NOVEL WEB Chapter 112: Chapter 112 – Diddy who?
Note: i cooked something for chapter 113
April 13th, 1992 – Kamogawa Gym
Inside Kamogawa Gym, the atmosphere was as lively as ever. Ippo and Kimura were in the ring, locked in a sparring session, exchanging controlled blows under the watchful eye of Coach Kamogawa. Nearby, Takamura relentlessly pounded the heavy bag, each punch echoing through the gym like the roar of a cannon.
Meanwhile, off to the side, Alex Makunouchi and Aoki were having a conversation
Aoki leaned against the ropes and let out a whistle. "Did you watch Marcus' fight last night?"
Alex, arms crossed, nodded. "Yeah, but nothing unexpected happened. Actually, it was a little disappointing."
Aoki scoffed. "Man, Marcus now has two belts! After beating Juan Nazario last night, he's the WBC and WBA Lightweight Champion."
Alex, however, didn't seem too interested in Marcus this time.
"I'm more concerned about Pernell Whitaker,"he muttered. "After successfully defending his IBF belt, he announced that he's moving up to Junior Welterweight."
Aoki perked up at that news. "That's good news for you, right? One less problem in the lightweight division."
Alex exhaled through his nose, but before he could say anything else, the gym door swung open.
Yagi walked in, holding a rolled-up newspaper in one hand.
Aoki and Alex immediately turned their heads toward him. Even Kimura and Ippo, though focused on their sparring, stole a quick glance before continuing. Takamura, on the other hand, casually approached Yagi with a towel slung around his neck.
"What's that?" Takamura asked, pointing at the newspaper.
Yagi smiled. "The latest boxing magazine. Some rankings got updated."
He cleared his throat and started reading.
World Lightweight Rankings (April 1992)🟢 WBC & WBA Champion: Marcus Rosario
Record: 27 fights, 22 wins (20 KOs), 2 losses, 3 draws (3 No Contests)
🔵 IBF Champion: Vacant
🟡 WBO Champion: Vacant
Top 10 Lightweight Contenders
1️⃣ Miguel Angel Gonzalez – 25 wins, 0 losses, 17 KOs ⬆️
2️⃣ Tony Lopez – 40 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw, 34 KOs ⬆️
3️⃣ Tracy Spann – 25-0 (21 KOs)
4️⃣ Jorge Paez – 35-3-3 (30 KOs) ⬇️ (Upcoming fight with Rafael Ruelas on Nov 6, 1992)
5️⃣ Alex Makunouchi – 7-0 (7 KOs)
6️⃣ Sharmba Mitchell – 19-1 (14 KOs)
7️⃣ Rafael Ruelas – 32 wins, 1 loss, 27 KOs ⬆️ (Upcoming fight with Jorge Paez on Nov 6, 1992)
8️⃣ Jean Baptiste Mendy – 41 wins, 4 losses, 2 draws, 31 KOs
9️⃣ Leavander Johnson – 27 wins, 2 losses, 2 draws, 3 KOs
🔟 Joey Gamache – 20-2 (17 KOs)
Aoki blinked a few times, scratching his head.
"Wait a minute. Miguel Angel Gonzalez was ranked 13th just last year, right? And now he's number one? How the hell did he climb that fast?"
Alex clicked his tongue. "Probably padded fights."
Yagi shook his head, refuting Alex's theory.
"Not really. This guy fights every month. That's how he got up there so fast."
Alex shrugged nonchalantly. "Maybe, but I still like my 'padded' theory."
Before they could continue debating, Coach Kamogawa's office door creaked open, and the old coach stepped out, scanning the room.
Coach Kamogawa's gaze landed on Yagi. "Yagi, are the flight tickets booked?"
Yagi nodded. "Yeah, I booked four tickets." He then pointed at each person. "Alex, you, me, and Takamura."
Upon hearing this, Aoki's face twisted in confusion. "Wait, what about me?"
Hearing that, Ippo and Kimura immediately stopped their sparring and turned their attention toward Coach.
"Yeah, what about us?" Ippo asked, slightly hopeful.
Coach Kamogawa sighed, crossing his arms. "Only the four of us will be accompanying Alex to Philadelphia for his fight."
Aoki frowned, clearly annoyed. "Why not us?!"
The coach looked over them sternly. "Because I already know what's going to happen over there. Alex is already seen as the enemy by the U.S. media. If things turn chaotic, I don't want more people getting caught up in it."
Aoki grumbled under his breath, slumping his shoulders. "So it's because Alex is America's Public Enemy No. 1, huh?"
Kimura chimed in, trying to plead their case. "Come on, Coach, if that's the only reason, we can handle ourselves. We'll behave, promise."
Aoki, Kimura, and Ippo all nodded simultaneously, puppy-dog eyes practically forming on their faces.
But Coach Kamogawa remained firm, looking straight at Alex.
Alex, feeling the weight of his coach's gaze, quickly looked away, avoiding eye contact.
Yagi chuckled, shaking his head. "Too late, guys. The tickets are already booked. Better luck next time."
Aoki, Kimura, and Ippo all sighed heavily, their faces dropping in disappointment.
June 1st, 1992 – Philadelphia International Airport
After a long flight, Alex Makunouchi, Takamura, Coach Kamogawa, and Assistant Coach Yagifinally landed in Philadelphia, USA. The airport was bustling with activity, travelers moving in all directions, airport staff coordinating arrivals, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee filling the air from nearby kiosks.
A black Ford SUV was already waiting for them outside, and after collecting their luggage, they loaded up and drove through the streets of Philadelphia. The drive was relatively smooth, giving them a chance to admire the city's historic atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bright lights of Las Vegas, where they had last fought.
Eventually, the SUV pulled up in front of a five-star hotel, its entrance flanked by polished columns and a grand revolving door. The group stepped out and entered the lobby.
Takamura whistled as he looked around. "Not bad. Though... still not as fancy as that Vegas hotel we stayed in last time."
Alex scanned the interior. The lobby had four massive pillars standing as decorative features, multiple potted plants neatly placed on the sides, and a massive crystal chandelier hanging in the center, illuminating the polished marble floor.
Alex nodded, "Yeah… but it does feel much smaller in comparison."
Nearby, Coach Kamogawa was at the front desk, wrapping up the check-in process. Holding a key card, he turned back to the group.
"Everything's set up. Let's head to the 63rd floor."
Yagi followed Coach Kamogawa toward the elevators, with Alex and Takamura trailing behind.
Inside the elevator, Alex noticed how spacious it was compared to typical hotel elevators. It was large enough for a group of ten people to stand comfortably.
As the elevator ascended, Alex spoke up. "Coach, there are still four days left until my fight. This time, I want to explore the city. Last time in Vegas, I didn't get a chance to see much."
Coach Kamogawa turned to Alex, pointing at Takamura. "Fine, but on one condition—Takamura goes with you. And both of you will wear hats and shades."
Yagi chimed in, "That's right, Alex. You need to disguise yourself. If people recognize you, it could cause a scene in the city."
Takamura smirked. "Public Enemy Number One for a reason."
Alex shot him a look but said nothing. Just then, the elevator dinged, and the doors slid open.
The group stepped out into the 63rd-floor hallway, where Coach Kamogawa led them toward their suite. Swiping the key card, he unlocked the door.
About ten minutes later, Alex and Takamura had finished unpacking their luggage.
Takamura stretched his arms. "This room feels smaller than the one we had in Vegas."
Alex shrugged. "Yeah, but it's the right size for the four of us. It's got five rooms, five bathtubs, a big TV, and even a kitchen. Can't complain."
Takamura smirked. "Alright, enough about the room. Let's head out and see what Philly has to offer!"
Alex nodded, then walked over to Coach Kamogawa to inform him.
"Coach, Takamura and I are going outside for a bit."
Coach glanced up from his seat but didn't seem too concerned. "Go ahead. Just be careful."
With that, Alex and Takamura donned their disguises—black sunglasses and baseball caps—before heading out into the streets of Philadelphia.
The streets were busy and vibrant, a mix of historical landmarks and modern city life. Street vendors lined the sidewalks, selling soft pretzels, cheesesteaks, and fresh fruit, while hip-hop music blared from passing cars.
As they walked, a man suddenly stopped in his tracks and looked directly at them—particularly at Alex.
The man stood about 5'10" tall, had dark skin, and was dressed in a hip-hop style outfit—a baggy jacket, gold chain, and shades. As he walked past, he suddenly stopped and looked directly at Alex, his expression one of recognition.
"I know you," he said in English, his tone casual but certain.
Alex blinked in confusion, his expression clueless. He understood what the man had said, but before he could respond, he noticed Takamura standing beside him, staring blankly at the man, completely lost.
Takamura leaned toward Alex and whispered, "What the hell did he just say?"
The man noticed their reaction and chuckled before switching to slower English, making sure Alex could follow.
"Let me properly introduce myself—I'm Sean John Combs."
He raised his hand for a handshake, waiting for a response.
Alex and Takamura just stared at him for a second, before Alex finally extended his own hand and shook his.
Sean smirked. "You can call me P. Diddy."
Takamura frowned, clearly struggling. "P… what now?"
Alex glanced at him before turning back to P. Diddy. "What do you want, P. Diddy? Not to be rude or anything."
P. Diddy chuckled. "Nothing much. I'm throwing a party this week, and I just happened to be passing by when I noticed you."
He pointed directly at Alex.
"You're Alex Makunouchi, right? You're pretty famous. I'd like you to come to my party."
Alex shook his head. "I don't party before my fights."
P. Diddy smiled knowingly. "Fair enough. Maybe after the fight, then. Let me know."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card, handing it to Alex before casually walking off into the crowd.
Takamura watched him go, then looked back at Alex, frowning in suspicion.
"Do you know him?"
Alex touched his chin, thinking for a second. "No… I can't remember."
Takamura scoffed. "Tch. Whatever. Let's keep walking."
Alex tucked the business card into his pocket.