The referee called both fighters to the center of the cage.
Damon stood calm, chest rising steadily, gloves loose at his sides. Desayen stepped forward with dignity, bruised but composed, his breathing still shallow from the final exchange.
Referee Samuel Cortez took each man's wrist, one in each hand, as Deuce Baffer stepped into position.
The lights in the arena dimmed slightly, focusing on the center. The roar of the crowd dipped just enough to hear Deuce's voice as he lifted the mic.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN…
REFEREE SAMUEL CORTEZ HAS CALLED A STOP TO THIS CONTEST…
AT ONE MINUTE, THIRTY-EIGHT SECONDS OF ROUND NUMBER THREE…
DECLARING THE WINNER BY KNOCKOUT…
AND STILL UNDEFEATED…
DAMON!! CROSS!!"
The arena exploded.
Damon nodded once, expression tight, he didn't celebrate wildly. He just raised his arms, turned to his corner, and hugged his team.
He had done it. Again.
The crowd roared like they didn't already know.
