Chapter 24: Chapter 24: The Stage Is Set
January 14th, 20XX – Weigh-In DayThe fluorescent lights of the weigh-in hall cast a bright, sterile glow over the scene. Cameras clicked, and murmurs filled the air as reporters, fans, and officials gathered to witness the prelude to an anticipated event.
Alex and Ippo stood side by side, their physiques lean and honed. Ippo wore his usual humble expression, his hands nervously fiddling with the hem of his shirt.
Alex, in contrast, exuded a calm confidence, his posture relaxed, and his eyes scanning the crowd as if he already owned the moment.
The announcer called Ippo first. He stepped onto the scale, the digital numbers climbing before settling. "126 pounds! Officially cleared!"
A polite round of applause followed, though the crowd seemed more focused on Alex, whispering in excitement.
When it was Alex's turn, he stepped onto the scale with a smirk. "134 pounds! Officially cleared!" The applause this time was louder, mixed with shouts and cheers from fans who had already begun to rally behind Alex's brash persona.
After the weigh-in, Alex leaned toward Ippo and whispered, "Enjoy the calm now. Tomorrow, it's going to be chaos."
January 15th, 20XX – Fight DayThe arena was electric. Rows of seats were packed with fans, and camera crews were stationed in every corner. Commentators sat ringside, their voices carrying through the speakers.
"Tonight's event is one for the ages," one commentator announced. "We've got two rookies who've been making waves, and all eyes are on the Makunouchi cousins,
especially Alex. Love him or hate him, he's got everyone talking."
Backstage, Ippo laced up his gloves, his heart pounding in rhythm with the roars of the crowd outside. He peeked out through the tunnel and froze. The arena was packed to the brim, with banners waving and chants echoing. Cameras were everywhere,
broadcasting the event live across Japan.
"They're all here… for us?" Ippo murmured, a mix of awe and anxiety washing over him.
Alex chuckled from behind, giving Ippo a firm pat on the back. "No pressure, right? Just focus on your fight. They came to see us deliver, and we will."
Ippo nodded, swallowing hard as he steeled himself. "Right. Focus."
Ippo's FightThe announcer's voice boomed through the speakers as Ippo stepped into the ring.
"In the red corner, a rookie with devastating power! Standing at 5 feet, 5 inches tall,
weighing in at 126 pounds—MAKUNOUCHI IPPO!"
Cheers erupted from the crowd as Ippo raised a tentative hand, his shy demeanor endearing him to the audience.
"In the blue corner, with a record of 1 win and 1 loss, standing at 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighing in at 126 pounds—FUJIWARA YOSHIO!"
The crowd's applause was polite but subdued, their focus still on the underdog Ippo.
The referee brought them to the center of the ring. "Touch gloves if you want a clean fight."
They tapped gloves, and the bell rang.
Round One
Ippo moved cautiously, his peek-a-boo stance tight. Fujiwara advanced aggressively, throwing heavy punches that Ippo managed to block. But Fujiwara's tactics turned dirty—elbows and clinches went unnoticed by the referee, leaving Ippo struggling.
Round Two
Fujiwara continued his sneaky tricks, and though Ippo was adjusting, his frustration grew. Kamogawa's voice boomed from the corner. "Stay calm, Ippo! Stick to the plan!"
Round Three
Ippo had seen enough. He slipped under a wild hook, countering with a devastating body shot that left Fujiwara gasping. Seizing the opportunity, Ippo followed with an overhand right, flooring Fujiwara. The referee counted, but it was over. The crowd erupted in cheers as the referee waved off the fight.
A microphone was handed to Ippo, who looked overwhelmed. "Uh... thank you, everyone," he stammered, his shy nature showing through. "I'll keep working hard. Thank you."
The crowd cheered louder, charmed by his humility.
Alex's FightWhen Alex emerged, the atmosphere shifted. The cheers were deafening, mixed with jeers and laughter as fans reacted to the arrogant persona he had crafted. He walked with his signature swagger, nodding to the cameras and even pointing to a few in the crowd, his confidence palpable.
"Now entering the ring, standing at 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighing in at 134 pounds, with a wingspan of 72 inches—the man who's been making waves with his brash personality—ALEX MAKUNOUCHI!"
The reaction was instant. Fans roared, cameras flashed, and commentators marveled at his charisma.
"Alex Makunouchi is a spectacle in and out of the ring. Let's see if he can back it up tonight," one commentator said.
When Okuma Setsuko entered, the energy in the arena remained focused on Alex. His opponent, lean and menacing, tried to stare him down, but Alex merely smirked.
The referee gave them the option to touch gloves, but neither moved. The bell rang.
Round One
Okuma started with testing jabs, gauging Alex's defense. Alex employed a textbook Philly Shell, deflecting with precision. The crowd murmured in approval, impressed by his calm demeanor.
Flashback: A Week Before the Fight
Alex stood in the gym, drenched in sweat. He had finally unlocked the Gaolang Wongsawat template to 20%, gaining access to a superfast jab and a textbook Philly Shell defense. But he wanted more.
in Hes past life he watched hours of Canelo Álvarez footage, focusing on the head movement that left opponents bewildered. He practiced relentlessly, dodging punches from Ippo, Aoki, and Kimura until his reflexes were razor-sharp.
End Flashback
Back in the ring, Okuma's confidence faltered as Alex dodged every punch effortlessly, slipping and pivoting with balletic grace. The crowd fell silent, captivated by the display.
"Is this boxing or art?" a commentator whispered.
By the second reset, Alex's taunts began. He dropped his hands, inviting Okuma to attack. Frustrated, Okuma unleashed a flurry of punches—jabs, hooks, and uppercuts. Alex dodged them all, moving like water around each strike.
The arena was in awe, the silence broken only by gasps and cheers.
Round Two
Now it was Alex's turn. He switched to the Hitman Style, throwing a lightning-fast jab that snapped Okuma's head back. Okuma raised his guard, but Alex unleashed a triple jab, breaking through and following up with a devastating combo: a cross, lead hook, body hook, and a lead uppercut that sent Okuma crashing to the canvas.
The referee counted, but it was over. The crowd erupted, the noise deafening as the referee raised Alex's hand.
A microphone was handed to Alex, and he grinned, his voice booming. "All you top 15 lightweights out there—you're all bums! I'll knock sparks out of every single one of you. Tonight, I'm the best, and tomorrow, I'll still be the best.call me if you still have some b*lls.
The crowd went wild, some cheering, some booing, but all thoroughly entertained.
The commentators marveled, reporters scrambled for interviews, and the judges exchanged impressed glances. Alex had arrived—and Japan couldn't look away.
To Be Continued...