Ivan's voice cut through the roar from the crowd. He barked something in Russian, short, sharp, and commanding.
Petrov's eyes flicked to his corner for half a second, then back to Theo with a renewed focus.
Theo could see it. The Russian's steps tightened, his guard high, and his footwork started cutting angles again.
Petrov faked a jab, then blasted a right hand down the middle that snapped Theo's head back.
Theo reset, but Petrov was already on him, left hook, right uppercut, then a driving knee to the body in the clinch.
The air rushed from Theo's lungs, but he shoved him off before Petrov could tie up again.
Petrov stepped right back in, whipping a low kick that smacked against Theo's thigh with a deep thud.
Theo bit down on his mouthpiece, answered with a jab, and followed with a right to the body.
The Russian countered instantly, overhand right, left hook, then a short elbow in the pocket that clipped Theo's temple.
