Everyone can see that Ava is currently not related to Ye Chen in any significant way. He struggles to create an effective combination of punches during the match. Such a scene is commonplace in the boxing ring, especially as both fighters begin in peak physical condition. Unless an accidental knockout occurs, a stalemate typically sets in. That's the nature of boxing; the dynamics can shift in an instant—particularly in a battle between two masters, where a single powerful blow could lead to a knockout at any moment.
The striking difference at this point is that many spectators can sense Ava's growing impatience in the ring. Ye Chen, on the other hand, remains steadfast, maintaining his rhythm as he jabs continuously—measuring distance and wearing his opponent down. Each jab he throws is quick and nearly devoid of any warning. Although these strikes lack serious impact, they certainly stir annoyance in Ava.
In a sudden turn, Ava lunges forward, lowering his arms to position them strategically. He bends his knees to enhance his evasive maneuvers. Ye Chen's heart races, understanding that Ava is preparing to launch another significant attack. Those who have watched Ava's previous bouts would recognize the devastating nature of his punches to the abdomen and liver—these are undoubtedly part of his arsenal. Many seasoned fighters have found themselves incapacitated by the force of his blows.
As Ava swiftly approaches, lowering his center of gravity, Ye Chen instinctively drops his right hand to shield his liver. Before he has the chance to reposition his legs, Ava abruptly thrusts his right hand forward in a punch aimed at Ye Chen's head. This attack is executed with astounding speed and surprise. Ye Chen, feeling the grip on his left arm tightening, shifts to the right in a desperate effort to protect himself.
However, at that very instant, Ava delivers a deceptive left hook. In a flash, Ye Chen realizes he's been tricked by the feint of Ava's right hand. Reacting purely on instinct, he raises his right arm to defend his liver while trying to lean back to avoid the incoming strike.
"Bang!"
The punch, while still powerful, collides with Ye Chen's arm rather than its intended target. Sensing the force of Ava's blow against his arm, Ye Chen quickly lowers his guard to protect his liver once more. Unfortunately, it is already too late. Ava's signature liver punch is about to land. His left hand's swing, which had seemed half-hearted at first, was merely a ruse to draw Ye Chen's defense away. Ye Chen had indeed blocked the strike well, a testament to his impressive reflexes.
It's worth noting that Ava has previously knocked out a boxing champion with a similar combination of feints and powerful punches, an event that earned him accolades as the best knockout of that year. No one could have anticipated that Ava's deceit this time would lead to a forceful punch to the midsection. The sheer power of this blow made Ye Chen feel as if he had been struck by a wrecking ball. The shockwave from the impact reverberated throughout his body, leaving him momentarily disoriented.
Realizing the feint had worked, Ava landed a powerful left jab almost effortlessly. Unfortunately for Ye Chen, his attempt to retaliate with a punch was hampered by the defensive move he had made. His strike lacked precision and potency, ultimately draining any potential energy from it. Yet, Ava's relentless assault showed no signs of slowing down. At this juncture, Ye Chen's midsection felt as if it were on fire, split open by the impact of Ava's powerful combinations.
Seizing the moment, Ava unleashed another combination, landing a punch squarely on Ye Chen's head. The force behind the blow registered starkly. In the wake of a liver attack, one cannot simply grit their teeth and push through. Ye Chen felt his insides twist violently; he was losing his resolve, unable to move, evade, or execute a counterattack. At that moment, he was left defenseless, absorbing blow after blow.
The arena was electric with excitement. Every spectator rose to their feet, their cheers and chants cascading over one another as the anticipation built. Commentator No. 1 exclaimed, "Ava's body punch continues to be unmatched! His precise and powerful strikes can incapacitate any opponent. It's simply terrifying!" Meanwhile, Commentator No. 2 chimed in, "Ye Chen has demonstrated remarkable defensive skills in the face of such deceptions. However, the master who commands four weight classes remains an unyielding force. Ava has proven yet again that, despite any setbacks, he reigns supreme in this sport."
Commentator No. 3 added, "If a knockout occurs now, Ava might just claim the title of best knockout of the year once more. The image of Ye Chen being knocked out will undoubtedly feature in all of Ava's highlight reels." As they spoke, the crowd's enthusiasm escalated, the notion of being part of Ava's highlight reel—a perpetual reminder of defeat—loomed in Ye Chen's mind, an unsettling thought indeed.
In the ring, Ye Chen found himself cornered, with Ava poised to finish him off. Yet in this dire moment, he relied upon his extended wingspan and considerable size to embrace Ava fully. He skillfully latched onto Ava's armpits, pressing his chin against Ava's shoulder, his head closely aligned with his opponent's.
This clinch was decisive; Ye Chen wouldn't allow Ava to continue his barrage of hooks and strikes without consequence. The damage from such relentless assaults would accumulate. The atmosphere grew more intense, voices in the audience rising in volume as Ye Chen managed to shift Ava, guiding him toward the ropes.
One should not underestimate the crucial seconds he gained in that exchange. In what seemed like a precarious situation, Ye Chen now found some semblance of relief. By leaning his weight onto Ava, he experienced a noticeable improvement in the discomfort in his liver area.
Foul words echoed in the corner of the ring, frustrations emanating from Ava. Though his exclamations held no clear meaning, they conveyed desperation. Victory appeared within reach until Ye Chen pinned Ava firmly against the ropes. This clinch felt different; it was tighter and far more discomforting, leaving Ava struggling to maneuver or retaliate effectively.
Ava, finding himself in such a position, opened his hands in an effort to signal the referee. The implication was clear: a separation was imminent, and Ye Chen took stock of the situation, knowing he had the upper hand. Recognizing this brief window, Ye Chen abruptly released his grasp, calculating that Ava would lack the time to secure him again.
As the distance opened, Ye Chen seized the opportunity and struck with a quick, powerful right hook. With both fighters momentarily apart and caught off guard, this blow impacted Ava's legs, weakening his stance. Immediately, Ava raised his head to protect himself, knowing the danger was far from over.
This wasn't a foul play; the referee had yet to call a timeout, meaning the fight continued unabated. Ye Chen refrained from engaging in close combat, opting instead to reposition himself, utilizing his long reach to establish control over the distance. He unleashed a series of rapid jabs, initiating a barrage that kept Ava at bay while forcing him to extend his arms without success.
With the pull of the punches just taken by Ava still echoing in his head—he struggled to regain his focus. In an attempt to rally, Ye Chen maintained a measured distance while mixing up his punches with swift combinations, alternating between strikes to the body and the head. As the first round approached its conclusion, Ye Chen recognized that a knockout wasn't feasible in such a short time frame. Instead, he aimed for effective scoring. Each impactful attack counted towards accumulating points, and that was his primary strategy moving forward.