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79.6% boxing or actor? / Chapter 121: ### Chapter 120: Master of Deception

Bab 121: ### Chapter 120: Master of Deception

#### Following the WBC Light Heavyweight Title Match, Many Media Outlets Covered the Event

Mainstream media primarily reported on Richard Brad's victory over Roy Jones to claim the WBC Light Heavyweight Championship.

**Los Angeles Times** described him as a handsome white boxer and "also an excellent actor."

**New York Post** detailed his background and upbringing, calling him a champion who rose from the streets, describing his journey as "inspirational and astonishing," and a "representation of the American Dream."

**Wall Street Journal** mentioned the prize money for the match, $2 million, with Richard taking $1.5 million after winning in less than three minutes, stating, "Another millionaire is born in the boxing world. He's only twenty years old, and his name is Richard Brad."

Compared to mainstream media's factual reporting, tabloids and sports newspapers focused more on the controversy of the match's outcome.

Richard, a newcomer to the boxing world, started his professional career in December last year, participating in just 13 matches within a year.

In contrast, Roy Jones, a seasoned veteran and 1988 Olympic silver medalist, fought in 39 matches across middleweight to light heavyweight divisions, winning all 39. He was a reigning champion in multiple weight classes and was once considered one of the world's best boxers.

However, this well-established boxer was knocked out by a newcomer in one round during the WBC Light Heavyweight Finals, a result that seemed unbelievable.

Many newspapers analyzed Roy Jones's defeat:

**Sports Weekly** claimed Roy Jones had a cold before the match and was in poor condition, which led to his loss. Otherwise, with his strength, he should have lasted more than one round.

**Boxing Fans** analyzed that Roy Jones's failure was mainly due to underestimating his opponent and falling into Richard's trap.

Before the match, there were reports that Richard Brad had a severe right leg injury and might not be able to compete. There were even rumors he was bitten by a shark or had to amputate his leg. These exaggerated reports fooled even the usually well-informed bookmakers, who raised his odds.

The bookmakers' actions indirectly confirmed the rumors, leading people to believe Richard was seriously injured.

Thus, Roy Jones was fooled and underestimated Richard, leading to his hasty attack at the start of the match.

Judging from Richard Brad's previous performances, this was clearly another tactical deception, possibly starting against Vasily.

He intentionally made bold statements before the match, claiming that even Roy Jones Jr. was not his opponent, to provoke the champion while underperforming in the match to deceive his opponent.

Afterward, Roy Jones vowed to finish the fight within three rounds, which seemed impressive but actually fell into Richard Brad's trap.

Subsequently, Richard Brad accepted the challenge, and the trap was fully set.

Before the match, Richard Brad again implemented deception.

He released information about his right leg injury, exaggeratedly claiming he was bitten by a shark.

This completely insulted people's intelligence. How could someone keep their leg after being bitten by a shark?

Yet many people believed it, including boxing fans, Roy Jones Jr., bookmakers, and even many of this magazine's editors.

"In summary, Mr. Richard Brad is a strategic master of deception, capable of planning and deceiving everyone for a match six months in advance. Such talent is wasted only in boxing. Hehehe, so Richard, your injury was fake, and you pretended to deceive people? Even we were fooled?"

In a coffee shop on Wall Street, Anthony put down the newspaper, expressing his dissatisfaction.

"Stop joking. You've seen my injury; how could it be fake?"

Richard put down his cup, shaking his head.

"You could have self-inflicted it. There's a strategy for that."

"No, I could have beaten Roy Jones without self-harm. Why would I do that? Am I crazy? These writers love to exaggerate, turning a clean match into a conspiracy."

Richard shook his head.

"Haha, look at this, Tyson is calling you out, asking if you can fight a pure match without tricks."

Anthony read the newspaper, laughing.

"That guy is riding my coattails again. Tell the media I want to fight him and see if he dares to accept."

"Okay, also Roy Jones admitted in an interview that he underestimated you, thinking it was an impossible match to lose. He said you're not a real boxer."

Anthony laughed.

"Hmph, in the first round, I dominated him. Didn't he feel my power?"

Richard complained, holding the newspaper.

"Haha, it's normal. If I were him, I'd be upset too. Jones's strength is on par with yours, yet he lost so badly in his signature move. Who wouldn't be upset?"

Anthony laughed.

"Whatever, if he's not convinced, we can fight again. WBC champion versus WBA champion, I can make more money."

"Indeed, that's great."

Anthony checked his watch, "Hey, it's 1 o'clock. Where's Ellie?"

"Look, she's here."

Just then, a short-haired girl walked in, their financial manager Ellie Adler. She wore a blue suit, had exquisite makeup, and carried shopping bags.

Beside her was a plump woman in her twenties, dressed stylishly.

Seeing this person, Anthony suddenly hid behind the newspaper.

"What's wrong?"

Richard asked, puzzled.

"Oh, nothing!"

Anthony touched his cheek, then stood up, smiling brightly.

"Hey, Richard, sorry we're late."

Ellie Adler said as she walked over.

"No problem, we just arrived."

Richard stood up.

"Richard, let me introduce you to Marshall. I hope you don't mind that she joined us."

Ellie Adler smiled.

"I don't mind. Nice to meet you, Marshall!"

Richard extended his hand, smiling.

"Nice to meet you, Richard!"

Marshall smiled warmly and gracefully.

Richard couldn't understand how she could have liked Anthony.

"Hey, Anthony, don't you recognize Marshall?"

Ellie Adler smiled.

"Of course, I do. Hi, Marshall, you look more beautiful. How have you been?"

Anthony extended his hand, smiling warmly.

"Not bad."

Marshall smiled, "Ellie said you've gained a lot of weight. I almost didn't recognize you."

"Well, well."

Anthony started sweating.

"Haha, Anthony, no need to be nervous. You two can chat over there. Richard and I have work to discuss."

"Alright!"

Marshall smiled and moved to a booth, with Anthony following.

---

"Ellie, who pursued whom?"

Richard asked curiously.

"Anthony confessed to Marshall."

Ellie smiled.

"Marshall agreed?"

"Yes, back in school, Anthony wasn't as fat, just slightly chubby. He was fair, handsome, genuine, had good grades, and was humorous."

"Anthony had so many good qualities?"

Richard had known Anthony since they were teenagers and never thought he was that impressive.

"Yes, he was popular with girls in school, but now he's gotten greasy."

Ellie shrugged.

"Why did they break up? Anthony said he cheated, but Marshall doesn't seem to blame him."

"It was a misunderstanding."

Ellie frowned, "It was like a movie. Marshall had a fiancé, Jack, her father's business partner's son. Jack transferred to New York University in his junior year to develop a relationship with Marshall and marry her after graduation, making Anthony an obstacle."

"What did he do to Anthony?"

Richard was intrigued.

"Jack set him up, got Anthony drunk, and had him sleep with another close girl, then had Marshall catch them. They broke up."

"Sounds like a movie."

Richard shook his head, feeling sorry for Anthony. "Did Marshall marry Jack?"

"No, she married another suitor. Later, at a party, Jack admitted to Marshall, but it was too late."

Ellie sighed, looking at the blushing Anthony, "Poor guy. He still doesn't know he was set up."

Richard glanced over, unsure what to say. It was sad but long over.

Fortunately, Anthony was doing well now, having made a lot from his last bet and his agency. He was a small millionaire, doing better than most classmates.

"Richard, these are the reports for the last two months."

Ellie Adler handed over two folders.

"How are the recent stock returns?"

Richard asked, reviewing the reports.

"Average. Your investment plan is too conservative. If you let me handle it entirely, I could double your assets in six months."

Ellie was a bit resentful.

Richard smirked. Since May, he handed Ellie $700,000 for management, half in Amazon stocks and the other half for her to invest.

His amateur opinions led Ellie to often complain, calling him conservative and ignorant.

Richard countered, sticking to his plan of splitting the funds, resulting in $900,000 now, earning about $100,000 in six months.

"Hey, Richard, are you listening?"

Ellie asked, arms crossed.

"Yes, Ellie, I'm very satisfied with your performance."

"Satisfied with this?"

Ellie spread her hands, "I have five accounts, one over ten million, two at five million, one at three million, and yours. In six months, all others earned over a million, only yours made about a hundred thousand. If you let me fully handle it, I guarantee your account will hit $1.5 million in a year."

"No, I won another $100,000 from my last match. I'll continue with our agreement, half in Amazon and the other half for you to manage. Okay?"

Richard smiled.

"Richard, you're so stubborn."

Ellie sighed.

"I just don't like taking risks. You said Bezos is capable, and Amazon is stable. I trust you, isn't that enough?"

Richard shrugged.

"Alright, since you trust him so much, I'll introduce you to him."

Ellie smiled.

"That's a good idea. Thanks in advance."

Richard smiled.

---

"What's wrong, feeling reluctant?"

It was around 4 PM, outside a restaurant, and Richard got into the car.

In the seat next to him, Anthony was staring blankly in the direction where Marshall had left.

"No, I was just thinking..."

Anthony paused and then said with a slight smile, "What would it be like if we hadn't broken up? Maybe we would be married now, maybe with a two or three-year-old child. Maybe I would be a successful white-collar worker, a young millionaire, haha."

"Don't be sad."

"Haha, I'm not sad. It's just imagination. In reality, even if we hadn't broken up then, we would have split later on.

In our senior year, we had several arguments due to work, and her family didn't agree with us being together. Marshall and I weren't the type to let go of everything and stick together.

So, personality determines fate. Some things were arranged long ago, and no matter how you choose, there won't be much difference."

Anthony shrugged.

"And now, the misunderstanding is cleared up. Have you thought about rekindling the relationship?"

Richard asked with a smile.

"No, she's already married and has kids. It's not possible."

Anthony shook his head.

"Why not? If you still love her, just boldly pursue her, don't worry about other things."

Richard encouraged him, waving his fist.

"She's doing well now. I don't want to disturb her."

Anthony sighed, then suddenly patted his stomach, "Richard, do you think if I start working out now, I can lose weight?"

"You want to work out?"

Richard was surprised. He had been urging Anthony to lose weight and exercise every day before, but it had no effect. Now, this guy was taking the initiative to suggest working out, which was quite rare.

"Hehe, Marshall said I'm too fat and almost didn't recognize me. I want to work hard and train so that the next time I see her, I'll look the same as before."

Anthony clenched his fist and said.

"Haha, go for it!"

Richard patted the chubby guy on the shoulder.


Bab 122: ### Chapter 121: The Troublesome Younger Brother

On November 18th, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the WBC lightweight championship challenge also reached its final match.

'Contender for the title' Mayweather faced off against former WBC lightweight champion Genaro Hernández, with the two battling it out for eight rounds.

During the match, Mayweather landed a heavy blow to Hernández's head, causing an injury that led to bleeding. By the eighth round, Hernández had to forfeit the match.

Mayweather won easily, capturing the WBC gold belt.

That evening, Richard and several friends, including Paul, were also present to watch the fight. When they saw Mayweather raise the gold belt, everyone was excited—everyone except for Paul, who looked dejected.

"Don't be sad. The heavyweight gold belt is heavier, so lifting it is harder," Richard comforted.

"Enough, I've heard that too many times," Paul waved his hand dismissively.

"I'm telling the truth. In the heavyweight division, there are many strong opponents. None of those champions are easy to beat. If you want to get the gold belt, you still need to train more. The WBA championship challenge is coming up soon. Are you ready?" Richard asked with a smile.

"The WBA champion is Holyfield, whose strength is comparable to Lewis. Do you think I stand a chance?" Paul grimaced as if about to cry.

"There's always a chance. The key is how hard you're willing to work. If you put in the effort and fight hard, you'll definitely achieve something," Richard said, patting his shoulder.

"No, I've thought about it. It's too difficult to rely on myself to win. There is a way to help me get the gold belt faster, but I'll need your help."

"How can I help?" Richard asked, curious.

"Hehe, Richard, are we good friends?" Paul grinned, showing his big white teeth.

"Heh, I could have said yes without hesitation before, but now I have to think about it. Just tell me what ridiculous idea you have," Richard frowned.

"It's simple. Didn't you say you want to fight in the heavyweight division someday? With your strength, you'll definitely win. Once you get the gold belt, I'll challenge you, and you can intentionally lose to me. Hehe, then I'll have the gold belt. What do you think?"

Richard's mouth twitched, and he gave Paul a thumbs-up, "You're really smart!"

"Are you agreeing to it?" Paul asked excitedly.

"No, stop joking. If you don't have the strength, you can't keep the gold belt even if I give it to you."

"That's fine. When I lose, you can win it back and lose to me again," Paul suggested.

"Are you my son?" Richard retorted.

"Dad! Dad!" Paul cried out playfully.

"Get lost!" Richard punched him, pushing the crazy guy to the side.

"Hey, Richard, look at my gold belt," Mayweather walked down from the ring, the WBC gold belt draped over his shoulder.

The green belt, with its golden emblem and the three black letters "WBC" in the center, was exquisitely crafted, similar to Richard's, but with different owner information.

Among the four major boxing organizations, WBC, WBO, WBA, and IBF, each weight class champion has a gold belt, also known as the 'World Gold Belt.' Richard holds the light heavyweight belt, while Mayweather holds the lightweight one.

Below the 'World Gold Belt,' there are also 'World Silver Belts,' 'International Gold Belts,' and 'Continental Gold Belts.'

The holder of the 'World Silver Belt' is the 'Contender for the title,' with the right to challenge for the 'World Gold Belt.'

To challenge the 'World Gold Belt' from the 'International Gold Belt,' negotiations and the champion's agreement are needed; the champion can refuse.

Other challengers must be ranked within the top 15 or have a high enough appearance fee to challenge the champion.

This illustrates the high status of the 'World Gold Belt' in the system, making it very difficult to obtain.

"Mayweather, congratulations," Richard extended his fist to bump with him.

"Thanks, hey, Paul," Mayweather called out with his fist extended.

"Congratulations," Paul said lazily.

"Haha, don't be upset. Maybe you'll get the gold belt next year."

"Of course, I, Paul Pilbert, will definitely get the gold belt," Paul said through gritted teeth.

---

After the match, Mayweather threw a big party, inviting many people to join.

Richard stayed for a while but left the party early.

He was in Las Vegas not only to watch the match but also to discuss business.

After becoming a champion, several large promotional companies in the boxing world extended olive branches to him, including Main Events, Don King Promotions, and Top Rank.

After much consideration, he didn't choose any of them. He's not purely a boxer and doesn't want to become a fighting machine.

After careful thought, he entrusted his management to 'Starlight Sports,' handing it over to Andy and his assistant Bob Reuter.

Starlight Sports will promote him, with each match being a collaboration. They split the earnings, and if he's dissatisfied with Starlight's performance, he can change representatives at any time.

This time, Starlight Sports is promoting his next match against Roy Jones.

After the match earlier this month, Roy Jones expressed dissatisfaction in the media.

Most boxing fans also felt that Roy Jones's loss was unfair, thinking he fell for Richard's 'trick.' They believed the two needed another match to see who was truly better.

As time went on, the call for another match grew louder. Even many famous figures in the boxing world stood up, expressing their desire to see who was the best in the light heavyweight division.

So, boxing promotion giant Don King contacted both fighters' management companies, inviting them to a 'title unification match.'

Roy Jones versus Richard Bradley.

One is the WBA gold belt holder, and the other is the WBC gold belt holder.

The winner can take the other's gold belt, becoming the 'world champion' of two or more organizations—a 'title unification match.'

Richard received the news and didn't object.

Another match would bring more income. Last time, he earned over 1.5 million in prize money. After team deductions, he received more than 1.3 million, and with the betting money, his total income exceeded 2 million.

The prize for this match shouldn't be lower than the last.

"Andy, Bob!"

In the hotel room, Andy was holding a glass of red wine, smoking a cigar, while the chief agent of Starlight, Bob Reuter, sat beside him, looking over documents.

"Richard, is the match over?" Andy asked.

"Yes, Mayweather won the gold belt," Richard replied.

"Sure enough, he won. I knew he could get the gold belt, but it's a pity that kid isn't willing to cooperate with Starlight."

Andy sighed regretfully.

"It's because your offer wasn't attractive enough," Richard laughed, sitting down and asking, "So, how did the talks go?"

"Haha, not bad. The first fight between you and Roy Jones ended too quickly and suddenly, leaving many questions and piquing the interest of boxing fans.

For the second fight, Don King wants to make it bigger, treating it as a top-tier event."

"And Roy Jones agreed to this?" Richard asked curiously.

"Yes, they also believe another match is necessary to determine who is the top light heavyweight," Andy said with a cigar in his mouth.

Richard shook his head. "When will it be?"

"Not confirmed yet, but it will be at least three months later. We need a period for promotion," Andy explained.

"Okay, anything else?" Richard asked.

"Just one more thing," Bob Reuter chuckled. "Mr. Don King mentioned that in the first match, you fought clean and quick, winning in no time, which was cool.

However, for the second match, it shouldn't be too quick. Many people buy tickets to watch you fight, but if it's over before they even sit down, it's not satisfying. He hopes you can showcase your performance skills and make the fight more exciting."

"Don thinks I'm better than Roy Jones," Richard laughed.

"Yes, Mr. Don King said you're very strong and smart, and also a handsome white guy. He believes your commercial value is not less than Tyson's. In the future, your fight earnings will definitely be higher. Oh, and he invited you to play golf tomorrow. Do you have time?" Bob Reuter asked.

"Of course, how can I refuse Don's invitation?" Richard shrugged.

Don King, now in his sixties, is an African American and the most famous boxing promoter, the number one in boxing promotion.

Since the 1970s, he has successfully promoted over 500 championship fights worldwide.

This includes Ali vs. Foreman in the 'Rumble in the Jungle,' Ali vs. Frazier in the 'Thrilla in Manila,' Tyson vs. Holyfield, and Tyson vs. British champion Bruno, among others.

Of the top 10 fights with the most pay-per-view users in history, 7 were promoted by Don King, with each fight's prize money reaching at least tens of millions.

Knowing such a big shot brings many benefits.

Accepting Don King's invitation, he stayed in Las Vegas for another day.

He took Paul to Don King's club, chatting and playing golf with the big shot, and meeting several champions under Don King, including Holyfield and John Ruiz.

At Don King's suggestion, he sparred with Holyfield.

Evander Holyfield, 36 years old, current WBA-IBF heavyweight champion, Ring magazine's best fighter of 1997, 3-time IBF heavyweight champion, and 3-time WBA heavyweight champion, is recognized as one of the best boxers in the world.

They fought for three rounds, each knocking the other down once, seemingly evenly matched.

To help Paul, Richard proposed that Paul fight John Ruiz.

John Ruiz is currently an international champion. In September, he defeated Jerry Ballard, winning the WBA North American heavyweight championship.

Don King agreed.

Paul and John Ruiz fought for six rounds.

John Ruiz's jab is very fast, his upper body movement is quick, and his technique is comprehensive.

Paul's punches are heavy, and his technique is good, but his speed and style are clumsy.

They fought for six rounds, and Paul lost on points. However, his performance caught Don King's attention.

"Richard, thank you for letting me fight a champion in advance."

After leaving Don King's boxing club, Paul leaned against the car window and said.

"You're welcome. Even though you lost, don't be sad. John Ruiz is ranked in the top 20 in the WBA heavyweight division and has the strength to compete for the world title. You did well to fight him this way," Richard comforted.

"I'm not sad at all," Paul grinned. "I didn't know how strong I was before fighting a champion. Now I know. I'm a bit worse than an international champion, but not by much. Now I'm going to train hard for a year and challenge for the world title next year."

"You're not coming to Los Angeles with me?"

"No, I'm going back to train!" Paul said, clenching his fist.

"Alright then."

After sending Paul off, he arrived in Los Angeles the next day.

"Dangerous X Games" was about to be released, and the crew was busy with promotions. Richard joined the promotion for a few days, feeling a bit tired, and collapsed on the hotel sofa.

"Hey, aren't you a champion? Why are you so weak?" Sarah Michelle Gellar asked, sitting on the sofa.

"I'm not weak, just don't want to move. Sometimes I think, I can earn millions from one fight, but only a few thousand from making a movie. Auditions, filming, and promotions take up most of the year. It's not worth it," Richard said, touching his forehead.

"You don't want to be an actor anymore?" Sarah picked up a grape and fed it to him.

"No, just joking around. Complaining makes me feel better," Richard said, eating the grape with a smile.

"Haha, if I were you, I'd focus on boxing, make millions, and then retire. Wouldn't that be great?" Sarah laughed, feeding him another grape.

"Not really. In the boxing world, it's just rough men fighting. Making movies allows me to meet many beautiful women, like you," Richard joked.

"You became an actor just to meet beautiful women?"

"What else?"

"Haha, you're really something. I still haven't paid you back for slapping my butt last time. Now I want revenge."

Sarah pounced on him, pinching and biting.

"Sister Catherine, are you sure you want revenge?" Richard lifted her chin and smiled mischievously.

"Yes, you naughty little brother!" Sarah said, lying on his chest, about to bite him.

Richard hugged her tightly and kissed her red lips fiercely. They had kissing scenes in the movie, so kissing a few more times didn't matter.

"Mmm, no!"

---

(End of the chapter)


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