After finishing his morning workout, Jason Luo went to the training gym. Brown didn't show up since his training session had been canceled.
Coach Pedro was sitting there studying strategies. When he saw Jason Luo, he called him over. "I looked into your opponent last night. I'm afraid this guy fights dirty most of the time. You'll need to be careful."
"Dirty punches?"
"Yes. Some aggressive fighters don't have the physical ability or the skill for quick advances. Instead, they exploit loopholes in the rules. They use offensive clinches during matches, forcing opponents into close-range struggles. This way, they wear down their opponent's stamina while looking for openings."
"This kind of attack is always on the edge of being a foul. Sometimes it even crosses the line. But because it doesn't always affect the match directly—or the referee can't catch it in time during a clinch—it slips by. That's why people call it dirty boxing. There are plenty of fighters like that. One well-known example is Bad Boy Golota, whose style is very similar."
Jason Luo was speechless. How did they even come up with this stuff? A straightforward sport like boxing, and they still managed to twist it into so many tricks...
Pedro went on. "With your limited ring experience, you'll suffer if you get dragged into that kind of fight. So today, we'll mainly practice using the front-hand punch. You need to control your opponent and keep him from getting close."
Jason Luo nodded. "Alright. I thought about it at home yesterday and had some insights. Let me show you..."
He then demonstrated the front-hand punch and a few combinations he'd practiced at home.
Pedro nodded slightly. "Not bad, you've made good progress. But your punches are still too straightforward. The front-hand punch doesn't do much damage, but it comes out often. If you keep throwing every punch with full force like this, you'll burn out your stamina fast."
"You need to mix up real and fake punches, add more variety. Make it look like a straight, but switch to a hook. And your footwork—if your punches don't move with your steps, your power won't penetrate, and you'll lose momentum..."
The old coach stood, set down his cane, and demonstrated himself. But after just a dozen moves, he was already gasping and coughing, his face pale.
Jason Luo quickly helped him back into his seat. "Coach, just tell me what to do. I get it. Please take care of yourself!"
"It's fine, I can still manage. Some moves can't be understood with words alone. Hurry and practice, kid. This year, aim to break into the top 1500. Next year, you'll have a real shot at going pro. Give it one more year to chase the Gold Belt. These old bones of mine... cough, cough!... won't last more than three years. You..."
Jason Luo could feel his coach's urgency. "Then I'll aim to go pro this year!"
Pedro took a sip of water, caught his breath, and shook his head. "That's basically impossible. You're improving fast, but the time is too short. If only this tournament were two months later... Some things in life can't be achieved by willpower alone."
"No! I don't believe that. There's a saying: 'Where there's a will, there's a way.' I've already won my first match in the five-round series. I'll give you hope! Speaking of which, I have good news!"
"Oh? What is it?"
"Last night, I dreamed of it. I was in the ring, and I fulfilled your wish—I won the Gold Belt. Isn't that a sign my dream will come true?"
Pedro was furious. "Get lost! If you've got what it takes, bring me the real thing. Don't mess around with this nonsense. Back in my day, I even dreamed of becoming president... Dreams come true? Go train properly!"
"Oh..." Jason Luo realized he'd said the wrong thing again.
Besides front-hand punch practice, the day's training also included escape drills, vital point defense, and impact resistance training.
Protecting the groin area was a particular focus this time—but since not everyone's paid their fees, we won't go into details...
Two days of training passed quickly. Tomorrow was fight day, but Jason Luo was weighed down with worry—the day after, he had to pick up his father from the hospital.
Pedro and Raúl noticed his gloom and grew concerned. Entering the ring in that state was dangerous.
"Kid, what's wrong with you? You've been sulking all afternoon. Don't tell me it's heartbreak?"
"No, Coach, I..."
"Out with it! This mood will hurt your performance—we need to sort it out now."
Jason Luo knew he couldn't keep it bottled up. "Coach, Mr. Raúl, my dad's getting discharged the day after tomorrow. I'm worried he won't let me keep boxing. If that happens... without his support, I won't be able to keep going down this path."
"Well..." Raúl and Pedro both frowned. "That's a problem. But don't worry too much. I think he'll agree. You've made huge progress in such a short time, and your results are solid now. Maybe he'll understand your effort."
Jason Luo shook his head. "He's changed so much these past few years. After this treatment, I don't know what he'll be like. I really have no idea. If he insists on refusing, I don't know what I'll do."
"Don't worry, you've got us!" Pedro said firmly. "Like I told you, just focus on your fight. We'll handle the rest. The day after tomorrow, we'll go to your house and talk to him. If that doesn't work, we'll find another way together."
Raúl added, "Things may not be as bad as you think. Try to look on the bright side. Your father's just been deeply affected emotionally. At the core, he'll want what's best for your happiness."
"Coach, thank you both. I hope so..."
...
Watching Jason Luo walk away, Pedro and Raúl sighed deeply. This kid really had it tough.
Jason Luo also came to terms with it. Whatever was meant to happen would happen. There was no hiding from it. Whatever the outcome, he had to face it head-on.
Whatever happens, happens.
Podiat.
The ranking tournament had entered its second round. The crowd was larger now, and the atmosphere was heating up.
The pre-match routine was the same as before. Just before stepping into the ring, Jason Luo finally saw his opponent, Cesca. The man looked like a street punk, swaggering as he walked, tilting his head as he shot Jason Luo a crooked glance.
"Kid, just starting out, huh? Making it into the main event's no small feat. Don't worry, I won't fight dirty. Today, I'll knock you out fair and square!"
Jason Luo smiled. "Is that so? Well, I'm winning this fight no matter what. I won't let myself lose."
Cesca raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I hope you've got the skills for that. We'll see in the ring."
Hearing this exchange, Pedro leaned close to Jason Luo's ear. "Don't believe a word he says. Stick to the plan. Watch out for his hooks—don't drop your guard!"
Jason Luo nodded silently. No matter what, he had to take this fight.