A knock comes, and a staff member steps in, calling for them to get ready. Salazar gives a brief nod, then turns back to his fighter.
"That's enough," he says. "Quit underestimating him and act like a professional."
Cortez scoffs lightly. "It's not me underestimating him. You're the one who humiliated me by agreeing to this fight. That kid isn't ready for this stage yet."
"If you see him an easy opponent," Salazar says, "then finish it quickly."
"Of course," Cortez says.
He brings his hands back up and steps in again, driving into the mitts with more force this time.
"I'll drop him in the first round," he says, the combination continuing without pause. "And if he gets back up, don't blame me for what comes next."
The combinations coming faster and harder, each strike carrying more weight than before. From the way he moves now, it is easy to see why that confidence never really leaves him.
***
