The local fans begin to grow anxious again, their earlier excitement giving way to concern as Kenta remains trapped against the ropes.
"Come on, Kenta! Get out of there!"
"Don't let him keep you pinned down!"
In the red corner, the mood has shifted as well. The team's confidence grows with every punishing thud of glove against guard and every clean shot Declan buries into Kenta's body.
"That's it, Declan!" Redmond calls out, practically beaming again, his earlier doubts seemingly forgotten. "Keep him there! Don't let the bastard breathe!"
Even after taking several clean shots to the body, Kenta remains reactive, while trying to keep his mind calm and his breathing steady.
He rolls with the punches, adjusting his guard, framing, parrying, and blocking. And gradually, that constant threat draws him back into that state of hyperfocus.
As he slips into the zone again, both hands begin responding on their own, moving without conscious instruction.
