After helping Jason Luo tidy up, Mr. Raul told them, "You can't leave yet. The coach and I will go check the schedule for the second match. Stay here and don't wander off."
Pedro added, "Watching others fight is very useful. Don't just watch with your eyes—pay attention and really feel the fight."
Once the coach left, Tony Huo leaned in, looking disappointed. "What a waste. You made the fight completely unwatchable. That won't do, Jason. If we face opponents like this again, could you at least go easy on them? Make it last two or three rounds..."
"What?!" Jason Luo's eyes widened. "That would be throwing a fight! Absolutely not! Tony, throwing a match in the ring is a serious insult to a boxer's integrity. Don't even think about it!"
Seeing Jason Luo so firm, Tony gave up. "Alright, alright, you win. But at least I can send the video to Grace to brag. She's probably the only one who'd enjoy watching it. Sigh!"
With that, he went to message Grace. Meanwhile, Jason Luo focused on the nearby matches, paying close attention to bouts where the fighters were evenly matched.
One fight in particular caught his interest. An aggressive fighter was overwhelming his opponent with a relentless offensive. The slower fighter wasn't weak, but his Punch Speed was lacking. His attacks kept getting interrupted, preventing him from building any momentum. As the match went on, he fell into a disadvantage and was forced against the ropes, where he took a steady stream of hits.
Fortunately, the aggressive fighter's punches lacked knockout power, allowing his opponent to hold on. Just as Jason Luo thought defeat was inevitable, the slower fighter suddenly erupted, landing two clean shots that dropped his opponent and ended the match instantly.
What a cunning fighter! Judging from his energetic celebration and full stamina afterward, it was obvious he'd been acting the whole time. Knowing the Punch Speed gap was too great, he purposely lulled his opponent into relaxing, then seized the opening for a decisive finish. Brilliant strategy!
It seemed the coach had been right all along—boxing required intelligence, and it was just as important as physical ability.
After watching two more fights, the coach and Raul returned, their faces serious.
Jason Luo quickly stepped up. "Mr. Raul, what happened?"
Raul forced a smile. "Nothing major. The next fight is set for tomorrow afternoon. It's just that the opponent you've been matched with could be tricky. Here, take a look at his profile."
Jason Luo took the file with a puzzled look. Silvaev, from Saint Petersburg. Age 26. Height 177 cm. Reach 175 cm. Weight 77.4 kg. Amateur record: 11 fights, 8 wins, 1 loss, 2 draws.
Raul added, "I've already asked around. Silvaev also won in the preliminaries, and he scored a knockout in the second round."
Jason Luo understood at once. "You mean he's another heavy punch, power-type fighter, right?"
This time Pedro spoke up. "That's almost certain. First, his build only fits a power-punching style. Second, he's from Russia. We have to take him seriously."
"Russian fighters are really that strong?" Jason Luo didn't have a TV at home and didn't like using his phone, so his knowledge of such things was limited.
Pedro glanced around at the noisy crowd and chose not to answer directly. Instead, he said, "Jason, you'll need targeted training. No rest. We're going back to the gym to discuss a plan."
"Alright, I'll tell Tony, then we'll go."
With the situation changed, Jason Luo explained it quickly to Tony, then hurried back to the gym with the coach.
"Jason, let me give you a quick introduction to Russian boxing. Alongside American boxing, it's one of the most important systems in the world today. It's widely practiced in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and other countries."
"Russian boxing is straightforward and practical, but also extremely dangerous. Russian fighters usually have precise counterattacking skills and strong durability. Going blow for blow against them isn't wise."
"Of course, it has weaknesses too. Their punch frequency is often low, but the Power and damage are immense. Their footwork usually isn't agile, but their balance is rock-solid. Against this style, I think a technical approach is best."
Jason Luo nodded. Russian fighters were known for their toughness. Anyone who made it in the ring there was bound to have plenty of Strength.
Against such opponents, Jason Luo wasn't sure his own durability could hold up, so the technical approach seemed the safest choice.
Seeing him nod, Pedro continued with satisfaction, "He punches slow, so we counter with speed. His stance is steady, so we beat him with movement! With agile footwork and high-frequency punching, you build a points lead while looking for weaknesses to land a rear heavy punch."
Jason Luo thought for a moment. "Coach, I agree. But one thing—an opponent like this definitely has ways to close the distance quickly. Otherwise, he wouldn't have that record. That's tricky. He's tough as nails. If he locks onto me, it'll be hard to get free."
Pedro's eyes lit up. "Good, you're thinking broadly. Here's how I'd deal with that." He picked up a whiteboard and sketched as he spoke. "Look, if you retreat straight back while dodging, he can easily rush in to close the gap. But if you feint and sidestep left or right, it'll be harder for him to determine your position and direction..."
Jason Luo quickly understood and pictured it in his mind. "So I should circle him, avoiding straight-line retreats?"
"Exactly. But don't let him figure out your rhythm. Your shifts must be unpredictable."
"Well... Coach, I can't promise that."
"That's why we'll run simulations. Stand here and circle me while throwing punches. Try not to let me tag you with my cane..."
Easier said than done. The gym soon echoed with Jason Luo's frustrated groans.
"Ouch! Coach, take it easy! You're rattling my brain..."
"You idiot! Add some feints. Do you think I'm blind?..."
"Got it!"
"Surprise! Without surprise, you'll just end up eating the Russian's fists!"
"Punch! Punch! Make him feel your threat..."
"Ah, Coach! No shots below the waist—that's a foul!"
"I'll kick you to death..."
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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