Sentence:  Apparently ignorant of the rules of the ring which permit a fighter knocked to the floor to <WSD>take the count</WSD> of nine, he staggered to his feet, only to be met with another blow before he could collect his senses sufficiently to 'cover?' 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  To take to opportunity to rest briefly after being knocked down but before being counted out by the referee.