Ruby knelt beside him, holding his hand. "Jack, you can do this. I believe in you."
Her words brought a flicker of determination back into his eyes.
Across the ring, Marcus, Darius's coach, was equally intense.
"You've got him on the ropes, Darius," Marcus said, wrapping Darius's hands with fresh tape. "But don't get cocky. Hayes is unpredictable. One mistake and he'll take advantage."
Darius nodded, his face calm. "I've got this, Marcus. He won't make it past Round Ten."
---
The crowd erupted as both fighters stepped back into the center of the ring. Jack's movements were slower now, his legs heavy. Darius, though tired, still exuded a dominating presence.
Darius struck first, feinting with a jab before landing a solid cross to Jack's cheek. Jack stumbled, the world spinning for a moment.
"Stay up, Jack!" Victor shouted from the corner.
Jack steadied himself, blinking away the dizziness. "Not... done yet," he muttered.