The moment the sparring ends, the journalists begin closing in. And Nikolai doesn't seem bothered by it. If anything, he looks entertained.
The young Bulgarian sits on the apron, answering the first few questions with the sort of easy politeness expected from a visiting challenger.
Then the questions gradually turn toward something much more serious.
"You've watched a lot of Ryoma's fights, haven't you?"
"A lot. It's hard not to. Everyone here keeps talking about him."
"Then what do you think is his biggest strength?"
Nikolai rubs his chin for a moment, looking toward the ceiling as though he is seriously considering the question.
"He's annoying."
The answer catches several of them off guard.
A reporter near the front raises his recorder. "Ryoma has spent his entire career turning opponents' strengths against them. Are you comfortable giving him that much material to work with?"
