Even after that perfect finish and clean knockout, they still won't let Ryoma rest. The reporters have him cornered, recorders and camera flashes aimed straight at his face.
"Takeda-san! What's your impression of the All Japan Rookie MVP?"
"He's famous for his destructive punches, and you actually took some of them yourself. But you still look fine!"
"It's your first fight since moving up a weight class. How does it feel compared to Super Featherweight? Easier to prepare?"
Coach Nakahara steps in, half-joking, half-serious. "Hey, give my fighter a break. You're throwing more punches than his opponent! You expect him to counter every one of you?"
The room bursts into laughter. Ryoma laughs too, though it twists into a wince; the cut on the corner of his mouth stings.
No one else can tell how much that third-round exchange really hurt. Only he knows how deep those punches landed.
Then Aki cuts in. "So, Ryoma-kun… what do you think of Kobayashi Ayano?"
