He was measuring distance, conserving energy, and refusing to be drawn into Derek’s rhythm.
And Derek, who had expected an easy victory, was already beginning to understand that something was wrong with his plan.
— FOUR MINUTES AND THIRTY-TWO SECONDS
Derek attacked again.
He was fast, powerful, and experienced enough to make the opening seconds uncomfortable for anyone unfamiliar with the sport.
Cole wasn’t unfamiliar with pressure.
But his knee hurt, and he knew better than to mistake experience for invulnerability.
He kept his movements economical.
Derek landed a body shot that made Cole exhale sharply. A low kick caught the outside of his injured leg.
Pain flashed through his knee.
The crowd cheered.
Derek grinned.
“That’s what I thought!”
Cole said nothing.
He adjusted his stance.
The next time Derek rushed, Cole moved out of the way rather than meeting him head-on. Derek’s momentum carried him past, forcing him to turn before he could attack again.
