The first round ended with the sound of the horn, sharp and echoing through the gym.
Kenji walked to the corner calmly, breathing steady, his face untouched. He sat on the stool and sipped water as Damon approached with the towel and bottle in hand.
Damon crouched in front of him, focused and direct.
"You're doing good," he said. "Clean round, no mistakes. But listen, he's starting to read you."
Kenji nodded, wiping sweat off his chin. He didn't look tired, but Damon knew looks could be deceiving.
"I'm not saying change everything," Damon continued. "Just give him something to think about. Mix in a step-in elbow or a high kick off that cross. He's watching your feet. Change your rhythm, don't stay predictable."
Kenji adjusted his gloves, listening.
"Every time you land, you pull back and reset. That's your style, I get it. But you need to break that once or twice this round. Stay in the pocket a second longer. Make him feel like something's coming that he can't time."
