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| Miss Knockout Winners @ Studio 54 Las Vegas |
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| Laura Croft Sashing Miss Knockout Winner Jeannie Duffy |
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| Miss Knockout Winner Danielle Davidson |
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| Angel Porrino Sashing Miss Knockout Winner Danielle Davidson |
The search for MGM Grand’s 2011 boxing ring girls came to an end last night as Studio 54 inside MGM Grand announced the three Miss Knockout winners, Jeannie Duffy, Danielle Davidson and Michelle Tarajcak.
Angel Porrino and Laura Croft of Holly’s World, as well as News 8 NOW anchor Chris Saldaña and KTNV Sports Director Doug Kezirian, served as celebrity guest judges and had a difficult choice ahead of them as 20 stunning ladies, all winners from the four preliminary rounds, entered the fierce competition.
The contestants pulled out all the stops for the competition, hitting the red carpet with their glitter-covered bodies, sparkly bikinis, teased hair, oversized earrings and sky-high stilettos. The stakes were high as each lady was competing for the chance to win the official title of Miss Knockout, $5,000 cash, an official year-long contract with MGM Grand and a VIP party with their friends at Studio 54 after every boxing match.
Inside the illustrious nightclub, DJ Forbes pumped up the crowd as they danced to Pitbull’s “Hotel Room Service.” The venue was decorated from top to bottom in boxing flare as punching bags hung from the ceiling and the stage was made to look like a boxing ring. Studio 54’s DJ Loczi took the mic to host the contest. “Yo, Las Vegas! Are you ready to have a good time tonight?” shouted Loczi as the crowd erupted in cheers.
As anticipation in the club began to rise, the always charming Studio 54 dancers took the stage rocking seductive lingerie and red, thigh-high go-go boots. Club-goers watched in amazement as the girls danced to the sound of DJ Loczi’s signature “Electric Dream” under an aerialist spinning from a sparkling star.
At last, the bikini babes paraded onstage under a shower of colorful confetti, and the crowd welcomed the ladies with cheers and whistles. Before introducing the ladies one by one, DJ Loczi explained to the crowd that the judges would choose the winners based on appearance, physique, communication skills, confidence and showmanship. “MGM Grand is known for hosting the biggest boxing matches in the world,” announced Loczi, “And with important dignitaries sitting ring side, including big names in sports and entertainment, the winners must be sexy, poised and confident.”
Each contestant showed off their ring girl skills by climbing over boxing ring ropes in 4 inch tall heels and worked the crowd while holding up ring cards. Loczi asked each of the ladies to describe themselves in three words, giving the judges and audience a glimpse of their personalities. One of the words Duffy used was “patriotic.” She added that she served in the United States Air Force for six years.
While the judges tallied their votes, DJ Forbes rocked the house with Wiz Khalifa’s "Black and Yellow" and Rihanna's new hit "S & M.”
Standing on stage, the girls were excited and nervous, hoping to hear their name. Duffy was announced first, and she took center stage to accept her new title and collect her awards from the judges as tears of bliss were steaming streaming down her gleaming face. She was joined by Davidson and Tarajcak, and the girls reveled in the spotlight as balloons and more confetti rained down over them.
Now that the competition is over, the ladies will begin to prepare for their first fight on April 9 when Erik Morales and Marcos Maidana meet in the title match at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. They also will work the highly anticipated fight between Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley on May 7.
Photo Credit: Bryan Haraway
