Chapter 28: First Moves, First Damage

Joe considered making his first move on Paul for a moment. But Paul seemed more prepared than ever. In this fight, he would have to use not only strength but also his intelligence.

The first moves tested Joe's agility and speed. The punches and footwork were successful for both of them at times. Paul threw each blow powerfully with his big muscles, but Joe quickly parried and dodged the powerful punches. But Joe could not fully escape Paul's power. He took a few more blows and stepped back a little. "You're strong," Joe said, wiping the blood from his mouth. "But you can't finish this with strength alone."

Paul smiled. "I'm a man who likes to finish this, Joe. Shallow fighters like you always fall."

Joe took a deep breath and remained calm. He gathered all the tension in his mind. Paul's strength could overwhelm him, but Joe's determination had always been his greatest weapon. He started throwing his punches faster and harder.

By the end of the first round, Joe's body had taken a few hits, but Paul was also being pulled down hard. "This fight is almost over, Paul," Joe said, still not losing his determination in his eyes. "Just hang on a little longer."

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The second round began, and Joe's body was still carrying the effects of the first round, but he was mentally fully awake. Paul continued to use his large muscles and strength, but Joe's agility and strategy were now noticeable. Paul's every move was met with Joe's cleverness, and Joe tried to trap Paul at every opportunity.

"I didn't know you could move so fast, Joe," Paul growled. His fist hit Joe's head, but Joe quickly pulled back and parried the attack.

Joe thought of a plan as he wiped the blood from his mouth. He wanted to counter Paul's every move, to force him. He swung his fist quickly and hit Paul hard in the face. Paul opened his eyes and shook his head from side to side, realizing how strong Joe was. But it only made him more ambitious.

"You'll pay for this, Joe," Paul said through clenched teeth.

In the second round, Joe used the Dempsey Turn technique to throw another punch at Paul's weak spot. Paul was thrown back in surprise and began to lose his balance. Joe always attacked from where he was strong, forcing his opponent to make each move more accurate.

But Paul made one last move, kicking Joe in the legs. Joe fell to the ground in an instant, questioning his body's durability. "Is that all?" Paul said to Joe, who was about to collapse. "In the boxing world, strength always wins."

But Joe would not give up. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and pulled himself together. "It doesn't just take strength, it takes intelligence," he told himself.

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