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Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of graphic violence and gender discrimination.

Sam, the Reno journalist who is covering the tournament for the local newspaper (and the one man who did not go to the casino), has been awed by every fight he has seen thus far. He observes a collective energy among all of the boxers: Where most tournaments eliminate and erase contenders until a single champion is left, he has the sense that in this tournament the fighters accumulate the shadows of the boxers they have beaten as they progress. Sam finds himself relating personal experiences, like the reverse hide-and-seek game called Sardines, and his knowledge of the boxers’ background details like hometowns, to what he sees during the final match.

Rachel lands the first blow, hitting Rose in the shoulder. They spend much of the round keeping distance from each other, avoiding hits while looking for openings. Rose lands a leaping left hook. Rachel’s deliberate strangeness does not faze a skilled boxer like Rose. Rachel’s theatricality is matched by Rose’s practical approach. Sam takes a picture of them in defensive poses.

Rachel barely wins the first round. Rose wins the second. The rounds keep alternating until the score reaches 4-4, bringing the match to a final overtime round.