It was Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, not his ex-boss, who has sustained 'minor bruises' in the opening bout. Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad threw a blistering 'left hook' that has his handpicked successor reeling.

As Abdullah slunk back to his corner, the ring girls were marshaled to bolster his waning confidence - the cabinet, MPs, Umno supreme council; you name it, they were there. But Mahathir, a feral street fighter, is not so easily spooked by such 'shock and awe'.

Despite the prime minister being battered both physically and mentally, no one expects a quick knockout. Mahathir's strategy is to wear Abdullah down in the coming rounds. And when his successor-turns-adversary is weak enough, someone else will finish the job for him.

Round 1 has gone to Mahathir. Expect 14 more to come.