Capítulo 41: Chapter 41: The Spectacle of Talent
The next day, Alex stood on the set of the Sony commercial, surrounded by high-tech cameras and an enthusiastic crew. His task was simple yet impactful—showcasing the PlayStation prototype while delivering a few charismatic lines. Though the shoot went smoothly, Alex's mind was already drifting toward the upcoming bout between Riku Tanaka and Hayato Shimizu, a pivotal match that promised fireworks.
Three months and two weeks later, the night of the much-anticipated fight had arrived.
Alex and Ippo entered the packed arena, the energy of the crowd palpable as the anticipation for the match reached its peak.
Alex stood out among the spectators, dressed sharply in black boots, tailored suit pants, a tucked-in sweatshirt layered over a polo shirt, and a scarf held casually in one hand. The combination was effortlessly stylish, reflecting his rising status in Japan's boxing scene.
The announcer's voice boomed through the arena, hyping the crowd as Riku Tanaka and Hayato Shimizu entered the ring. Both fighters looked confident, their eyes burning with determination.
Alex found his seat, looking forward to witnessing a fight that could potentially reshape the rankings. Next to him, Ippo leaned forward, eager to see how the contenders would match up.The announcer's voice boomed through the arena, hyping the crowd as Riku Tanaka and Hayato Shimizu entered the ring. Both fighters looked confident, their eyes burning with
determination. The clash of styles was evident even before the first bell.
Round 1:
Riku Tanaka opened the round with calm, deliberate footwork. As Hayato Shimizu came out aggressively, trying to press forward with powerful, looping hooks, Riku used quick lateral movement to avoid being cornered.
His jab was crisp and precise, snapping out quickly to maintain distance, often doubling or tripling it to disrupt Hayato's rhythm. Each jab was placed well, catching Hayato's gloves or head, keeping him at bay. Riku's lateral movement was sharp—his left foot stepping around his right, giving him better angles and forcing Hayato to reset. At times, Riku would pivot off the back foot, effortlessly circling away from Hayato's power shots.
Hayato focused on closing the distance, aiming to land heavy hooks to Riku's body and head. He tried to cut off the ring with his high guard and set up his power punches.
Hayato's goal was to make the fight more physical and fight on the inside, but Riku's slick defense prevented him from executing this effectively.
Riku's head movement was excellent in this round. He slipped punches by leaning away from Hayato's attacks and ducked underneath a couple of big hooks. His guard was tight but not static; he would shift his weight quickly from one side to another, allowing him to roll with the punches rather than absorbing them full force.
Analysts praised Riku's patience, his ability to control the pace with his jab and not allow Hayato to dictate the action. Hayato appeared slightly frustrated as he couldn't land clean shots.
Round 2:
Riku's jab continued to be a weapon, used not just to keep distance but to work both the head and body. He would jab to Hayato's head, then immediately switch it to the body as Hayato was coming forward. His footwork was fluid; he circled to his right, leading with his left foot, then pivoted out to avoid any incoming hooks. There was a smoothness to his movements, almost like a dancer gliding across the ring, his head fainting side to side to draw Hayato's punches out of range.
Hayato, who tried to press the action, found his attempts stymied by Riku's controlled aggression. He struggled to cut off the ring, often reaching with hooks that Riku effortlessly slipped or blocked.
Analysts observed how Riku's jab was causing Hayato to miss often. Hayato looked increasingly unable to land his usual power punches, which led to visible frustration.
Round 3:
Riku's footwork became even more evident this round. He didn't just move around Hayato; he angled his body, making subtle but important adjustments to stay one step ahead. Every time Hayato closed the distance, Riku would sidestep or pivot away,
leaving Hayato swinging at air. A particularly nice moment came when Riku stepped off the ropes after Hayato had pressured him, throwing a quick 1-2 combination—jab,
straight right—that landed cleanly and reset the pace.
Hayato started to target Riku's body more, throwing hooks and uppercuts, but Riku's defense was too tight. His core remained protected, and his ability to roll with body shots minimized any damage.
The commentators noted that Hayato's punches were looking slower, and Riku's defensive movement was making Hayato's attacks ineffective. It seemed like Riku had already neutralized Hayato's main weaponry.
Round 4:
Hayato started the round more aggressively, seemingly trying to increase his punch output to turn the tide. He doubled up on his left hooks and tried to mix up his attack by throwing overhand rights when Riku circled.
However, Riku's footwork and defensive timing remained impeccable. He slipped under Hayato's punches and countered with quick combinations, using a jab-straight combination to split Hayato's guard multiple times.
Riku began to take small offensive risks. After each jab, he started stepping in with a right cross, occasionally landing a sharp left hook to the body. He still maintained a defensive mindset but used these combinations to keep Hayato guessing.
Hayato landed a few good body shots, but his inability to cut off the ring consistently
allowed Riku to stay in control. By the end of the round, Hayato looked visibly frustrated, shaking his head as Riku calmly circled away after landing clean punches.
Analysts noted that Hayato was starting to breathe heavily, a sign that he was feeling the effects of chasing Riku and absorbing well-placed countershots.
Round 5:
This round saw Riku slightly adjust his tempo. He planted his feet a bit more to throw harder combinations. His 1-2 jab-straight combination was followed by a perfectly placed left hook to Hayato's ribs, visibly slowing Hayato down. Hayato attempted to force exchanges by throwing looping punches, but Riku's composure under pressure kept him out of danger.
Riku began to target Hayato's body more, softening him up for the later rounds. His combinations were sharp and precise, leaving no wasted movement.
Hayato showed resilience and landed a hard right hook to Riku's guard that pushed him slightly off balance, but Riku quickly reset and returned fire with a clean 1-2-3 combination.
This is a masterclass in ring generalship,"
one commentator said, praising Riku's ability to dictate the pace and frustrate Hayato.
Round 6:
Hayato came out swinging, knowing he was behind on the scorecards. He managed to back Riku into the ropes with a flurry of punches, landing a solid left hook to Riku's body. However, Riku's defensive awareness saved him from further damage. He rolled under the incoming shots and escaped with a pivot, resetting to the center of the ring. From there, Riku resumed his jab-heavy offense,
keeping Hayato at bay.
Despite Hayato's increased aggression, Riku never panicked. He picked his moments to counter, landing a sharp uppercut that snapped Hayato's head back during an exchange.
: Hayato's determination was evident. He kept moving forward and managed to land a few decent shots, but his energy seemed to wane by the round's end as Riku's precise counters took their toll.
:"Hayato has heart, but he just can't find the answers against Riku's movement and accuracy," one commentator observed.
Round 7:
The seventh round saw Riku step up his aggression slightly, sensing that Hayato was starting to wear down. Riku's jab continued to control the distance, but he now followed it with sharper combinations, including a hard right straight to the head that visibly staggered Hayato. Hayato attempted to respond with a looping left hook, but Riku ducked under and countered with a clean right uppercut to the body.
With precise timing and footwork, Riku constantly disrupted Hayato's rhythm, forcing him to reset after every failed attack. Riku also began fainting more frequently, making Hayato hesitant to throw.
Despite being outboxed, Hayato displayed his trademark toughness. He absorbed punishment and kept moving forward,
throwing sporadic overhand rights to try and land a game-changing punch. However, his punches became increasingly telegraphed.
"It's looking like a clinic now," one commentator remarked. "Riku is just picking Hayato apart."
Round 8:
Sensing he was behind, Hayato pushed the pace from the start of the round. He charged forward, throwing combinations to the body and head. For a brief moment, he managed to pin Riku against the ropes and landed a hard left hook to the ribs that caused Riku to clinch. After the referee separated them, Riku regained control with his jab, keeping Hayato at a safe distance and circling away from Hayato's power hand.
Hayato's punches had more power but less accuracy. While he managed to land a few glancing blows, Riku's head movement and high guard neutralized most of the offense.
Riku maintained his composure, using his jab to set up clean counters. Midway through the round, he landed a picture-perfect 1-2 combination, snapping Hayato's head back and earning an audible reaction from the crowd.
"Hayato is giving it his all, but Riku's boxing IQ is just on another level," a commentator said.
Round 9:
The penultimate round saw Riku fully in control. He switched up his strategy, focusing heavily on body shots to sap the last of Hayato's energy. A left hook to the liver visibly hurt Hayato, forcing him to step back and cover up. Riku seized the moment, landing a flurry of punches upstairs, but Hayato managed to survive by clinching.
Riku dictated the pace entirely, cutting off the ring and landing precise punches to both the body and head. His combination punching was crisp, and his stamina remained intact.
Though clearly outmatched, Hayato refused to back down. He threw occasional wild hooks, hoping to land a lucky shot, but Riku's defense remained tight.
"Hayato has a warrior's spirit, but he's being completely outclassed tonight," a commentator noted.
Round 10 (Final Round):
Hayato came out swinging with everything he had, knowing it was his last chance. He landed a solid overhand right early in the round that briefly stunned Riku. The crowd erupted as Hayato pressed forward, throwing wild combinations. Riku, however, weathered the storm, using his footwork to avoid the brunt of the punches.
After the initial surge, Riku regained control. He landed a sharp jab-cross-uppercut combination that visibly wobbled Hayato. Sensing victory, Riku poured on the pressure, backing Hayato into a corner and unloading a series of clean punches to the head and body. The referee stepped in to check, but Hayato managed to fight back just enough to avoid a stoppage.
Both fighters exchanged punches in the final moments, with the crowd on their feet. When the bell rang, Riku raised his gloves confidently, while Hayato slumped against the ropes, exhausted but unbroken.
The judges scored the bout:
98-92, 99-91, 100-90 – Winner by unanimous decision: Riku Tanaka! "That was a masterclass from Riku Tanaka," a commentator declared. "Hayato Shimizu showed incredible heart, but Riku's skill set is on a whole different level.
As the crowd cheered Riku Tanaka's dominant victory, the fighter grabbed the microphone to address the audience. Despite his commanding performance, he began with a gesture of sportsmanship.
"Hayato Shimizu, you're a true warrior. Tonight, you showed incredible heart and determination, and I respect you for that. Thank you for stepping into the ring with me."
The audience clapped in appreciation for Hayato's effort. Hayato nodded back, acknowledging the respect from Riku.
With a confident smirk, Riku scanned the crowd, raising his voice for all to hear.
"But let's be real. Tonight wasn't just about proving myself against Hayato. I saw the so-called 'Super Rookie' in the crowd tonight.
Everyone's been hyping him up, saying he's the next big thing. Well..." (he points to the stands) "Rookie boy, if you're ready, come face me here and show me what you've got!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps, their attention shifting to Alex Makunouchi, seated ringside. With no hesitation, Alex stood, his expression calm but intense. The arena buzzed as Alex climbed into the ring, walking directly toward Riku.
The two fighters stood inches apart, the tension palpable. The crowd was electric, chanting both names.
Alex Makunouchi: (Looking directly into Riku's eyes) "I watched your fight, Tanaka. I wasn't impressed by your performance. You fought a guy who was already outclassed before the bell rang. Against me? You'll do nothing, boy."
The crowd roared at Alex's bold statement, their excitement reaching a fever pitch. Riku's smirk disappeared, replaced by a cold stare.
Riku Tanaka: (Stepping even closer) "You've got a big mouth for a rookie. Let's see if your fists can back it up."
The two fighters nearly came to blows as the tension escalated. Both men were brimming with intensity, glaring at each other like
predators. The ring staff and trainers rushed in, separating the two before things got physical. The crowd was in an uproar, chanting and screaming for the fight to be made official.
Commentary
"Whoa! Did you see that? The rookie, Alex Makunouchi, just stood toe-to-toe with Riku Tanaka and didn't flinch!"
"This is going to be explosive! The hype for this fight just went through the roof!"
The camera panned across the electrified crowd before cutting to the studio analysts, who were visibly stunned by what had just unfolded. The anchor, dressed in a sharp suit, leaned forward in his seat.
Anchor:
"Ladies and gentlemen, what we just witnessed might go down as one of the most intense post-fight confrontations in recent memory. The 'Super Rookie' Alex Makunouchi just stepped into the ring and exchanged heated words with Riku Tanaka after Tanaka's dominant victory. Let's go to the replay."
Clips of the face-off played on repeat, capturing Alex's cold declaration: "I wasn't impressed by your performance." The analysts were quick to dissect every detail.
Analyst 1:
"This is a bold move from Alex Makunouchi. He's only three fights into his professional career, and he's already calling out a proven contender like Riku Tanaka. Some might call it reckless, but I see it as a calculated play to put his name in the spotlight."
Analyst 2:
"Calculated or not, it's gutsy. But let's not forget, Riku Tanaka is no pushover. He just showcased his power and skill against Hayato Shimizu. Alex may have the crowd's support, but he's stepping into dangerous waters here."
Clips of the live audience showed fans in the stands buzzing with excitement, some gesturing animatedly while others shouted toward the ring.
Fan 1:
"Did you see that? Alex just walked up to Tanaka like he owns the ring!"
Fan 2:
"Man, I can't wait for this fight to happen. Alex is all confidence, but Tanaka's no joke!"
Back at the arena, reporters were already crowding around the ring, their microphones pointed at Riku and Alex.
Mari Īmura (to Riku):
"Tanaka, Alex Makunouchi just called you out in front of the entire crowd. What's your response? Is this fight going to happen?"
Riku
(Still heated but smirking for the cameras)
"I don't back down from anyone. If he thinks he's ready, I'll gladly show him what a real fighter is made of. He's a rookie trying to write checks his fists can't cash."
Minoru Fujii (to Alex):
"Alex, you just put yourself on a collision course with a top contender. Are you sure you're ready for this step?"
Alex Makunouchi:
(Without missing a beat)
"I'm not here to play games or pad my record. If Tanaka thinks he's the big dog, I'll show him what happens when he steps in with me. The crowd will see who the real deal is."
In the press room, reporters were already jotting down notes and pitching headlines. Some exchanged knowing glances, sensing the potential for a massive bout.
Mari Īmura:
"This is exactly what the sport needs—two fiery personalities willing to put it all on the line. The buildup to this fight could sell out arenas."
Minoru Fujii:
"Makunouchi is making waves, but Tanaka's experience might just overwhelm him. Either way, this matchup is going to have everyone talking."
As the broadcast transitioned back to the analysts, their tone was a mix of skepticism and anticipation.
Anchor:
"Well, folks, one thing's for sure. If Alex Makunouchi and Riku Tanaka do meet in the ring, it's going to be one of the most talked-about fights in Japanese boxing. The rookie versus the contender—this has all the ingredients for an unforgettable showdown."
Analyst 1:
"And with the tension we saw tonight, the buildup to this fight could be as thrilling as the bout itself. Let's hope the promoters make it happen."
To be Continued...
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