Beat | Down

The arena fell into a deafening silence. Leo stood over the fallen champion, his chest heaving. He didn't throw another punch. He didn't need to. He had survived the ultimate physical thrashing and delivered a single, perfect counter.

: Every breath felt like inhaling shards of broken glass. beat down

Leo's corner was a frantic mess of ice packs and desperate advice. The arena fell into a deafening silence

: Leo channeled every ounce of his remaining strength and drove his right fist directly into Marcus's liver. He didn't need to

As the bell rang for the sixth round, Marcus charged forward, confident and lethal. He threw a massive hook intended to end the match right then and there.

: Instead of backing away as he had done all night, Leo stepped into the danger, slipping just inside Marcus's massive arm.

: Marcus's momentum left his ribs completely exposed for a split second.