As Aramaki makes his way to the neutral corner and the referee begins the count, Callahan already pushes himself back to his feet.
But his legs are trembling. His head still feels heavy and dizzy, and the pain around his diaphragm has yet to subside.
With the referee continuing the count, Callahan focuses on little more than steadying his breathing.
"Five."
"Six."
"Seven."
When the referee reaches eight, he pauses and approaches Callahan, raising both gloves in front of him.
"Are you good to go?"
Still struggling with the dizziness, Callahan nods.
Satisfied with the response, the referee steps back and signals for the fight to resume.
"Box!"
Korakuen Hall erupts once more, Aramaki's supporters roaring for their champion to finish the job.
"Come on, Aramaki! Finish him!"
"He's hurt! Put him away!"
"End it here! Show him the power of a Japanese champion!"
