But the Russian champion wasn't finished.
Anton raised his guard and forced himself back into position. His breathing had become heavier, and his movements were noticeably stiffer, but he wasn't ready to surrender.
Damon watched him carefully before stepping forward.
Anton opened with a jab followed by a powerful right hand. Damon slipped outside the cross and answered with a left hook, which Anton managed to block before circling away.
"Anton needs to find an answer quickly," Jon commented. "Damon has started getting the better of these exchanges, and the longer this continues, the more difficult it's going to become for the Russian."
Demian nodded. "He can't keep trading with Damon like this."
Anton seemed to understand. He began circling, looking for an opening rather than immediately committing to another combination. Damon followed patiently, using his jab to keep the Russian occupied before punishing his movement with a low kick.
