He intended to start with a bit of easy nonsense, putting Holmes off his guard.

Then the yearling's plan was to make the affair a lesson in scientific mauling.
While Butler was dancing about, grinning, Greg, vastly more watchful than he appeared to be, suddenly let his right out in a feint, then followed with a left drive.
Butler all but struck this blow up, yet, as he darted back from the parry, the yearling tasted blood from his own lower lip.

That taught him that even a despised little plebe like Mr.Holmes might have his points of danger.
"Now, stand up and let us see how good your quick counter is," laughed the yearling, dancing about.
Butler's footwork was fine and fast, but Greg, watching him, only pivoted about, putting up his hands with great speed.

Thus Greg blocked all but three or four lighter blows up to the time when the time-keeper's interruption came.
"You won't need to do much in the rubbing line," whispered Greg, as his seconds started in on him in his "corner." "My man, as yet, hasn't any more than warmed me up." "Look out for a smash on the nose, old fellow," warned Dick.

"You got first blood in a half-sort of way, by that cut on the other man's lip.