Early the next morning, in the training hall.
With the match scheduled for the afternoon, Coach Pedro didn't let Jason Luo train any further, wanting to preserve his Stamina, so he shifted to technical instruction.
"Listen, Jason, your sidestepping still isn't sharp enough. But we're out of time. The only solution now is to stay on guard during your evasions. And use your jab to break your opponent's rhythm."
"Also, don't forget to use your height and reach advantage. Control the distance. If he manages to get inside, you're taller—press down on him..."
Jason Luo committed these points firmly to memory.
Just then, a familiar voice rang out. "Ha ha, old devil, after all these years you're still sticking to the same tricks?"
Pedro and Jason Luo turned to see Mr. Brown.
Pedro's expression hardened. "George Brown? What are you doing here?"
Brown wore his usual easy smile. "Of course I'm here for this kid. I heard from Raul that you've run into a little trouble, so I came rushing over. After all, Jason's practically my disciple now. If he can't even make it past the preliminaries, I'll lose face too..."
Pedro gave a faint snort. "No need for your concern. We can handle this ourselves."
"Oh really? Let me guess—you're going with your old strategy again. Control the distance with technique, build up a points advantage, right?"
"And what's wrong with that strategy?" Pedro's voice jumped several notches.
"Don't blow up, old devil! I didn't come here to argue. Calm down and hear me out. The strategy isn't wrong. The problem is Jason!"
"Pedro, you know his situation. If he were a seasoned technical boxer, I'd fully support your plan. But right now, he's only trained for a few months. He's neither proficient nor experienced in applying tactics. Sending him against a ferocious Russian-style fighter like this is risky."
That was exactly what Pedro feared. "Then what do you suggest?"
Brown looked at Jason Luo and spoke steadily. "I thought about this all night. Jason, your biggest edge is still your physical Attributes. Giving that up to fight a technical battle reduces risk, sure—but once you're in the ring, if the chance appears, you need to use your Strength."
"My focus is on physical conditioning, so I've studied Russian fighters in depth. Their Attributes are outstanding—explosiveness, durability, Stamina, all of it. To deal with them, you've got to put penetrating Power into your punches. If their guard is too tight, aim for vital joints: the shoulder, inside of the elbow, even behind the ear."
"And one more thing—Russian fighters bring a fierce aura into the ring. Don't let that mess with your head. You must project your own Presence. Never let them intimidate you!"
"Jason, Pedro mainly guides your Technique. But in our offensive system, Presence is just as important. If you can impose yourself on your opponent, you limit his ability to perform. When trading blows, you've got to be ruthless, fierce, and passionate! I've watched one of your fights—it was decent, but far from enough. Your eyes showed the desire to knock your opponent down. What I demand is the desire to destroy him! Only with that level of ferocity can you unlock your full potential!"
"Jason, training is about hard work. But once you step into the ring—it's about fighting with your life! Now tell me—do you want to win?"
"Yes!"
"Do you want the crowd roaring your name?"
"Yes!"
"Do you want that Russian to kneel under your fists?"
"Yes!"
"Then get in there and show your Power! Make him realize how costly it is to get too close. Boxing is like business—sometimes defense alone isn't enough. If there's no profit, he won't come back. Bottom line: use your reach to score from range with evasive strikes. If he charges in recklessly, knock him back out!"
Damn!
That grinning old man's words set Jason Luo ablaze with energy. But he kept his head clear. "Sir, my opponent's tough. If he closes in and ties me up, pushing him back out won't be easy..."
"I know, I know. That's why I told you to use penetrating punches. One or two might not show much at first, but once the damage piles up, it'll be too late for him to notice... Oh, and concentrate your strikes on a single spot for faster results."
"Also, let me teach you a close-range finishing move. When he comes in, bend your knees, crouch low, then drive up with your legs. Channel the force through your core and waist, then fire it upward into a massive uppercut. This one's called Thunderclap. Land it, and he'll be on the next flight home..."
Jason Luo tried the move. Why did this feel so familiar? Wasn't this just like the "Shoryuken" from Street Fighter? Only missing the jump!
This... could this really work?
"Sir, it's powerful, sure—but what if I miss?" Jason Luo asked, doubtful.
"Miss? Even if you miss, you'll scare the hell out of him!" Brown didn't care. "Jason, you're still young. Stop worrying about being perfect. Nothing in this world is absolute. Let loose, just go for it. As long as you give it your all, good results will come."
This was a far cry from Pedro's usual teachings. Jason Luo sneaked a glance at his coach, only to find him deep in thought, with no trace of displeasure.
"Yes, sir. In the match, I'll make my opponent know exactly what I'm capable of."
"That's it! As the saying goes: 'Strategically, underestimate your enemy; tactically, take them seriously.' It's a principle I like. In the ring, you can't afford to lose the fight before it starts."
Jason Luo suddenly realized he was starting to like this ruddy-faced old man.
At that moment, Pedro finally came out of his thoughts. He walked over slowly, gave Brown a glance, then said, "The old man's not wrong. I admit I'm getting old—my thinking's grown too conservative. But you're young. This is your time to fight and break through. Once you're in the ring, take control. Remember one thing: bring me victory!"
Jason Luo shot to his feet. "Yes, Coach! I'll make sure my opponents remember my name forever!"
In that instant, Jason Luo felt reborn, his eyes blazing with fierce determination!