Thanid doesn't give him the space to think. The moment Ryoma's rhythm slows, the challenger presses forward with renewed urgency, his guard still compact but his offense suddenly far more aggressive.
A quick jab shoots out first, more to obstruct Ryoma's vision than to score, and Ryoma slips past it instinctively.
Thanid steps in right behind the jab, twisting his shoulders as a heavy hook drives toward the body.
Ryoma brings his elbow down to block, but the impact still crashes through his guard with a deep thud that echoes through the arena.
DUGH!!!
The force rattles through his torso and draws a low reaction from the crowd.
The lead commentator reacts immediately. "Good lord, you can hear that one through the guard."
The analyst nods while watching the replay angle on the monitor. "That's the danger with someone like Thanid. Even when Ryoma blocks it cleanly, the force behind those body shots still travels through the arms and into the torso."
