Aramaki feels the sting along his cheek. His guard twitches slightly. The jab reminds him that even fighting his usual way isn't enough. That first-round caution now looks naive.
Across the ring, Rikiya maintains distance, sliding in tiny lateral steps while observing.
He's back to his old style.
So what was that awkward first round?
Don't tell me he's under pressure.
The thought lingers. Convinced enough, Rikiya decides to test it. He cuts the distance, meeting Aramaki at mid-range, inviting another exchange.
Let's build some damage while he's still unsettled.
He shifts up a gear, increasing pressure. Jab after jab meets Aramaki's gloves.
Dug. Dug.
Then he pivots slightly, bends his left knee, and throws a quick jab–lead hook combination.
Aramaki tightens his guard, but can only react to the first jab. The lead hook lands clean on the side of his body, under the armpit.
Dug. Thud!
Aramaki drops his right glove to throw a hook, but Rikiya immediately steps back.
