The blow he felt on his ribs almost made him keel over. He braced himself for the second blow, knowing that his opponent will surely go for his battered face once he moved his elbows down. The second blow landed square on his plexus; and even though he had anticipated it, still knocked the wind out of him.
The referee stepped in to break them up, giving him a much needed reprieve. He cast a quick glance at his trainer, who stood ready with the towel. One nod from him. One nod from him and the punishment will stop.
He shook his head, and tried to give his trainer a smile, but only ended up giving him a pained look as he winced from the pain caused by his effort.
He took one more body blow as they rejoined the fight, before the bell tolled to signal the end of the round.
His left eye was cut, his right eye swollen. He’ll be lucky if his ribs are just bruised. The way things are going now, with only two more rounds to go, he knows the only way to win this is by knocking the other party out.
He knew he could do it. All he need is one shot, one break. But he also knows time is running out. Only two more rounds.
His trainer is speaking but he can’t really hear. Perhaps he doesn’t want to. Perhaps he didn’t need to. He knows what he must do. Must tahan until the opening opens up. He bites his guard down hard.
Time for the next round.
