Controlling distance has always been the heart of boxing. Every move a fighter makes in the ring revolves around this core principle.
For example, a dominant boxer will rush to take control of the center the moment the match begins. That position not only conserves stamina but, more importantly, provides greater room for adjustment and maneuvering.
Once a boxer gains the upper hand in exchanges, the next step is to push the opponent toward the ropes or into a corner. There, with no room left to retreat, the aggressor can unleash a fierce assault—then step back to maintain distance. When the opponent tries to counter, the aggressor closes in again, denying any space to strike back. That's how a lead turns into complete dominance!
Distance control training comes in two main forms. The first is punch-range training, where boxers must judge distance down to centimeters—or even millimeters. There's a technical term for this level of precision: "paper-thin defense," referring to a fighter's mastery of punch range.
The second form is footwork training. Anyone who's played League of Legends would understand—especially pro ADC players—synchronized movement is everything.
In practice, though, when Jason Luo and his sparring partner worked on this, it looked almost comical. The way they advanced and retreated in rhythm made it seem like they were dancing the tango, and they often couldn't help bursting into laughter...
But amid this tense period of training, someone unexpected suddenly appeared at the gym.
Ishikawa Hidehisa, dressed in a martial arts uniform, had somehow tracked down the facility. Even stranger, the moment he entered, he sat cross-legged on the floor without saying a single word...
Jason Luo couldn't believe it. This guy had really come all the way here? What was this supposed to be?
"Ishikawa Hidehisa, what do you think you're doing?"
"Sir, I've said it many times—I seek only a fair fight, win or lose. As a warrior, I must do this."
Jason frowned. At such a critical time, how could he possibly risk a private duel?
Coach Brown, seeing what was happening, quickly stepped forward. After hearing Ishikawa's explanation, he rejected it outright. "Impossible! Jason is about to fight in the world championship challenge. There's no way he can have a personal duel with you. Please leave immediately—or we'll call the police."
But Ishikawa Hidehisa didn't move. "Unless you agree to my request and set a date for the duel, I will not leave."
Damn it, this guy was serious!
You couldn't even count on the police to fix this. He wasn't making a scene or causing trouble—just sitting there quietly. Even if the police forced him out, he'd just come back the next day. What could they do?
Brown and Jason discussed it for a long time but came up empty. In the end, they decided to just let him stay. "If he wants to sit there, fine—let him. It's not like we need that space anyway."
Still, it was unnerving. Having someone like that silently watching while Jason trained made his skin crawl. He forced himself to ignore Ishikawa, hoping that maybe the guy would give up and leave by tomorrow...
But the next day, Ishikawa Hidehisa showed up even earlier than everyone else—and even smiled at Jason when he saw him. How infuriating!
This guy was clearly determined. Coach Brown had no choice but to call Rod—matters like this, especially before a title match, had to go through him.
Rod arrived in a rush. The moment he saw Ishikawa, he stomped his foot in frustration. "You're a K-1 fighter, and you're trying to force a boxer into a match? What rules are we even talking about here—boxing or stand-up combat?"
Ishikawa Hidehisa didn't hesitate. "I don't care. As long as you accept my challenge, you can set both the rules and the time."
Rod gave a wry smile. What kind of logic was that? If Jason fought under boxing rules, it would be unfair and looked down upon. But under stand-up combat rules, Jason would be at a disadvantage. It was ridiculous either way.
Still, letting the standoff drag on was no solution. If Ishikawa kept showing up every day, it would definitely disrupt training. Worse, if the story leaked, the media would blow it out of proportion. If they got wind of it, they would surely exploit the situation—and that could seriously jeopardize the title match.
Rod gritted his teeth and finally said, "Mr. Ishikawa, with the championship approaching, it's impossible for us to accept your challenge before the match. But afterward—since you've come all the way from Japan to America—if you can propose fair rules and guarantee proper sportsmanship, I can represent the company in considering your challenge."
Ishikawa stood up immediately. "If you accept, I'm willing to forgo takedowns and low kicks under combat rules. I'll face Mr. Jason Luo with pure striking, and I swear on my samurai honor to uphold the spirit of fair play."
Rod saw some sincerity in the offer, but ultimately, the choice wasn't his to make—it was Jason's.
Jason, tired of being harassed day after day, decided it was better to end it directly. "Fine. I accept. Within half a month after the tournament, I'll keep my word and spar with you. Satisfied?"
Expressionless, Ishikawa gave a solemn bow. "Thank you for your cooperation. Goodbye."
Then he turned and left.
Jason couldn't help thinking—there was something kind of cool about how decisive that guy was.
At least he was gone. Finally, Jason could focus on the fight. Four days later, he flew to Monaco for the pre-fight weigh-in. The match would be held there as part of the WBA World Title Challenge. Jason had finally earned his spot as a main event fighter!
At the weigh-in, both Jason Luo and David Morell appeared with gold belts draped over their shoulders. Jason's was only the Intercontinental Championship belt, but it was still an honor. If he didn't show it off now, it'd just collect dust at home...
During the photo session, Morell pointed at Jason's belt and burst into laughter. Jason shot back loudly, "Better take a good look at your belt—it might be the last time you see it in public!"
Morell smirked. "Don't get ahead of yourself, kid. VADA might still come knocking."
Jason blinked, then immediately caught the slip. "Wow, you hear that, everyone? Mr. Morell seems to have inside info on VADA's plans. Impressive! The old veteran really has connections!"
The reporters quickly caught on—Morell had just put himself in a corner. If VADA didn't show up, fine. But if they did, it would look like he'd colluded to frame Jason Luo!
And at that point, no amount of excuses could save him.
"You! You brat, I was only speaking hypothetically…" Morell stammered, trying to recover.
"Hypothetically? Sounds like Mr. Morell's planning to become a fortune teller after retirement," Jason said lazily.
The audience burst out laughing. Morell's neck veins bulged in rage, but there was nothing he could say...