Boxing

The bell rang loudly, signalling the match’s commencement.

My opponent was confident and aware, but not cocky.

We exchanged shot for shot,

bobbing and weaving as an attempt to evade as many hits as possible,

until..

He landed one..

on my liver,

below the floating rib,

near the solar plexus.

I thought nothing of it because I felt fine

but I was wrong;

It was delayed,

and then my muscles failed.

Everything tightened up.

I knew it was a neuromuscular collapse.

I fell.

I lost the match and rushed home, disappointed.

I stared in the mirror for 3 hours

THAT WAS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN.

More training:

faster dodging,

more conditioning,

pay attention!

I scheduled a rematch.