Bab 15: Chapter 15: Your Match, Your Decision (Please Support and Bookmark)**
**Chapter 15: Your Match, Your Decision (Please Support and Bookmark)**
"Alvin, do you think this plan will work?"
Richard had been studying the tapes for three days and had devised a strategy, which he was now running by the old man.
The old man was silent for a moment before shaking his head. "It's too risky. Do you know that Montell nearly turned James into a vegetable?"
"I know, it's in the records."
"You know his punches are heavy, and you still choose this strategy? One wrong move, and you could be killed. We could use a safer approach."
The old man frowned.
"There are two reasons. First, I'm fast enough to deflect most of his power. Second, I want to use this match to toughen myself."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes! Montell is a worthy opponent, almost on par with the current WBC light heavyweight champion, Roy Jones Jr. Before entering the professional arena, I want to go several rounds with him and use this match as a warm-up."
"Alright, your match, your decision."
The old man left the office, shouting, "Paul! Paul! Where are you, always slacking off!"
"I'm here, Alvin."
Paul's voice came from the corner of the office.
"Why are you here instead of training?"
Seeing that Paul was about to speak, Alvin waved his hand, "You heard Richard's plan, right? Now put on the iron gloves and go all out against him."
"Iron gloves?"
Paul hesitated but agreed cheerfully.
The 'iron gloves' were a special training tool made of tanned leather, heavier and sturdier than regular gloves, used specifically for training. Wearing these gloves was like adding a buff to his punches, making it incredibly satisfying to strike.
Paul grinned; finally, he could get some payback.
"Richard, Paul's punches are no weaker than Montell's. If you can't last ten rounds, we should rethink the strategy."
"Got it!"
Richard and Paul stepped into the ring.
The brutal match began.
Paul, with his special gloves, wore a mischievous grin as he delivered heavy blows to Richard.
Bang! Bang!
——
"On October 5th, this weekend, Bronx champion Richard Brad will face former light heavyweight champion Montell Griffin at Starlight Park."
On Tuesday, this major news quickly spread throughout the Bronx's streets, even making it into the local newspapers.
The announcement caught the attention of many boxing fans. Those who supported Richard were thrilled to finally see him in action again. However, learning that his opponent was a professional champion made them sober up quickly.
Professional champions earn their titles through real fights. The world's best boxers are in the professional arena, and those who become champions are top-notch. Can Richard win this time?
After much discussion, the consensus was:
It's going to be tough!
Very tough!
Someone listed a comparative chart of their strengths.
**[Richard Brad]**
- Age: 20
- Height: 186 cm
- Reach: 196 cm
- Boxing Experience: 4 years
- Achievements:
- New York Golden Gloves Light Heavyweight Champion
- 17 amateur bouts: 17 wins
- 23 underground bouts: 23 wins (18 KOs)
- Traits: Ambidextrous, tenacious, flexible techniques, showmanship
- Nicknames: The Undefeated God, The Prince of Bronx, The Virgin King
**[Montell Griffin]**
- Age: 34
- Height: 181 cm
- Reach: 190 cm
- Achievements:
- U.S. Youth Olympic Boxing Champion
- World Championship Middleweight Runner-up
- 1984 Olympics Fourth Place
- Golden Gloves Winner
- 50 professional bouts: 41 wins, 8 losses, 1 draw (32 KOs)
- Former WBC Light Heavyweight Champion
- Traits: Powerful punches, right-handed, steady
——
The stats clearly showed a stark contrast:
A newbie with no professional matches versus a seasoned champion with numerous victories.
Is this match even worth watching?
Some felt sorry, thinking it would be hard to see Richard's handsome face bruised. Others eagerly anticipated Richard finally being taken down a peg.
Some were torn about betting. Should they support Richard again?
Might as well throw money in Times Square for fun.
Bet on Montell?
It felt like betraying Richard.
What to do?
After 0.1 seconds of deliberation, the decision was clear:
Making money is priority. Sorry, Richard.
After the match, they could bring an apple to the hospital if he still had his teeth.
Some even stopped Richard on the street, trying to get insider info.
"Hey, Richard, out for a walk?"
Breakfast shop owner Harold greeted.
"Yeah, training all day, needed a break."
Richard, hands in his pockets and sunglasses on, looked up at the sky. "The sunset is beautiful."
"Whoa, Richard, why is your face bruised? Are you poisoned?"
Harold exclaimed.
Richard winced, adjusting his sunglasses. "It's nothing, just dropped a dumbbell on my face during training."
"Oh, be careful. By the way, about the match, do you think you can win?"
"Of course, I will win. Bet on me, you won't regret it."
Richard said confidently.
"You sure?"
Harold frowned.
"Yes, 100%."
Richard asserted.
Harold got the hint. Arrogance leads to defeat. Richard was no match for Montell, and this fight was doomed. He decided to bet on Montell KO'ing Richard in the first round.
"Sorry, Richard. Next time, extra steak on me."
Watching Richard walk away, Harold made his decision.
"Hey, Richard!"
Soon, pimp Mike stopped Richard again.
"Mike, what's up?"
Richard looked up at the sky.
"Whoa, what happened to your face? Did someone beat you up?"
Mike stared at his face.
"None of your business. Got something to say or not? If not, I'm leaving."
Richard was annoyed. Finally, a walk outside, and he kept running into people. Annoying was they all stared at his face. Did he not have a face?
"Haha, Richard, you're in a bad mood. Want me to hook you up with a few hot girls to cool off? Hey, don't go."
Seeing Richard about to leave, Mike quickly grabbed him. "I want to ask about the match. What are you thinking? Why agree to such a match? Clearly, you're no match for Montell."
"Who says I'm not? If you believe in me, bet on me. If not, forget it."
Richard said arrogantly.
"I want to believe you, but... Okay, give it to me straight. How confident are you?"
"100%, I'm younger. Haven't you heard? The older fighter fears the young one."
Richard said softly.
"No, you're almost 20, so a big teenager. Montell is 34, in his prime. Who's afraid of who?"
"."
Richard blinked and walked away, sleeves billowing.
"Just trust me, stop nagging!"
"Richard, sure you don't want the girls? Freebies!"
"No, I'm not that kind of person."
"Haha, this guy!"
Mike smirked. Despite Richard's confidence, was there a hidden card? Or was Andy up to something, setting Montell up to lose?
Would stingy Andy do that?
Before he could figure it out, another message spread through the community radio the next day.
"To ensure fairness, five professional judges from the International Boxing Federation (IBF) will officiate the match. We invite all spectators to witness. No cheating."
Hearing this, Mike and others were puzzled. This time, it's real?
If it's real, how could Richard win?
Was Andy setting Richard up to fail or paving his way?
Mystifying.
(Chapter End)
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone