Kurose turns back to his fighter, ready to give him a plan, something that might finally let Masuda drag the fight back into his terms.
"It can't be helped," he says. "You'll need another round to study him. Read his rhythm. Time your punch when he slides forward. But remember, he can change that rhythm and trap you."
Masuda's face wrinkles. "You're telling me to step into the trap… but also avoid the trap? Did I hear that right?"
Kurose exhales deeply, choosing his words with more care. "This is the problem when you fight Soviet-style rhythm. You need to read it to gauge distance. But if you read too deeply, he'll fool you by changing it, and catch you by surprise."
"So don't read too deep?" Masuda repeats. "How the hell am I supposed to do that? Give me something I can use, not a lecture."
