After all the training, Alex arrived home with his whole body aching. Every muscle hurt, but despite the pain, he was excited—he wanted to go to the gym every day. He was eager to learn more about boxing.
The next day, he returned to the gym and repeated the same routine as yesterday. While he was punching the heavy bag, his coach called out to him.
"Get in the ring, Alex."
Alex walked over. "Why, coach?"
"I want you to spar. Use everything I've taught you."
"But I'm not ready yet," Alex replied nervously.
"If I wait until you're ready, you'll never do it. Remember this—no risk, no story. You want to start a new journey? Then risk everything. Feel the pain from the punches. Remember the hurt. That's how you'll learn to dodge."
"O… okay," Alex said, swallowing his fear.
He climbed into the ring and shook hands with his opponent. The bell rang.
The opponent threw a series of quick jabs—he was clearly an out-boxer. Alex tried to dodge, but he could only avoid a few. He attempted to counter with some punches of his own, but the opponent dodged them all effortlessly.
Suddenly, the opponent launched a hard uppercut. It landed straight into Alex's abs, then another hit him in the head. He fell to the canvas, stunned. The referee started counting.
But Alex didn't stay down. He pushed himself up quickly, fueled by determination.
The opponent attacked again, but this time something changed. Alex's body moved on its own—he slipped to the right, dodging the jab instinctively. In that moment, Alex saw an opening. An opportunity.
He reacted instantly—he unleashed a powerful hook straight to his opponent's body, pouring in all his strength, speed, and willpower.
SMACK!
The hook connected hard with the opponent's abs. The opponent cried out in pain and collapsed to the ground.
The referee began the countdown.
"…10! He's out!"
"He passed out!" the ref declared.
Alex's coach stood at the side, stunned. He couldn't believe it—Alex had knocked out an amateur boxer.