stoppage to the fight.
Akinwande fires a straight right. He split the gloves with that punch.
Bottier is telegraphing his punches making it pretty easy for Akinwande to avoid them. He is going to have to disguise his attempts a little.
Akinwande has been watching too much wrestling. He's clinching.
Referee Julio Alvarado has to separate the two...
Akinwande seems to want this win big time. It could help move him up in the rankings and set up some lucrative paydays.
Akinwande seems to be getting his shots off first, but how many are landing is hard to tell.
The cross scores for Akinwande. He needs to throw that punch more often.
A little taunting by Bottier could come back to haunt him if he isn't careful. No fighter likes to be shown disrespect, especially in front of a crowd.
Akinwande seems really focused on what he's doing this round.
Bottier's motioning with his gloves for Akinwande to bring it on, but Bottier's not being overly aggressive himself right now.
Bottier hitches up his trunks. He'd better be careful. He may get nailed while his hands are down.
Bottier tries to muscle inside but Akinwande clinches him. Julio Alvarado moves in to break the clinch.
Julio Alvarado motions the fighters to their corners as the bell sounds to end Round 3.
The crowd is up and standing as the fighters come out for the beginning of Round 4.
Bottier tries to push Akinwande back in an attempt to gain room to punch.
The two men continue to measure one another.
Akinwande scores with a hook to the body but he misses when he tries to double up with it.
Both fighters are working the angles, looking to get the upper hand in this contest.
Akinwande is talking a good fight in the ring right now but is not following it up with much action.
Akinwande dances out of a corner, as Bottier attempts to trap him.
Bottier can't find the range with that punch.
A right cross from Akinwande gets through Bottier's guard.
There's a combination of punches from Akinwande that score big.
The crowd is reacting to every punch thrown, whether it scores or not.
Akinwande pins Bottier in the corner!
A flurry of punches are exchanged between the two fighters. It appears as if Akinwande has gotten the better of the exchange.
Neither fighter seems to be anxious to mix it up. They've been a little overly cautious so far this round.
Akinwande can't win this fight if he just throws one punch at a time. Whoa, he must be listening to the broadcast because he just unloaded a flurry of punches and several scored cleanly.
Quick hands and feet can take you far in this game. Of course, having a good chin helps!
The fighters are jockeying for position as both men try to gain the advantage here in round 4.
Akinwande backs into his own corner...
Akinwande picks off the jab thrown by Bottier.
Akinwande sneaks in a quick uppercut that lands cleanly.
Bottier fires a left hand that Akinwande takes high on the shoulder.
Akinwande throws an uppercut from way outside. It lands but he's lucky! That's a dangerous punch to throw unless you're in close.
Both fighters need to close the distance between them.
Akinwande connects with an uppercut. he can make good use of that punch if he can get inside.
I think Julio Alvarado could be doing a little more tonight to get a little more action out of these fighters.
Bottier slides into a neutral corner...
Akinwande rams the jab into the chest of Bottier. He's making very effective use of that punch.
Julio Alvarado motions the fighters together as the bell sounds to begin Round 5.
Akinwande is looking to his corner for instructions. he has to be careful, he can't keep his eyes off Bottier too long.
Akinwande pumps a solid jab into the face of Akinwande; now he tries to move inside behind the punch.
There's a pause in the action as both fighters regroup.
There's a lot of excitement surrounding this fight. The fans are really in to it.
Akinwande doubles up on the hook, scoring cleanly to the body and head of Bottier.
Julio Alvarado is telling Akinwande to quit hitting with the back of his glove.
Akinwande gets inside and fires a hook to the Bottier's body.
Both fighters take a half-step back.
The crowd wants more action but I don't know if they are ever satisfied with what is going on in the ring.
Both fighters want to work inside for the moment. Akinwande has his head on Bottier's chest and blasts home a hook.
The crowd here tonight is really vocal and making their presence known.
Look at that subtle shoulder movement. See how Akinwande rolls them? That throws off your opponent's timing.
Akinwande voluntarily moves onto the ropes.
Bottier's motioning with his gloves for Akinwande to bring it on, but Bottier's not being overly aggressive himself right now.
Akinwande fires a shot, but it glances off Bottier's shoulder.
Both fighters are working the angles, looking to get the upper hand in this contest.
Akinwande is just missing by a hair with his punches.
Bottier misses with that punch.
Akinwande lands a tremendous shot under Bottier's ribcage and Bottier crumbles to the canvas.
The count starts...
1...
2...
3...
4...
5...
6...
7...
Bottier is back on his feet!
He now has to take the mandatory 8.
Julio Alvarado asks Bottier if he wants to continue...he nods that he can.
Bottier is definitely in trouble. Akinwande needs to pick his shots and he can knock him out right now.
Bottier moves into a neutral corner.
Akinwande wings a big left hand at Bottier but the latter sidesteps the punch.
Akinwande lands two quick, hard uppercuts that make Bottier take a half step backwards.
Akinwande is raining blows on the obviously hurt Bottier. Akinwande wants to take the decision out of the hands of the judges and he has a chance to do just that!
Bottier retreats into his own corner...
Akinwande misses with the jab. He lets go with a left and that fails to find its mark, either.
It looks like Akinwande has a pretty solid lead at this stage of the fight.
Akinwande moves slowly back to his corner at the sound of the bell, ending Round 5.
Akinwande was a little slow getting off his stool this round.
Bottier seems really focused on what he's doing this round.
Akinwande fires and misses.
The fighters are tangled up inside. Bottier has a hand free and lands a little uppercut.
Bottier looks like he could go ten more rounds.
Akinwande gets his head on the chest of Bottier. He tries to outmuscle him on the inside. Akinwande scores with a nice short hook to the head.
Julio Alvarado is halting the fight and warning Akinwande for using an open glove. Akinwande is pleading his case but to no avail.
Julio Alvarado has taken a point away from Akinwande!
Bottier is starting to suck wind...
Julio Alvarado is getting too involved in the fight and is becoming more of a factor than a referee is suppose to be.
Bottier is looking to his corner for instructions. he has to be careful, he can't keep his eyes off Akinwande too long.
Akinwande pins Bottier's arms!
The fighters are tied up...
Bottier tries to get free...
Here comes Julio Alvarado to break them up...
These guys are giving head feints, faking jabs, doing everything but throwing punches.
Akinwande takes a half step back as he tries to create some punching room.
Akinwande traps Bottier in the corner!
Akinwande misses with what looked like a backhand. he's lucky. If that had landed, he might have drawn a warning.
The crowd is reacting to every punch thrown, whether it scores or not.
Akinwande needs to catch his second wind this round. He seems to be laboring a bit in the ring.
Akinwande just landed a three punch combo!!!
Bottier is trying to reach for the ropes!
His legs have turned to jelly!
There's lot of headhunting going on this round. Both fighters are looking for a quick stoppage to the fight.
Bottier is forced into his own corner...
Akinwande lands a vicious jab and down goes Bottier!
Julio Alvarado stands over Bottier and begins the count...
1...
2...
3...
4...
5...
6...
7...
8...
Bottier is back on his feet!
He looks shaken...
Julio Alvarado is allowing the fight to continue. Bottier looks real shaken to us, however.
Akinwande knows that Bottier is in a world of hurt. His Killer Instinct has kicked in and he's firing away at Bottier.
Akinwande appears to be in better shape, physically, at this stage of the fight than Bottier.
Last round's knockdown doesn't appear to have had any carry over here in Round 6.
The two men are bumping heads as they wrestle on the inside. Now, Akinwande lands a short uppercut to the chin of Bottier.
Akinwande has hurt Bottier. Now let's see what kind of finisher Akinwande is.
Bottier is really taking a pounding. This fight can't go on much longer.
Bottier slides into the corner...
Akinwande lets his hands go but his punches land on the arms of Bottier.
Both fighters are pawing with the jab, trying to find an opening. Akinwande digs a quick hook into the exposed side of Bottier.
Akinwande appears to have Bottier out on his feet. I'm not sure which of those last few punches hurt him so badly but Bottier suddenly looks ready to go. Akinwande has a real chance to end this fight.
Watch Akinwande move. He is darting in and out, in and out, keeping Bottier off balance.
Akinwande is gliding around the ring like it's his own personal dance floor.
Oh, thereÆs nothing like a knockdown to bring a crowd to itÆs feet and those in attendance here are cheering loudly as the round closes.
No one seems to be leaving their seats. This fight has caught everyone's attention.
There are some good people working Akinwande's corner this fight. A good corner can go a long way in which fighter eventually comes out on top.
Bottier moves into corner.
Julio Alvarado tries to separate the boxers but Akinwande has a vice-like grip on Bottier.
Julio Alvarado has to pull the fighters away from each other as Akinwande locks up Bottier's arms.
Akinwande reels backward from what looked like a head butt!
Blood is running from under the right eye of Akinwande again.
Julio Alvarado is giving Akinwande a warning for head butting.
Akinwande's corner is shouting at him to stay off the ropes.
Akinwande is loading up on his punches. A quick end to this fight would really please him.
Akinwande is holding on to Bottier. He seems to be taking a breather. Julio Alvarado moves them apart.
Both fighters need to close the distance between them.
Akinwande grabs Bottier's head, pulls it down, into his chest. Julio Alvarado has to force Akinwande to let go.
The two men are posturing and neither fighter is making a move to fight. The fans are quick to voice their displeasure.
Akinwande lands to the chest and neck of Bottier.
Akinwande tries a straight right that's blocked by the gloves of Bottier.
That knockdown that occurred last round hasn't made Bottier change his style.
As high as Akinwande is holding his gloves he is leaving his body wide open to a damaging body punch if Bottier takes advantage of it.
Akinwande grabs and holds Bottier...
Referee Julio Alvarado separates the two...
Bottier is trying to find his timing. Punches that were finding the mark before are missing now.
They're coming back to the center of the ring now...
Akinwande gives a nice head feint and then lands a hook to the head of Bottier which made him blink.
Some rounds tonight, these guys have looked like champions. Other rounds you have to wonder if we are seeing the best these guys have to offer.
Akinwande is telegraphing his punches making it pretty easy for Bottier to avoid them. He is going to have to disguise his attempts a little.
Bottier charges in but Akinwande avoids the rush.
Both fighters are trying but neither fighter is having much success cutting off the ring this round.
Akinwande is clinching...
Bottier is trying to free his gloves...
They are under Akinwande's arms...
Julio Alvarado separates the two...
The fighters appear to have clashed heads during that last exchange.
Julio Alvarado is halting the fight and warning Akinwande for head butting. Akinwande is pleading his case but to no avail.
Julio Alvarado takes a point away from Akinwande!
As the round concludes, the crowdÆs still buzzing over the knockdown registered this round. If they werenÆt in the fight before, they certainly are now!
The bell starts the action as Akinwande and Bottier leave their corners.
Bottier is talking a good fight in the ring right now but is not following it up with much action.
Bottier clamps Akinwande's arms to his side and holds on until Julio Alvarado breaks the hold.
Akinwande's corner is shouting at him to stay off the ropes.
Both fighters have had their moments this fight.
These guys are giving head feints, faking jabs, doing everything but throwing punches.
There's a lead right hand that finds its mark. That can be a dangerous punch. Bottier better be careful when he throws that one.
There's lot of headhunting going on this round. Both fighters are looking for a quick stoppage to the fight.
Akinwande lands a solid uppercut!
He made Bottier blink with that shot!
Akinwande wants to end this fight right now. Whether or not he can do it is another story.
Akinwande scores to both the head and body and then moves away.
Akinwande has Bottier in a world of trouble. Let's see if he can finish him here in the 9.
Akinwande lands a double left, one to the head and one to the body.
Akinwande senses that he can end this fight now if he can just land a few more punches.
Akinwande is trying to keep his hands moving on the inside. Oh! He rocks Bottier with a hard uppercut that lands flush on the point of the chin.
There's time for Akinwande to finish Bottier if he can do it.
Akinwande gets in close and comes straight up to the chin of Bottier with an uppercut.
Bottier's suffered a delayed reaction to that last punch. He lurched forward and his legs look bad. Akinwande needs to capitalize on this moment because he can end this thing right now.
Akinwande is holding...
Bottier pushes Akinwande away.
Akinwande goes to the head, the body and now back to the head. That was a beautiful sequence of punches.
The crowd is reacting to every punch thrown, whether it scores or not.
Akinwande backs into a neutral corner.
Bottier wraps his arms around Akinwande. Julio Alvarado has to break them apart.
Akinwande slides into his own corner...
Bottier has his arms wrapped around Akinwande...
Now they separate.
Julio Alvarado has to separate the two...
ThereÆs nothing in a fight thatÆs more dramatic than a knockdown and this crowdÆs reaction demonstrates that. TheyÆre still buzzing here at the roundÆs end.
The crowd would like to see a knockout as the bell sounds for Round 10, the final round of the fight.
Akinwande got quite a pep talk in his corner; we'll see if Gregorio Benitez's instructions work.
Both fighters need to close the distance between them.
Bottier lands the right hand. he's pretty effective with that punch when he sets it up right.
The two men are posturing and neither fighter is making a move to fight. The fans are quick to voice their displeasure.
Neither fighter is showing signs of fatigue or wear and tear this round.
Akinwande is giving Bottier a lot of side-to-side movement
Akinwande lands the lead right.
Bottier's left eye is bloodied by Akinwande the gash is over the eye so it could bother his vision.
The two men continue to measure one another.
Bottier takes a half step back as he tries to create some punching room.
Bottier retreats into a neutral corner.
Akinwande is turning this fight into a clinching-holding affair as he continues to wrap his arms around Bottier.
There have been times tonight that Bottier has looked like an artist in the ring, a real Picasso.
Both fighters are trying but neither fighter is having much success cutting off the ring this round.
Akinwande just landed a short, clean jab that caught Bottier flush.
Bottier dropped like he'd been shot.
Julio Alvarado begins the count...
1...
2...
3...
4...
5...
6...
7...
8...
9...
Bottier is back on his feet!
He looks shaken...
Julio Alvarado is allowing the fight to continue. Bottier looks real shaken to us, however.
Akinwande takes a long look at Bottier to see if he's playing possum. Akinwande is starting to pour it on so he must believe that he's really hurt Bottier.
Punch and move, punch and move, Akinwande will do it all night if Bottier doesn't take the offensive.
Akinwande gets inside and fires a hook to the Bottier's body.
Akinwande has Bottier reeling. Akinwande can win the fight right now if he doesn't get sloppy and just flail away.
Bottier is pinned in his own corner...
Akinwande rips off a series of jabs that score! Bottier eats them and tries to bull his way inside but Akinwande quickly ties him up. Now, they separate.
Akinwande hurt Bottier with that last shot! He's got him on wobbly legs.
Akinwande has Bottier pinned!
The corner is yelling at Akinwande to be busier. Maybe he heard them because he just got off a nasty combination of punches that hurt Bottier.
Akinwande stunned Bottier with that last ripping shot and Akinwande's killer instinct has kicked in. This might be his best chance at ending the fight.
Akinwande pins Bottier in the corner!
Akinwande fires a lead right that Bottier manages to avoid.
A cross lands for Akinwande. Bottier didn't see that one coming.
Bottier's game but he's taking a lot of hard, hard blows to the head and body. This fight could end any second now.
That's the bell ending the fight and leaving the outcome in the hands of the judges.
