Chapter 7: Real Combat
The second round began with Javier feeling slightly more confident. His movements felt less frantic, his breathing more controlled. The system reflected measurable improvement:
[ROUND TWO ANALYSIS]
Defensive Success: 71%
Punch Accuracy: 38%
Ring Movement: Basic but improving
Miguel touched gloves again and immediately went to work. This time his jabs came faster, testing Javier’s improved reactions.
Javier slipped the first punch, his head moving just enough to avoid contact. The second jab caught his glove as he brought his guard up.
"Better defense," Miguel acknowledged, stepping in with a light hook to the body.
The punch landed with a thud against Javier’s ribs. Not hard enough to hurt, but solid enough to teach respect for body shots.
"Tuck your elbows," Miguel instructed while Javier grimaced. "Protect your liver. That’s where fights end."
Javier adjusted his guard and threw a one-two combination. The jab missed, but his cross found Miguel’s shoulder.