"And we're on!"
The sound of the bell snapped through the arena, and the crowd came alive.
Damon raised his guard, stepping forward with calm precision, his eyes locked on Blake.
Across the ring, Blake bounced on his toes, shoulders loose, wearing that same grin he always had before a fight.
The commentators' voices cut in immediately.
"Round one underway, Damon Cross, green and gold trunks, making his boxing debut tonight. Blake Cole, white and gold, confident as ever."
"Cole's been talking a lot, but talk won't help him here. Cross isn't the kind of man you rattle with words."
Damon's stance was compact and disciplined. He tested the distance with two sharp jabs that cracked the air.
Blake tried to answer with a wide right, but Damon slipped it effortlessly and landed a clean jab down the middle. The sound of the leather connecting drew a quick roar from the crowd.
