Chapter 54: Quarterfinal War - Jerkins vs Javier III
"Final round! Box!"
Jerkins came out swinging with courage, knowing he needed a miracle. His technique remained beautiful despite the damage - jab snapped Javier’s head back, cross thundered against his chest guard, hook whistled past his ear as he ducked.
But Javier had learned to read the patterns. He slipped the jab by millimeters, feeling leather brush his hair. Ducked the cross completely, hearing it slice empty air. Then exploded upward with a short hook that crashed into Jerkins’ wounded ribs.
THUD.
Jerkins’ mouth opened in silent agony behind his mouthguard. His knees buckled slightly, left hand dropping to protect the damage.
[HOOK SKILL +0.1, CURRENT: 31.9/100]
[STRENGTH +0.1, CURRENT: 24.0/100]
[RING IQ +0.1, CURRENT: 22.3/100]
"There!"
Vicente shouted from ringside, moving like a conductor.
"Again! Same spot!"
Scattered voices from the crowd called out encouragement, but the gym were more attracted by the fight now - other fighters sizing up potential semifinal opponents.