The announcer stood in the middle of the cage, microphone in hand.
The noise from the crowd rose and fell like a wave, each side trying to outcheer the other.
The referee stepped between Theo and Petrov, taking a wrist in each hand.
Both fighters stood still, shoulders rising and falling with heavy breaths, faces marked with sweat and swelling.
The judges' scorecards were in.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer began, his voice cutting through the arena noise, "after three rounds, we go to the judges' scorecards for a decision."
Theo kept his eyes forward, jaw clenched. Petrov rolled his shoulders once, staring at the canvas. Damon watched from the corner, arms crossed, his face unreadable.
"Judge number one scores the contest 29–28 for… Arman Petrov!"
The Russian corner erupted in cheers. Ivan slammed a hand against the cage wall. Theo didn't flinch.
"Judge number two scores the contest 29–28 for… Theo Brunner!"
