By the time the lights dim around the arena, the noise has already begun to change. The crowd has spent the evening watching Ryoma dismantle Malik Adebayo, but now the atmosphere carries a different kind of anticipation.
Both fighters are already waiting in their respective corners, gloves raised as they watch each other across the ring. Elliot Graves, the newly crowned WBC lightweight champion, bounces lightly on his feet while Caleb Mercer, the former champion, stands calmly opposite him.
"And now, the WBC lightweight title is on the line. The new champion against the man who wants his belt back."
"Caleb Mercer knows exactly what it takes to hold this title. But tonight, he's facing a champion who has prepared for every version of him."
"Twelve rounds for the WBC lightweight championship."
"Let's see who takes the first step."
The bell rings.
Ding!
