This is pretty strange; normally in an arranged sparring match such as this, the adult boxer would be told to assume a defensive stance, only lightly striking when their opponent was being excessively reckless. The aim is to teach the upcoming boxers how to prevail through the rounds, not pound them senseless immediately, lol. I understand there's a stretch of reality in this manga, but wow that was harsh. I'm surprised Saotome didn't suffer a concussion.