Della Cruz immediately forces himself back to his feet. But the moment he straightens, his balance betrays him.
His vision tilts, forcing him to stagger two awkward steps backward before catching himself against the ropes.
The referee follows him, keeping the count.
"Five…"
"Six…"
Della Cruz keeps one glove on the top rope, taking a slow breath before looking back with steady eyes.
Then he releases the ropes and puts on his guard.
"...stop the count already. I'm fine!"
The ref steps back, and commences to resume the fight.
"Box!"
The champion's gaze immediately locks onto Kenta. Frustration burns across his face. It isn't the knockdown itself that angers him. It's how it happened.
He wasn't beaten by power. He was beaten by deception. For a man like him, being fooled hurt his ego more than his body.
"Damn it..."
"He showed me the peek-a-boo... and I took the bait."
"I thought he was committing to an infighter's game."
