The crowd surged as Damon and Ivan stepped to the center of the stage.
They squared up, eyes locked, but it wasn't the kind of face-off that had them pressing foreheads together.
There was no cheap show for the cameras, no fake scuffle for headlines. It was respectful at the very least, two men who understood what the other represented.
The noise built around them, fans from both sides chanting and waving banners.
Damon stood tall, shoulders relaxed, his hands loose at his sides. Ivan mirrored him, chin slightly raised, his stare sharp but steady.
Jim Logan moved in with the mic, his voice booming over the roar of the arena. "Ladies and gentlemen, tomorrow night these two undefeated champions meet in one of the most anticipated fights in the history of this sport. Damon Cross. Ivan Novak. The Irish Ronin versus the Interim King."
