Chapter 31: Chapter 31: The Walk to Glory
The day of the weigh-in had arrived, and the anticipation for tomorrow's bout was palpable. Fans and reporters flocked to the sports hall in Tokyo, eager to witness the official weigh-in ceremony for the highly anticipated lightweight clash.
Arrival at the VenueAlex Makunouchi, the rising rookie, entered the venue alongside Ippo and Kamogawa. Dressed in his KFC-branded tracksuit, Alex looked confident but focused. As the challenger, he knew this fight was an opportunity to prove himself.
Shohei Matsuda, the veteran fighter ranked 10th in the lightweight division, was already at the venue, sitting quietly with his team. His demeanor was calm and businesslike as he prepared for the ceremonial face-off.
The emcee, microphone in hand, greeted the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the official weigh-in for tomorrow's exciting lightweight matchup! Let's meet our fighters!"
The Fighters' IntroductionThe emcee began by introducing Shohei Matsuda.
"First, stepping onto the scale, we have the veteran! Ranked number 10 in Japan's lightweight division, with a professional record of 6 wins, 6 losses, and 1 knockout—Shohei Matsuda!"
Shohei rose, removed his tracksuit, and stepped onto the stage in black boxer briefs. His lean physique reflected his years of experience in the ring.
The official carefully adjusted the scale before announcing, "Shohei Matsuda weighs in at 135 pounds even!"
The crowd clapped politely as Shohei stepped off the scale.
"And now, introducing the challenger! A rising star in the lightweight division with a professional record of 2 wins, 0 losses, and both victories by knockout—Alex Makunouchi!"
Alex smirked as he unzipped his tracksuit and handed it to Ippo. Standing confidently in red briefs, his impressive physique drew cheers from the audience.
Alex climbed onto the scale, flexing slightly for the cameras.
"Alex Makunouchi weighs in at 135 pounds even!"
After both fighters made weight, they approached each other for the face-off. The room buzzed with excitement as Alex and Shohei stood inches apart, their eyes locked.
Shohei's expression was stoic, his years of experience evident in his composure. Alex, in contrast, exuded confidence, his trademark smirk never wavering.
"You ready to step into my world?" Alex asked, his tone playful but with an edge.
Shohei's reply was calm and measured. "This isn't a game, kid. Tomorrow, you'll see what real boxing is."
The tension was palpable, and cameras flashed furiously as the fighters stared each other down.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the emcee declared, "these two fighters are ready to give it their all tomorrow night!"
After the face-off, reporters swarmed both fighters for their final thoughts.
Alex was first. Standing tall in front of the microphones, he exuded charisma.
"This is just the beginning for me," Alex said. "Shohei's a tough guy, but I'm here to win—and win big. Tomorrow, I'll show everyone why I'm the future of this division."
Shohei followed with a more grounded response.
"I've been in this sport for years, and I know what it takes to win," he said. "Alex is flashy, but boxing is about more than talk. Tomorrow, I'll remind everyone what experience and heart can do."
Fans watching the weigh-in broadcast on television gathered in living rooms, bars, and gyms, buzzing with excitement.
"I like this Alex kid," one fan said, leaning over the counter at a local diner. "He's got the mouth to sell tickets and the fists to back it up."
"Don't count out Matsuda," another replied. "He's got experience, and flashy fighters like Alex don't always last."
At Kamogawa Gym, a few regulars had gathered around a small TV to catch the event.
"Alex really knows how to sell a fight," Kimura said, chuckling. "He's got that energy that draws people in."
"Let's hope he can deliver in the ring," Aoki added. "Matsuda's no slouch."
Commentary from the Broadcast TeamThe sports commentators at the weigh-in offered their insights.
"This fight is shaping up to be a clash of styles," one said. "Alex's explosive power versus Matsuda's grit and experience—it's going to be a war!"
"It's also a big financial opportunity for Matsuda," another commentator noted. "Just being part of this fight is earning him a career-high payday, thanks to Alex's growing star power. That alone can be a huge
motivator."The arena was buzzing with excitement. Fans crowded the seats, their cheers echoing in the high-ceilinged venue. It was fight night, and anticipation crackled in the air. The ring sat at the center of it all, illuminated by spotlights as commentators hyped up the event.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the main event of the evening!" the announcer's voice boomed over the speakers, drawing an uproar of cheers. "This is a lightweight contest sanctioned by the Japan Boxing Commission, scheduled for six rounds!"
Backstage, Alex Makunouchi stood still, his gloved hands resting at his sides. Dressed in a black robe with "Makunouchi" stitched in gold letters across the back, he exuded quiet confidence. His coach, Genji Kamogawa,
stood at his side, a reassuring hand on Alex's shoulder.
"Show them what we've worked for," Kamogawa said. "Keep your focus, trust your training, and stick to the plan."
Alex nodded, a sly grin creeping onto his face. "I've got this."
The arena lights dimmed, plunging the audience into darkness as the sound system kicked in.
Alex's WalkoutA drumbeat thudded, building anticipation. Then, the upbeat, unmistakable melody of "Kimi wa 1000%" by Imai Miki filled the arena. The crowd erupted.
Alex emerged from behind the curtain with an electrifying energy, striding to the ring like he owned it. His walk mirrored the swagger of a man destined for greatness, each step confident and deliberate. He raised his gloved hands, acknowledging the fans while maintaining an intense focus.
"Here comes the challenger, Alex Makunouchi!" the announcer declared. "With a professional record of two wins, both by knockout, he's here to make a statement tonight!"
Fans leaned over the railings, cheering wildly. Some waved banners with Alex's name; others shouted encouragement. The upbeat tempo of the song matched Alex's energy as he made his way to the ring, climbing the steps and ducking between the ropes with practiced ease. Once inside, he raised his arms to the crowd again, drawing even more cheers.
Matsuda's WalkoutMoments later, the arena dimmed again. A jazzy saxophone riff signaled the start of "Kiss Me" by Kool & The Gang. Shohei Matsuda stepped out from the shadows, his robe a deep blue with his name emblazoned across the back.
"Introducing the defending fighter, ranked number ten in the Japanese lightweight division, Shohei Matsuda!" the announcer's voice boomed.
Matsuda walked to the ring with a calm, measured demeanor. Unlike Alex's flamboyant entrance, his was understated but purposeful, reflecting his seasoned approach to the sport. The crowd responded with polite applause and cheers, though some booed—loyal to the flashy challenger.
As he approached the ring, Matsuda's eyes locked onto Alex, his expression unreadable. He climbed the steps, entered the ring, and stood in his corner, never breaking his gaze.
The ArenaInside the ring, the energy was palpable. The announcer stood between the fighters, microphone in hand.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the main event! In the blue corner, the defending fighter, Shohei Matsuda!"
Matsuda raised a single fist, drawing a smattering of applause.
"And in the red corner, the challenger, Alex Makunouchi!"
Alex threw his arms out wide, soaking in the deafening cheers from his growing fanbase.
Final MomentsThe referee brought the fighters to the center of the ring, giving the customary pre-fight instructions. The two men locked eyes, inches apart.
"You ready?" the referee asked.
Alex grinned. "Always."
Matsuda gave a curt nod, his expression steely.
"Touch gloves if you want," the referee said.
Alex extended his gloves, but Matsuda didn't move. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. The referee stepped back, signaling the start of the fight.
"Alright, gentlemen—fight!"
The bell echoed through the arena.
To be continued…