"Get ready, Hayes!" Alonzo's voice boomed across the cage, his smile confident as he bounced on his feet. "You're not leaving this fight on your own two legs."
Jack tightened his gloves, keeping his breathing steady. "We'll see about that."
The bell rang, and the crowd erupted into cheers. Alonzo wasted no time, lunging forward with a speed that belied his massive frame.
Jack moved to sidestep, but Alonzo was already in close. Jack felt the iron grip around his waist.
"Not this again," Jack muttered just before Alonzo lifted him off the ground and slammed him onto the mat.
"Boom!" Alonzo yelled, laughing as the crowd cheered his display of power.
Victor, Jack's coach, shouted from the corner. "Get up, Jack! Focus on your footwork! Don't let him close in!"
Jack scrambled to his feet, his ribs aching. He raised his guard, determined not to give Alonzo another easy opening.
