NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 259: The Winner!!
The announcer stepped into the ring, microphone in hand, his voice cutting through the cheers of the crowd.
Now that Emarn Petrosin could stand, he leaned against the cage and his chest moved up and down heavily. The energy was still exciting.
His face showed the damage from Damon's constant attacks: a cut above his brow, a swollen cheek, and a tired look that said he knew the fight was over.
Damon joined them at the center of the cage, his expression calm but focused, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins.
He glanced at Emarn briefly, his respect for the veteran striker intact despite the one-sided outcome.
The ref moved forward and waved for both fighters to come up to him. He grabbed their wrists and raised them a little, getting ready for the final choice.
Damon's team stood in the corner with their eyes fixed on the scene. They were filled with joy.
The announcer put up the mic and his voice went boom. "Ladies and gentlemen, referee Mark Caldwell has called a stop to this contest at 2 minutes and 45 seconds of the very first round!"
The crowd erupted, their cheers echoing through the small arena.
"Declaring the winner by TKO… DAAAMON CROOOSS!"
The referee lifted Damon's hand high, and the crowd's roar grew even louder.
Damon allowed himself a small smile, his chest heaving as he soaked in the moment.
He looked over at Emarn, who gave him a faint nod of acknowledgment, a silent gesture of respect from one fighter to another.
Real recognized real.
Damon raised both fists in victory, turning to face the fans.
The flashes of cameras lit up the arena as the crowd chanted his name.
He didn't need to scream or celebrate wildly, his performance had done all the talking.
The Post-Fight Interview
One of the commentators walked into the cage with a big smile on his face and a microphone in his hand.
The crowd calmed down a bit, eager to hear from the one won the exciting fight that night.
"I'm here with Damon Cross, the winner of tonight's main event! Damon, first off, congratulations on an incredible performance. That was as dominant as it gets. How does it feel to get a finish like that in the first round?"
Damon leaned into the mic. His face was still wet with sweat and he had a confident demeanor "It feels great," he began, his tone calm yet brimming with confidence. "I knew coming into this fight that I'd prepared for whatever he had. Emarn's a tough guy, dangerous with his striking, but I did my homework. I knew where to push, and I pushed."
The commentator nodded, impressed. "Speaking of preparation, you looked like you knew exactly how to neutralize him, especially when you backed him into the cage. Was that part of your game plan?"
Damon smirked faintly, brushing his hair back before answering. "Oh, absolutely. We studied him. Emarn likes space, he thrives at range, and I wasn't gonna let him play his game. I knew if I closed that distance and kept the pressure on, he'd have nowhere to go. And once I got him there? It was just a matter of time."
The crowd cheered loudly, clearly appreciating the tactical breakdown.
The commentator pressed on. "You've fought twice in three months now, and both times you've put on dominant performances. What's next for Damon Cross? Are you ready to take on the bigger names in the division?"
Damon gave a small laugh and shook his head "Bigger names? They better be ready for me. I'm just getting started, and I'm only getting better. Anyone in the division who thinks they're at the top, enjoy it while you can. Because I'm coming."
The audience roared in approval, feeding off his confidence.
The commentator smiled, clearly loving the way Damon was both humble and cocky. "Last question for you, Damon. You've been working hard, training abroad, and now you've put on a show for these fans. Any final words for everyone watching?"
Damon turned to face the crowd, raising a fist before speaking. "Thank you to everyone who came out tonight and everyone watching at home. I'm here to entertain, and I hope you all enjoyed the show. Keep your eyes on me—I promise, this is just the beginning."
The commentator stepped back, raising Damon's hand one more time as the crowd erupted again. "Damon Cross, ladies and gentlemen!"
Damon nodded, stepping back to his corner with his team, already thinking about the next challenge ahead.
The announcer moved toward Emarn, who stood alongside his interpreter.
Though battered and showing the signs of the tough fight, he composed himself with dignity.
The crowd quieted as the announcer raised the microphone to address him.
"Emarn Petrosin, you came into this fight with a lot of expectations, and though it didn't go your way tonight, you showed heart and grit in there. Can you walk us through what happened?"
Emarn took a deep breath, then began speaking in Italian, his voice steady and respectful.
"Damon è un combattente straordinario. Mi ha studiato bene e ha eseguito il suo piano alla perfezione. Aveva una risposta per tutto quello che facevo."
(Damon is an extraordinary fighter. He studied me well and executed his plan to perfection. He had an answer for everything I did.)
The interpreter translated his words, earning cheers from the crowd for his sportsmanship.
The announcer nodded. "It's clear he brought a solid game plan. Was there anything that surprised you about him in this fight?"
Emarn glanced toward Damon briefly, a faint smile on his bruised face. He spoke again, his tone thoughtful.
"È stato più rilassato e calcolato di quanto mi aspettassi. Pensavo che sarebbe stato più aggressivo, ma ha scelto i suoi momenti in modo impeccabile."
(He was more relaxed and calculated than I expected. I thought he would be more aggressive, but he picked his moments impeccably.)
The interpreter relayed his words, and the crowd murmured appreciatively, recognizing the respect in Emarn's analysis.
The announcer continued, "You've been a staple in the division for years now. What's next for you after this fight?"
Emarn's expression grew determined, his voice firm as he replied in Italian.
"Questa è solo una battuta d'arresto. Tornerò più forte. Il mio obiettivo rimane lo stesso: diventare il migliore. Damon è stato migliore stasera, ma questo non cambia il mio percorso."
(This is just a setback. I'll come back stronger. My goal remains the same: to be the best. Damon was better tonight, but this doesn't change my path.)
The interpreter translated, and the crowd responded with respectful applause. It was clear Emarn's humility and determination resonated.
"Any final words for the fans, Emarn?" the announcer asked.
Experience more on empire
Emarn turned to the crowd, lifting a hand slightly in acknowledgment as he spoke with heartfelt sincerity.
"Grazie a tutti per il supporto. Siete la ragione per cui combattiamo e continuiamo a inseguire i nostri sogni. Prometto di tornare più forte."
(Thank you all for your support. You're the reason we fight and continue chasing our dreams. I promise to come back stronger.)
The interpreter echoed his words, and the arena erupted in applause. Emarn nodded respectfully before stepping back, his mind already set on redemption.