Match of the Millennium

Description: The new season of Neo League kicks into full gear as the host of the season lays down an open challenge. One that is accepted by Cody. A hard hitting affair between two powerhouses that starts the season off with a bang.

[ANTONOV]
The new season of Neo League is in full swing, but it has hardly started with a bang. After the annoucement that Antonov would be host and the mention of increasing the prize money he suspected people near and far would jump at a chance to do battle for fun and profit. It has yet to be any of that and that is why the Russian is set to fix things himself.

Camera crews are out in full force and part of the bridge has been roped off to allow for a decent sized area to fight in. Standing in the middle of it with a microphone is the giant Russian with cigar clenched between his teeth. He is dressed in simple white slacks, white boots and a rather gaudy belt that looks more like a wrestling title. On the main plate of the belt are the words 'Neo League' on the center.

"Let the open challenge for the evening begin! Come one and come all! Do not be afraid as this is a friendly competition!" Even with that being said people don't seem too keen on taking on the seven footer and he is left looking a bit of a mix of embarassed and annoyed given the cameras are rolling. "No one? Anyone!?"

[CODY]
"Right here, Boris," a voice calls sardonically.

The crowd parts as Cody makes his way up to the huge Russian. Wearing his prison jumpsuit and cuffs, he looks rather bedraggled. He hasn't even shaved or washed his hair yet. When he heard that the Neo League's big time showrunner was in Egypt, well, he had to see for himself. Even if it meant busting out of prison once again, stowing away on a ship, and basically throwing himself in a foreign country whose language he doesn't even understand.

He scratches at his stubble and gives Antonov a bored look. "You're taller than I thought you were. Well, maybe you'll do something about my boredom."

[ANTONOV]
"Hmm?"

Antonov turns about and sees Cody emergy from the crowd and he raises a brow. "Boris? No no, it is Antonov!" he corrects and didn't realize Cody got his name wrong on purpose. He looks over the rather scruffy convict for a few long moments before nodding. "Very well. The challenge has been accepted!"

He gives a nod to one of the officials outside of the ring and there is a ringing of a bell to signal the official start of the fight. "Bored? Well we can't have that! Here is to a good fight!" He calls out while cracking his knuckles then flexing a few times.

COMBATSYS: Cody has started a fight here.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Cody             0/-------/------=|

COMBATSYS: Antonov has joined the fight here.

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Cody             0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0          Antonov

[CODY]
"Better be. Sleeping for days in a ship's hold is pretty rough," Cody remarks, rolling his neck before he assumes his stance, raising his arms like a boxer - although his whole body language is loose, almost unconcerned, unlike a professional's.

"Oh, wait a sec..." Cody abruptly drops his stance as he walks closer to Antonov. "Before we do this, lemme tie my shoe first, alright?" Cody bends down as if to indeed, tie his shoe...but this is merely a ruse. He suddenly rises up fast, to headbutt Antonov under his jaw like a speeding bullet.

COMBATSYS: Cody successfully hits Antonov with Quick Strike.
- Power hit! -

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Cody             0/-------/-----==|===----\-------\0          Antonov

[ANTONOV]
"What? You should have requested a plane ticket or such! Well now that explains the appearance!" He readies himself only to pause for a moment. He isn't one to strike an opponent before they are fully ready. He is perhaps too kind because he falls for Cody's little ruse hook like and sinker.

Head meets chin with enough force it knocks Antonov's head backwards as he spits out the cigar in his mouth as he staggers back and flails about to regain his footing without falling over completely. "Oh ho! I see...." he rubs his chin which is already bleeding from a gash created by that big headbutt.

He reaches for the belt and after seeming to hit something it flips open to reveal more cigars under the front plate. He takes one before closing the compartment and places the cigar in his mouth without lighting it. "Shame on me!" He says with a bit of a chortle before stepping forward dashing in as he clenches a fist and looks to drive it into the stomach of Cody.

COMBATSYS: Cody blocks Antonov's Whale Stream.

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Cody             0/-------/---====|===----\-------\0          Antonov

[CODY]
Cody smirks and throws his hands up. "Hey, it ain't a real fight unless anything goes," he remarks unashamedly. He then resumes his stance, and watches as Antonov dashes in for a punch to the gut. Cody brings his arms in protectively, letting them absorb the blow as his triceps are pushed against his chest. He can feel the power in the punch, but stays on his feet. In retaliation, he makes a grab for the big man's shoulders, throwing out two knee strikes to the gut before turning to toss him away.

COMBATSYS: Antonov interrupts Crime Throw from Cody with Gigantic Back Press.

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////        ]
Cody             1/---====/=======|=======\-------\0          Antonov

[ANTONOV]
Given Antonov has a bit of a grin on his face it seems like he isn't really bothered by the ruse as a whole. In the end he wants a good fight and fighting someone that is willing to take risks is just fine. "It's all fine!" he says while up close.

He then gets grabbed and he tenses up as the knees slam into his gut. There is a grunt each time the knee connects, but Antonov is a sturdy man and Cody finds it hard to toss Antonov away afterwards. Instead the Russian uses his own strength to break the grapple and stagger back a few steps before pushing off a foot.

He turns about as his arms raise and he gives a mighty flex. He flings himself back first to crash into Cody with all his might before landing on his feet and posing a bit for the crowd. "I have been known to have a few surprises myself!"

[CODY]
Cody struggles to even move this man mountain; he should have figured. He's been up against really big guys lately. He pays for this error in judgement when Antonov flexes like a magazine model and slams into him, back first. Cody has fought all manner of people, but he can't recall anyone that uses their back like that. The wind is knocked out of him as the giant slams him, and the convict is sent sprawling backwards, landing and rolling on the bridge's ground.

Chest aching, he gets back up, grunting as he touches a spot on his head that is now wet with blood from impact with the concrete. "Okay, that's a new one. Let's see you dance, big man." Cody reaches into his left sleeve and pulls out a knife. To be more accurate, a butter knife that has been sharpened. He tosses the shiv up and catches it immediately as he walks back into position. There is a glint in his eye, and he rushes Antonov, the knife flashing out as he swipes at him numerous times all over. During this dance of blades, he seems to toss the knife between hands on the end of some of the swings to further trip his opponent up.

COMBATSYS: Antonov blocks Cody's Rapid Fire.

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////////         ]
Cody             0/-------/----===|=======\===----\1          Antonov

[ANTONOV]
Like most big men at least Antonov doesn't seem like he is too quick on his feet which is something Cody can easily use to his advantage. "Sometimes being creative is the best way to catch an opponent off guard." he says with a chuckle then raises a brow. "Dance? Well after the fight we c-"

He soon realizes what Cody really meant and he gets a bit more of a serious look when the convict comes in with that knife and starts to slash. It is almost comical the way the big Russian does shift and dance about trying to avoid being full on stabbed. He does well enough, but there are cuts here and there along his arms and torso from where he didn't fully avoid the knife. "Oh ho! I see. You are an interesting one. What is your name?"

It might be better if he actually gave Cody a moment to try and respond. Instead he is looking to just pick Cody up and if he can get a good handle on the men twist about to heft him off the ground and toss him like a lawn dart.

COMBATSYS: Cody interrupts Medium Throw from Antonov with Zonk Knuckle.

[             \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////////             ]
Cody             0/-------/-======|=======\=====--\1          Antonov

[CODY]
Cody is picked up like a sack of potatoes, feeling the man's grip crushing into his flesh. However, Cody strikes before he can be fully tossed; his right fist swings around in a hook, blazing with wind-like chi to sock Antonov in the side of the head. He then follows through with his other fist, to knock the big man away. "BINGO!" he cries. He shakes his fist afterwards. "...name's Cody. Cody Travers."

[ANTONOV]
It doesn't really matter how big a man is. Often a few good knocks to the head are going to put anyone down. The first strike makes him lose his grip as the second one slams home and knocks Antonov away and tumbling across the ground. How he doesn't lose another cigar is something of a miracle, but it isn't in the best of shape as he pulls it from his mouth and frowns and tries to shake the cobwebs.

"Cody Travers. I shall remember that. You're a tough one." he says as he flicks the cigar away and decides for the time being not to pull out another. He has wasted two already and who knows how many more would be gone while taking on the convict.

Rising to his feet he takes a moment to try and focus on things as he takes a deep breath and seems ready to resume. Forward he stalks and leans into the air once closer to Cody and he comes on a downward arc to try and collide into him and knock him off balance. If he manages to he lands and follows up with a series of a right, left right, body blows.

COMBATSYS: Antonov issues a challenge!!

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Cody             0/-------/-======|=======\=====--\1          Antonov

COMBATSYS: Antonov successfully hits Cody with Tunguska Bomber.

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Cody             1/----===/=======|====---\-------\0          Antonov

[CODY]
Cody looks as the big man goes airborne. His expression doesn't change, as it hasn't since the fight started - sleepy looking eyes, frowning slightly. But he knows this is going to hurt, and he grimaces in anticipation. His body steels itself for what is about to be unleashed, as he has learned to from numerous vicious gang fights and prison skirmishes over the years. He steps back when Antonov comes down, but the sudden drop puts him off balance, breaking his block. The first right smashes into the side of his head, stars exploding in his vision.

He stands as a left hits his arm and pins it against his side, pain running up and down that area. The body blow knocks all the wind out of him, actually lifting him off his feet as he gasps, eyes going wide. He then falls in a heap, coughing and choking out wads of spit. When he recovers, he slowly rises, panting hard, sweat dripping down his face, still seeing double. "Damn...guess you ain't...just for show," he remarks in a strained tone. He straightens up and groans. "I'm starting to feel alive."

Now it's his turn. Cody kicks his foremost leg out, dashing quickly to strike Antonov in the chest. He then follows with a stomping kick to the shin. This is followed with a lightning fast series of kicks and spin kicks to the chest, gut, face, and pretty much anywhere else Cody can see. After this whirlwind of movement, Cody finishes by jumping in the air and spinning around, to smash his foot into Antonov's head twice.

COMBATSYS: Cody successfully hits Antonov with Dead End Irony.

[                \\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  /////////////                 ]
Cody             0/-------/----===|=======\====---\1          Antonov

[ANTONOV]
"I take this very seriously. I wish to be a good host and challenge others as I hope they challenge me! The fans need a good fight as much as we do." He seems a very passionate type. He would possible bring himself to tears if not for the fact Cody quickly dashes in while Antonov is talking and slams him in the chest with a big kick that knocks the Russian off balance.

It is the opening Cody needs because he follows up with that series of strikes that batter the bigger man and staggers him back more and more with those two heavy kicks to the head finally taking Antonov off his feet and crumples onto the ground. "Mnnnn...." he is breathing heavily, but still concious. There is swelling around around the face from taking a few too many hits about the head and there are marks from the battle he is having with Cody.

He rises to his feet and ends up staggering some as he still is trying to get his balance back. Forward he staggers then he raises hands up high before slamming them to the ground with a big shockwave looking to knock Cody away and off his feet, the impact shaking the bridge and causing a few spectators to even fall over.

COMBATSYS: Antonov successfully hits Cody with Bering Wave.
- Power hit! -

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Cody             1/-------/=======|=======\======-\1          Antonov

[CODY]
Cody has finally caught his breath, and is feeling a tad more limber this time. "Fans? Don't care about those. Just bring the pain," Cody replies. Of course, Antonov does, as he just up and smashes the ground and sends a huge shockwave at him. "Great," Cody says, dryly, just before the shockwave hits him. He goes sprawling, landing hard on his back as the whole bridge shudders. He coughs up some blood - ah, the internal injuries, and rises shakily, breathing hard once more and looking on the verge of collapsing. He retaliates by swinging his fist out in an uppercut - but it appears he's way off. Has the last hit finally dazed him? Turns out no, as a tornado of chi energy rises out of the punch to batter Antonov.

COMBATSYS: Antonov barely endures Cody's Criminal Upper EX.

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Cody             1/-------/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2          Antonov

[ANTONOV]
Antonov gives his arms a shake after slamming the ground while straightening up. He seems a bit more alert now and he advances towards Cody to keep up the pressure. And he seems pleased that he did enough to daze the other fighter only to find out he has been tricked once again.

The fist may not hit him, but that tornado of energy comes up and ungulfs the big man. While he tries to fight through it it isn't the easiest of task. It doesn't take him off his feet, but it keeps pushing him back and wearing him down. He is perhaps putting more exertion in trying to break through it than anything.

He eventually breaks through, but it is probably more due to the fact the tornado is starting to weaken and he comes right at Cody. A bit fist once again looking to slam into his face in an attempt to daze before following up with a second, more powerful one to the gut. One he looks to lift Cody off the ground with as he twirls about and slam Cody to the ground with all his might.

COMBATSYS: Cody fails to interrupt Moby Dick Burst from Antonov with Secret Work.
*KNOCKED AWAY*

[                      \\\\\\\\  <
Antonov          0/-------/---<<<<|

COMBATSYS: Cody can no longer fight.

[                      \\\\\\\\  <
Antonov          0/-------/---<<<<|

[CODY]
Cody thinks he's prepared; he crouches as Antonov comes at him, reaching back to retrieve something taped to his back. He rips it away, revealing it to be a big red pipe wrench. With a loud cry he attempts to meet the Russian with his weapon, but Antonov is faster. The fist smashes into Cody's head and knocks him out of focus. He makes a strangled cry as the second hit impacts his gut, as he's lifted, twirled and slammed into the ground. At this point though, he's already pretty much knocked out even before the concrete shatters from the impact. Cody lies there, jumpsuit ruined, the pipe wrench clattering away.

[ANTONOV]
He staggers back after that last blow and steadies himself. Arms raised just in case Cody is still ready to fight, but it seems finally the punishment was too much. "A tough one. I think you will do well, Cody. Keep fighting." he says while fumbling with the belt to open it once more.

A cigar is plucked and lit this time. A long draw before exhale as Antonov looks to the officials. "Once he is up give him whatever he needs on me. No reason for a great fighter to be stuck on a boat all the way back unless he wants to be on one of my private ones."

A hand rests on his head as he rubs at it. A good fight. He is still loopy, but that will go away eventually. A soak in some ice and a cigar to relax will have him feeling himself soon. A smile crosses his lips as he steps away and lets the medics tend to Cody. Hopefully others will see this fight and be inspired. If not Antonov will keep fighting to try and garner interest. It is a lot of work to do, but he is more than ready.

COMBATSYS: Antonov has ended the fight here.

Log created on 19:10:38 10/11/2018 by Antonov, and last modified on 16:52:07 10/12/2018.