章 48: Chapter 48: Professional Debut
After a lively day, Richard resumed his boxing training the next day as usual. On December 2nd, the first round of the WBC Light Heavyweight Championship began.
WBC stands for the World Boxing Council, established in 1963 with the support of the New York State Athletic Commission. It united the European Boxing Union, the British Boxing Board of Control, the Latin American Boxing Federation, some state boxing associations in the United States, and national boxing federations from Asia and Africa, becoming one of the most prestigious and powerful professional boxing organizations in the world.
The WBC, along with the WBA (World Boxing Association), WBO (World Boxing Organization), and IBF (International Boxing Federation), are collectively known as the four major professional boxing organizations globally.
In professional boxing, the term 'professional' is used in contrast to 'amateur.'
The most direct difference between amateur and professional boxing is whether protective gear is worn. In professional matches, boxers cannot wear headgear, while in amateur boxing, such as in the Olympics, World Championships, and Youth Games, protective gear is required to prevent injury.
Amateur boxing has three rounds, each lasting three minutes. Professional boxing can range from four to twelve rounds, each also lasting three minutes.
In amateur boxing, there are 12 weight classes for men, ranging from 45 kg to over 91 kg. In professional boxing, there are 17 weight classes for men, also ranging from 45 kg to over 91 kg.
Richard weighed 82 kg, falling into the light heavyweight category, though he could adjust his weight to compete in the super middleweight class if needed.
In professional boxing, the higher the weight class, the more attention it garners. Currently, the most active and profitable boxers in the sport are in the heavyweight and super heavyweight divisions.
In June this year, the WBA heavyweight championship fight between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield generated $65 million in revenue, setting a new record in the boxing world.
Richard and Alvin's plan was to gain experience in the light heavyweight division first, aiming to win the light heavyweight championship belt and build a reputation. If successful, they would then attempt to challenge other boxing organizations' champions, higher weight class champions, and even unify titles across organizations.
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On the afternoon of December 2nd, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Richard faced his professional debut.
Since the first round of the championship challenge was not held at a unified venue, and neither Richard nor his opponent, Oni Smith, had high popularity, the organizers didn't promote the event much. Thus, only a few hundred spectators attended the match.
"Go, Richard!"
"Richard, you can do it!"
Although the crowd was small, Richard had a cheerleading squad, which consisted of Susan's group of friends, all African-American women in their forties and fifties.
Before coming, Richard had told them not to worry, as he was confident he would win. However, Susan insisted on being there, and Richard couldn't refuse, so he rented a bus for them.
Apart from the cheerleaders, there weren't many others. Anthony was out looking for roles in film crews, and Gisele said she didn't like watching him fight, so Richard understood and asked her to wait at home for the good news.
"Richard, don't underestimate your opponent during the match. Even though you defeated Oni Smith before, it's been over a year. His record and skills have improved significantly, so it's best to be cautious," Alvin advised.
"I understand. I won't make any mistakes in such matters," Richard replied.
"Good. How do you plan to approach this fight?" Alvin asked.
"You said he's quite good, and since it's rare to encounter a decent opponent, I'd like to go a few more rounds," Richard said, eyeing his opponent beneath the ring.
"I thought you'd aim for a first-round KO to secure an impressive debut win."
"A win is a win; it doesn't matter if it's impressive," Richard smiled.
"Stop talking and get fighting so we can go drinking afterward," Paul yawned.
"Drinking? Don't you have a match tomorrow?" Paul also participated in the WBC championship challenge, but his heavyweight fight was scheduled for the same venue the next day.
"No rush. I know my opponent. He's average. I'm confident I can KO him in the first round. Ow, Alvin, why did you kick me?" Paul yelped, clutching his knee.
"Get lost. You annoy me," Alvin scowled.
"Hmph, Alvin, you better not treat me like this. Once I become champion, I might not recognize you anymore. Just kidding. I'll go sit over there. Call me if you need anything." Paul grinned as he moved to sit beside Dr. Al.
"Richard, get up there and get ready."
"Got it!"
Richard climbed into the ring and started warming up.
"Hey, Richard!" Oni Smith approached.
"Hey, Oni!" Richard bumped fists with him.
Oni Smith, a 23-year-old from New York State, stood 190 cm tall and weighed 82 kg. A white man with 38 amateur fights under his belt, boasting a record of 32 wins, 4 losses, and 2 draws, with 18 KOs. A traditional right-handed, technical boxer specializing in defense and counterattacks.
"Richard, I'm glad to see you here. I believe this is divine intervention," Oni Smith smiled.
"Oh? Oni, you've been looking forward to facing me in the ring?" Richard was a bit surprised.
"Of course. Last year in San Francisco, I ate some seafood and wasn't feeling well, which is why I lost to you. This time, I intend to settle the score. Defeating you in my professional debut would be the perfect scenario."
"Really? Aren't you aware that I've fought Montell?"
"Haha, Montell? He wasn't defeated by you; he was defeated by money. Are you planning to bribe the judges here?" Oni pointed at the camera and laughed.
"Alright then, let's settle this with our fists."
"OK!"
The two bumped fists again and returned to their preparations.
---
Ding ding ding!
At 3 PM, the match began. There were three WBC scoring judges on site, one referee, and the match was fully recorded. The result would be determined by the three judges.
Right from the start, Oni launched a fast attack, using his reach advantage to deliver heavy straight punches, jabs to the head, and sweeping hooks, seemingly aiming to finish the fight in one round.
Richard remained composed, using his agile footwork, refined technique, highly resilient body, precise jabs, and flexible hooks to easily neutralize Oni's offensive and mount his counterattack.
When Richard counterattacked, Oni couldn't withstand it. His attacks were interrupted, his defense was breached, and Richard pushed him into a corner.
Bam!
Near the end of the first round, Richard landed a fierce jab, breaking through Oni's guard and hitting his chin hard.
Bam!
Oni staggered back several steps, hitting the ropes behind him, looking dazed.
"Stop!" The referee signaled Richard to back off.
Richard retreated to a corner, his feet still bouncing.
The referee counted to five before Oni shook his head, grabbed the ropes, and stood up, indicating he could continue.
"Box!"
The two exchanged a few more blows before the first round ended.
"Richard, how do you feel?" Alvin asked.
"Not bad. The opponent has good technique and strength but is a bit impatient. I’m confident I can win in the first round," Richard analyzed.
"Good. Stick to your plan," Alvin patted his shoulder, fully trusting his disciple.
Ding ding ding!
The second round began.
Richard moved to the center of the ring.
"Richard, you're really good," Oni said with a grim face.
Last time he lost, he felt it was unfair. As a seasoned amateur with over twenty matches, he believed he only lost to Richard because of an off day.
Meeting Richard again in this match, he was determined to win and redeem himself.
But after exchanging blows, he felt hopeless.
In over a year, Richard's boxing skills had improved significantly. His attack speed was phenomenal, his jabs were cunning, and his power was on par with heavyweight boxers.
Facing such an opponent, what could he do? Nothing but despair.
"Oni, you're good too, just a bit unlucky. But there’s always a chance next time. Keep it up!" Richard encouraged.
"I will!" Oni nodded.
"Box!"
The match resumed.
After three more rounds, Richard knocked Oni down three times in four rounds, causing Oni's nose to bleed.
The referee stopped the fight due to the significant skill gap.
All three judges unanimously declared Richard the winner, giving him his first professional victory.
"Richard, you were amazing!" As Richard stepped down from the ring, Gisele ran from the crowd into his arms.
Richard spun her around, "I thought you weren't coming."
"How could I miss your professional debut?" Gisele smiled.
"Thank you!" Richard kissed her.
"Richard, you were awesome!"
"Richard, congratulations!"
Susan led the cheerleading squad over.
"Haha, thank you, Alvin, Al, thank you, Susan, Chris, Daisy!" Richard hugged the old man and the cheerleaders, feeling comfortable among them.
"Richard, don’t forget about me!" Paul grinned as he approached.
"Alright, thanks for training with me," Richard patted his shoulder.
"What? Who trained with whom?" Paul protested. "We need to clarify who’s whose sparring partner."
"Alright, alright, I trained with you. Enough talk. Let's go celebrate!" Richard waved his hand.
"Let's go!"
A group of them boarded the bus, leaving the arena cheerfully.
Over the next half month, Richard participated in four more professional matches. His opponents were strong
, but he was stronger, winning all four matches.
His professional record stood at 4-0 with 2 KOs, ranking him 788th out of 1108.
Paul also performed well, winning all three of his heavyweight matches by KO, quickly becoming a rising star in the sport.
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