Chapter 18: David And Goliath I

Chapter 18: Chapter 18: David And Goliath I

Matt was already standing in the makeshift octagon ring, his eyes fixed intently on Damon as he prepared for the fight.

Damon pulled out a mouthguard from his plastic bag and inserted it into his mouth, the rubbery texture conforming to his teeth.

He then retrieved a pair of new gloves, their bright color and sleek design drawing attention from the crowd.

As Damon began to put on the gloves, the onlookers exchanged skeptical glances. "Does he think this is some pro match or something?" someone whispered, their voice laced with amusement.

"Well, it's not like he's going to win, so let him put on his show," another person chimed in, their tone dripping with condescension.

The crowd's murmurs grew louder, their voices filled with a mix of curiosity and ridicule.

Damon's choice of gear was unusual, as most fights in this setting didn't involve such elaborate equipment.

The gloves, in particular, seemed out of place, their padding and wrist support a far cry from the thin, worn-out gloves or old boxing gloves typically used in these informal matches.

As Damon finished securing the gloves, he gave his hands a few test flexes, the leather creaking softly.

His eyes never left Matt's face, his gaze burning with a quiet intensity.

Damon stepped into the ring, his eyes scanning the makeshift enclosure.

His shirt was baggy, proof to his skinny physique.

As he entered the ring, a wave of nervousness washed over him.

His heart rate quickened, and his palms grew moist.

He recognized the sensation, acknowledging the fear that came with knowing what lay ahead.

Yet, he controlled his breathing, drawing slow, deliberate inhales through his nose and exhaling through his mouth.

"OKAY, SO FIGHT!!" Joey's voice boomed, echoing off the surrounding fences.

He stumbled back further, exaggerating his movement to evade the kick's full force. The fence behind him pressed into his back, a cold, unforgiving barrier that halted his retreat.

Matt closed in, his eyes blazing with intensity. Damon's Muay Thai stance began to falter, his movements becoming sloppy and uncoordinated.

His training was limited, and the pressure of the fight was taking its toll. He shifted to the side, his feet shuffling awkwardly as he tried to regain his footing.

Damon's heart beat fast, struggling to maintain his composure.

Matt's presence was overwhelming, his sheer size and strength making Damon feel like a fragile, vulnerable target.

The fence behind him seemed to be closing in, trapping him in a desperate bid for survival.

Damon launched a front kick, aiming for Matt's stomach, hoping to push him back and create some distance.

But Matt was too quick, and his massive hands closed around Damon's foot like a vice. Damon's eyes widened as Matt pulled him forward, his body stretching out like a rubber band.

Damon's hands grasped the fence behind him, his fingers digging into the metal as he tried to anchor himself.

But Matt's strength was too much, and Damon felt himself being pulled off balance. He kicked out with his legs, trying to land a hit, but Matt's grip was too strong.

Damon's chest was exposed, and Matt's face was inches from his, their hot breath mingling in the air.

Damon's kicks kept missing Matt's face, but he managed to land a few glancing blows on his chest. The crowd erupted into cheers and laughter, their jokes and jeers filling the air.

"Hey, someone open up and let him out!" one of the watchers yelled, chuckling.

"Yeah, he's stuck!" another voice chimed in, as the crowd continued to mock Damon's predicament.

Damon's face reddened with effort, his muscles straining as he tried to break free from Matt's grip.

But Matt's hold was unyielding, his fingers wrapped tightly around Damon's foot like a trap.

The fence creaked and groaned under Damon's weight, the metal digging into his back as he struggled to escape.