And naturally, someone at Sergei Volkov's level reaches the same conclusion as well. Six rounds are more than enough for a world-class trainer to understand the shape of a fight.
By now, Volkov has already mapped out both Shimamura's absurd strengths and the flaws hidden beneath them. At the same time, he also refuses to ignore Elliot's current condition after the knockdown.
On the red corner, Elliot sits forward on the stool while breathing steadily through his nose. Ice presses briefly against the side of his neck while sweat continues dripping from his jaw onto the canvas below.
"Good work getting back up from that knockdown," Volkov says evenly. "And more importantly, keep your spirit intact, because this fight is still in your hands."
Elliot keeps his gloves resting against his thighs while listening carefully.
