Chapter 19: Chapter 19: The Weigh-In and Fight Day
The Weigh-InThe gym buzzed with energy as fighters from various gyms lined up for their weigh-ins. The air was thick with the scent of sweat, liniment, and anticipation. Fighters eyed each other, quietly sizing up potential opponents, while coaches discussed strategies in hushed tones.
Ippo stood in line, fiddling with the zipper of his tracksuit, his nerves visible in his shifting gaze. Next to him, Alex leaned casually against the wall, his arms crossed, exuding an air of effortless confidence.
"Ippo, you good?" Alex asked, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Y-Yeah... I think so," Ippo replied, his voice unconvincing.
When Ippo's name was called, he stiffened, taking a deep breath before stepping onto the scale. The room seemed to fall silent as the official adjusted the weights.
"Makunouchi Ippo, 125 pounds. Pass."
A wave of relief washed over him, and he let out a nervous laugh as a few bystanders clapped politely. Alex gave him an encouraging pat on the back.
"See? Told you it'd be smooth sailing," Alex said.
The official waved Alex forward next. Alex stepped up with swagger, rolling his shoulders and flexing his arms briefly before standing on the scale.
"Alex, 134 pounds. Pass."
Alex stepped off, throwing a wink at Ippo. "And that's how it's done."
Ippo chuckled, the tension easing slightly.
"Let's grab some food," Alex said, slinging an arm around Ippo's shoulders.
Fight Day: Pre-Match AnticipationThe next morning, the arena hummed with anticipation. The faint smell of popcorn and sweat lingered in the air as fans filtered into their seats. In the locker room, fighters prepped themselves with shadowboxing, stretches, and final words of encouragement from their coaches.
Ippo sat on a bench, inspecting his gear. He held up his shorts, staring at the waistband with a confused frown.
"Uh, Coach," Ippo called, holding up the shorts. "They spelled my name wrong. It says 'Makunochi Ipo'—with one 'P.'"
Kamogawa barely spared a glance. "Hmph. Don't let something stupid like that bother you. Focus on what matters—what you're going to do in the ring."
Alex, already geared up, glanced over and immediately burst into laughter. "You're one of a kind, 'Ipo.' Maybe it's a sign. New name, new legacy!"
Ippo sighed, his nerves still apparent as he pulled the shorts on. Alex, meanwhile, admired his own perfectly tailored gear.
"Pristine. Just like me," Alex quipped, drawing a snort from Takamura, who was leaning against the wall.
Ippo's Fight: The WalkoutThe moment Ippo's name was called, his heart felt like it might pound out of his chest. He stepped into the arena, his head down, his walk cautious and reserved. The crowd gave polite applause, a mixture of curiosity and mild enthusiasm.
As Ippo climbed through the ropes, his opponent, Oda Yuusuke, entered. Oda walked with swagger, his shoulders relaxed and his grin wide as he waved to the crowd. His confidence was palpable, and the crowd seemed to feed off it.
In the center of the ring, the referee brought them together.
"Touch gloves."
Ippo extended his glove tentatively, while Oda tapped it with a dismissive smirk.
Round One
The bell rang, and Oda came out aggressively, snapping jabs and controlling the center of the ring. Ippo was forced onto the back foot, struggling to find his rhythm as Oda's jab repeatedly found his guard.
"Don't stay on the outside, Ippo!" Kamogawa barked. "Close the distance!"
Oda's confidence grew with each landed jab. He threw a feint, then fired a crisp straight that grazed Ippo's temple, sending him retreating into the ropes. The crowd began to murmur, sensing the one-sided nature of the round.
As the bell rang, Ippo slumped into his corner, his chest heaving.
Kamogawa grabbed his shoulders, forcing Ippo to meet his intense gaze. "He's fast, but he's predictable. You've got to close the gap, kid! Use your footwork—when you're in range, let your fists do the talking!"
Yagi handed Ippo water, his voice calm but firm. "You've got this, Ippo. Just breathe and trust yourself."
Ippo nodded, his resolve hardening.
Round Two
The bell rang, and this time, Ippo came out sharper. He feinted, drawing Oda into committing to a jab. Ippo slipped inside, countering with a short hook to the ribs.
The impact was audible, and Oda's expression faltered. Ippo pressed forward, weaving through a flurry of jabs and landing a punishing uppercut to the body.
"Good! Keep the pressure!" Kamogawa shouted.
Oda tried to create distance, but Ippo stayed close, forcing him onto the ropes. Ippo feinted low, drawing Oda's guard down, before landing a devastating right straight to the chin.
Oda's body crumpled as his mouthguard flew out. The referee began the count but waved it off at five. The crowd erupted into cheers as Ippo stood in stunned disbelief.
"Winner by KO: Makunouchi Ippo!"
Alex's Fight: The EntranceAs Alex's name was announced, he strutted out confidently, performing his now-iconic "Alex Walk." The crowd chuckled and cheered at his audacity, their energy infectious.
Arata Kangatar followed, his demeanor calm and focused. His lean, muscular frame made him look dangerous, but Alex smirked at him as though he were already defeated.
In the center of the ring, Alex leaned in close. "Don't blink. This'll be over before you can even think of a strategy."
Round One: Hitman Precision
The bell rang, and Alex immediately dropped into his Hitman style, his lead hand extended, his rear hand guarding his chin. Arata
advanced cautiously, jabbing at Alex's lead hand. Alex snapped his jab forward like a bullet, and the crowd gasped as Arata's nose began to bleed.
"Close the gap! Don't let him pick you apart!" Arata's coach yelled.
Arata parried Alex's jab and threw a cross, but Alex rolled his shoulder, letting the punch graze harmlessly past his face. The moment Arata overextended, Alex twisted his hips and fired a precise counter-cross that connected with devastating force.
CRACK!
Arata's head snapped back violently, and his body went limp before collapsing to the canvas. The referee waved it off immediately.
"Winner by KO: Alex!"
Alex turned to the crowd, spreading his arms wide with a cocky grin. As the cheers grew louder, he performed his signature "Alex Walk" once more, reveling in the adoration.
"Too easy," he said loudly, pointing at the camera. "Who's next?"
In the stands, Takamura roared with laughter. "This kid's a monster! And a damn showoff!"
Aoki shook his head, grinning. "I don't know whether to cheer or cringe."
As Alex exited the ring, his confidence filled the arena. The crowd's cheers followed him, cementing his place as a rising star in the world of boxing.
To Be Continued...