"ONE!"
The referee's voice echoed through the arena as he pointed toward Blake, who lay flat on his back, blinking rapidly. Damon stood in his corner, calm, gloves resting by his chest, his breathing steady.
"TWO!"
Blake turned slightly, one arm reaching for the rope. His legs shifted, but they didn't seem to listen. The crowd roared louder, half of them screaming for Damon to finish it, the other half urging Blake to get up.
"THREE!"
"He's hurt bad!" one commentator said. "That uppercut nearly took his head off. He's not steady!"
"FOUR!"
Blake planted a glove on the mat, trying to push himself upright. His face showed it all, confusion, pain, disbelief. The shot had come from nowhere.
"FIVE!"
He made it to one knee, blinking hard, his mouth open as he tried to breathe. Damon watched from across the ring, expressionless.
"SIX!"
"Blake's trying to stand! He's got heart, but that punch… that landed clean. He still looks dazed."
"SEVEN!"
