After what had just happened, no one was in the mood to celebrate anymore. The gathering quickly broke up. Jason Luo followed his coach back to the training hall, while Mr. Raul went out to gather information on their opponent.
Seeing the displeased look on Coach Pedro's face, Jason Luo lowered his head. "I'm sorry, Coach. I couldn't hold back and caused trouble. I must have ruined your training and fight plans."
But Pedro shook his head. "Jason, you don't need to apologize—you didn't do anything wrong! A boxer's fists are meant for the ring, that's true. But if a fighter can't even defend his own dignity, then what's the point?"
Jason Luo hadn't expected his coach to think that way, and he was pleasantly surprised.
Pedro continued, "That said, this upcoming fight won't be easy. Judging from his build and muscle tone, he's clearly a power-type fighter—and he's got some real skill."
Jason Luo, relieved that his coach wasn't angry, didn't seem worried. "It's alright, Coach. My Toughness is solid. I promise I won't embarrass you."
"No, Jason. That's the wrong way to think." Pedro's tone grew serious. "Your Toughness is indeed above average, but I want you to forget about it. Listen: no champion has ever won by simply enduring his opponent's punches. No one has ever reached the top of this sport by relying on Toughness alone. Even if you really had an iron chin, it wouldn't win you fights. Offense is the best defense."
"Oh… understood." Jason Luo nodded.
"Your last fight was a good showing, but you're still far from being a proper technical boxer. Against Morduk, your best approach is to use the jab to control the distance and keep him out of range. From today on, we'll step up training on jabs and counters. Once Raul brings back detailed data, we'll work out a specific strategy."
Before training wrapped up, Raul returned with Morduk's profile.
Morduk, 26, from Mexico. Since moving to the U.S., he's gone 11-0 in the amateurs with 9 KOs. A textbook Mexican-style fighter, he thrives in mid-to-close-range exchanges with heavy, punishing punches. Nicknamed "The Bone Crusher," his rear hand carries dangerous power.
Pedro studied the file, clearly surprised. "That KO rate isn't low at all… his heavy punch really is something to watch out for."
Jason Luo suppressed a smirk. After all, he also had an undefeated record, with every win coming by KO. The only difference was that he hadn't fought enough bouts yet… But he kept that thought to himself.
Pedro noticed his expression and said, "Looks like you've met a real challenge this time. Here's the plan: go home and double down on your training. I'll study his style tonight and see if I can come up with a counter-strategy to raise our chances of winning."
Jason Luo nodded, then asked curiously, "Coach, what exactly is Mexican style? Is it really that strong?"
Pedro chuckled. "The so-called Mexican style is an aggressive, pressure-based approach. It's been developing for nearly a century. Not only is it hugely popular in Mexico, it's also had a profound influence throughout the American Southwest. Its hallmark is relentless exchanges."
"Once they get inside, their offense becomes multidimensional. They'll go for the ribs and the body as much as the head, which makes defending against them extremely difficult. That's why controlling distance is crucial. Alright, enough for today. Head home early. Aside from training, you need rest—getting your condition right is what matters most."
"Got it, Coach. I'll head out then."
After Jason Luo left, Pedro's smile faded. Raul seemed to sense it and leaned in. "So, what do you think, Old Pedro? Confident?"
Pedro shook his head. "It won't be easy. I'm afraid Jason might suffer his first loss."
"What? Is the opponent really that strong?" Raul asked, startled.
Pedro sighed. "Not exactly. The real problem is Jason's fundamentals. If his technique and tactics were already well-developed, he could fight with a technical style and have a solid chance of winning on points. But unfortunately…"
Raul knew Jason had only just entered the boxing world, but still felt reluctant. "Coach, Jason's Toughness is pretty good. Maybe he can pull through."
Pedro shook his head. "That's the problem. Once a Mexican fighter closes the distance, it's nearly impossible to shake them off. I'll have to think this over again. But don't worry too much. Facing defeat early on might not be a bad thing for the kid."
...
Back at home, Jason Luo was completely unaware of his coach's doubts. The data showed that his opponent was strong, but Jason believed he wasn't inferior—especially since he still had three unused Free Attribute Points!
He pulled up his system panel.
System Binder: Jason Luo
Age: 18
Height: 184 cm
Reach: 187 cm
Weight: 76.2 kg
Occupation: Amateur Contracted Boxer
Reputation: Rising Star
System Talent: (Greedy Wolf Power – Beginner)
After defeating an opponent, permanently extract 15% of their superior Attribute Points.
Strength: 8
stamina: 9
Boxing Technique: 6
Footwork: 8
Reaction: 6
Punch Speed: 7
Coordination: 7
Explosiveness: 6
Recovery: 7
Dodge & Anticipation: 7
Toughness: 10
Jab Power: 5
Cross Power: 9
Free Attribute Points: 3
Overall Assessment: Though your technique is still rough, your strong physique may already give you the strength to contend among entry-level amateur boxers. What are you waiting for? Go fight, kid!
He almost forgot—he still had one unused Lottery chance. If he drew a Free Attribute Point, his odds in the next fight would be even better.
He clicked "Start Lottery," and the screen spun wildly. Human nature—though he knew he couldn't follow it, Jason Luo still kept his eyes fixed on the screen, hoping luck would be on his side.
Ding! Congratulations, you have drawn the Basic Talent: Unyielding Body. Please review.
Unyielding Body?
Unyielding Body (Basic)
Upon being knocked down for the first time in an official match, all stats will be fully restored. For the next three minutes, all stats increase by 15%. However, after three minutes, a weakness period begins, reducing all stats by 20%.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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