A blow was landed on my cheek and it didn't take longer than a minute for the pain to kick in and my face to start throbbing. I tried to set it aside but apparently the phrase "pain demands to be felt" proved to be true. No matter how hard I tried, the pain was there and it didn't feel like it was disappearing anytime soon.

I tried to dodge the next punch aimed at me but my movements were slow; as if I was moving underwater. My opponent got me on my side and I immediately fell, ...