NOVEL WEB Chapter 28: Chapter 28: The Spotlight Brightens
Three weeks before the fight, Alex's life had shifted gears. With media events, commercial shoots, and the impending fight, his days were busier than ever.
A Commercial with a TwistThe second KFC commercial shoot was set in a more humorous tone to contrast Alex's confident and intense persona. This time, Alex was asked to playfully engage with fans and show a more relaxed side.
The set was lively, with actors portraying fans and boxers in a gym environment. Alex walked in, wearing his signature red-and-white KFC jacket. The director clapped his hands, signaling action.
"Alright, Alex, here's the scene," the director said. "You're sparring, but every punch somehow leads to fried chicken. Make it funny but still cool."
Alex raised an eyebrow, amused. "So... punch my way to a bucket of chicken?"
"Exactly!" the director grinned.
As the camera rolled, Alex shadowboxed, throwing a jab that knocked a bucket of chicken off a high shelf into his hands. The extras cheered, and Alex smirked.
"Looks like I'm always hungry for a knockout," he quipped, biting into a drumstick.
During a break, an overeager extra asked Alex for a sparring demonstration. With a mischievous grin, Alex obliged, lightly tapping the man's gloves with fast jabs that left him stumbling backward. The set erupted in laughter.
After the shoot, Alex shook hands with the director and received another check for ¥300,000 (around $2,700).
Supporting His FamilyLater that evening, Alex returned home to Hiroko's modest house. Sitting at the dinner table, he handed her half the earnings.
"This is for you, Aunt Hiroko," Alex said, pushing the envelope toward her. "To help with the bills and the shop."
Hiroko hesitated, her eyes welling up. "Alex, you don't have to do this. You should save for yourself."
Alex shook his head firmly. "You've done enough for Ippo and me. It's time I start giving back."
She smiled, placing a hand over his. "You're a good boy, Alex. Thank you."
The Press ConferenceThe camera lights flared as the live broadcast began, showing a panoramic view of the packed hotel ballroom. The event was airing on national television, and millions of viewers across Japan tuned in. The host, standing at a sleek podium adorned with the fight's promotional banner, addressed the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the official press conference for the highly anticipated bout between Alex Makunouchi and Shohei Matsuda!"
Applause and cheers echoed through the hall. Shohei Matsuda, Japan's #10 lightweight, sat at one end of the table with his trainer, arms crossed, his expression stoic. At the other end, Alex Makunouchi leaned back casually in his chair, wearing a confident grin. Beside him, Kamogawa sat with a watchful yet calm demeanor.
The Host Sets the Stage"This fight has captured the attention of boxing fans across Japan," the host continued. "On one side, we have Shohei Matsuda, a seasoned fighter with an impressive record and incredible durability. On the other, we have Alex Makunouchi, the rising star whose explosive performances and bold personality have electrified the boxing world."
The crowd erupted again, while the cameras zoomed in on Alex's trademark smirk.
Mari Īmura, pen and notepad in hand, stood up, her professional yet approachable demeanor commanding the room. "Alex," she began, her voice clear and confident, "this is your first fight against a ranked opponent, and it's the #10 fighter in Japan. How do you feel about stepping into the ring with Shohei Matsuda?"
Alex leaned into the microphone, his grin widening. "I feel great, Mari. I respect Matsuda's position in the rankings, but let's be real—rankings don't land punches.
Fighters do. And in the ring, I'm not worried about numbers. I'm focused on what I can do—and trust me, that's a lot."
Minoru Fujii raised his hand next, his voice cutting through the low hum of murmurs. "Matsuda is known for his durability and ability to grind opponents down over time. What's your strategy to deal with someone like that?"
Alex chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. "Durability's great if you're planning to take punishment, but let's not pretend that's a winning strategy. He's tough, sure. But toughness doesn't help if you can't hit back.
My speed, my strength, my IQ—it's all going to be too much for him. This fight isn't going the distance."
Matsuda's TurnAnother reporter shifted focus to Matsuda. "Matsuda-san, how do you respond to Alex's confidence and his prediction of an early finish?"
Matsuda adjusted his mic, his expression unreadable. "Confidence is good," he said calmly. "Overconfidence is dangerous.
Makunouchi-san can talk all he wants, but in the ring, words mean nothing. I'll let my fists speak for me."
Alex's RetortAlex tilted his head, his grin turning mischievous. "Great, then let's have a conversation, Matsuda. I'll make sure you have plenty to 'say.'"
Laughter rippled through the audience, with some reporters stifling chuckles. The tension between the fighters was palpable, and the atmosphere in the room buzzed with anticipation.
Viewers at home leaned closer to their screens, captivated by the dynamic energy of the press conference. Comments poured in on live broadcasts:
"Alex is cocky, but you can't deny he's entertaining.""Matsuda looks serious—I hope he can back it up!""Makunouchi's trash talk is chef's kiss. I'm hyped for this fight!"Mari Pushes FurtherMari wasn't done. "Alex, if you win this fight, you'll break into the Japans top 10. Do you see this as just another step, or is there something special about this match?"
Alex's smile softened slightly, showing a rare glimpse of thoughtfulness. "Every fight's a step, but this one's important. It's my first ranked opponent, so it's a chance to prove I'm not just talk. But trust me—this is just the beginning."
A Sudden QuestionA younger reporter raised his hand nervously. "Alex, some fans are wondering—are you just in this for the fame, or do you have a real goal in mind?"
Alex's demeanor shifted. He leaned closer to the mic, his voice steady. "Fame's nice, but it doesn't win fights. My goal? To be the best. Lightweight, junior welterweight, welterweight—doesn't matter. I'm coming for everyone. And it starts with Matsuda."
Closing the ConferenceThe host stepped back to the podium. "Thank you to both fighters for sharing their thoughts today. We look forward to an incredible bout. Don't miss it!"
As the crowd applauded, Alex and Matsuda stood for the traditional face-off. Matsuda maintained a stony glare, while Alex smirked, whispering something that only Matsuda could hear. The photographers scrambled to capture the moment, and the tension in the room reached its peak.
Viewers at home watched with bated breath, knowing they had just witnessed the beginning of something extraordinary.
The Intense Face-OffWith the press conference winding down, the host directed both fighters to stand for the ceremonial face-off. The room buzzed with excitement as Alex Makunouchi and Shohei Matsuda rose from their seats, both men exuding their distinct energies.
Alex adjusted his collar with a calm confidence, his signature smirk never leaving his face. His clean-cut yet imposing figure made him look every bit the showman. Matsuda, on the other hand, carried a quiet intensity, his broad shoulders squared, his jaw set.
The StareThey stood just inches apart, eyes locked in an unflinching battle of wills. The height difference was negligible, but their auras clashed like thunder and lightning. Alex tilted his head slightly, his smirk curling into a sly grin, while Matsuda's piercing gaze seemed to cut through the air between them.
Alex Breaks the Silence"You ready, Matsuda?" Alex said, his voice just loud enough for the cameras to pick up. "Because I've been ready since the bell rang on my last fight."
Matsuda didn't blink. "You'll see what ready looks like in the ring. Hope you're not just talk."
Photographers' FrenzyThe room erupted with camera flashes. Reporters scribbled furiously as the tension between the two fighters radiated outward.
Mari Īmura whispered to her colleague Minoru Fujii, "This is the most electric face-off I've seen in months. These two are going to put on a show."
"Yeah," Fujii replied. "But Alex… he's playing mind games, and I think they're working."
The WhisperAs the cameras continued to snap, Alex leaned in ever so slightly, his voice barely audible to Matsuda. "Don't blink,
Shohei. You might miss your shot."
Matsuda's lips tightened into a faint scowl, but he didn't flinch.
Audience ReactionsViewers at home could feel the heat even through their screens.
"Alex is such a showman—I'm hyped for this fight!""Matsuda looks like he's made of stone. I wonder if Alex's trash talk even fazes him.""This is going to be explosive. Can't wait for fight night!"The Host's Final
Remarks"Alright, gentlemen, save it for the ring," the host interjected, signaling them to step back. Both men turned away, neither looking over their shoulders.
As Alex returned to his seat, he gave a small wave to the audience, his grin firmly in place. Matsuda, ever composed, sat back down and folded his arms.
The press conference ended with a sense of impending drama, leaving fans counting the days until fight night
To Be Continued...