Chapter 56: The Next Boxing Champion
"Hey, Richard, we meet again!"
Under the boxing ring, Richard was getting ready when a small black man came over.
"Mayweather, you did well in your last fight."
Richard waved his fist.
"Thanks, my name is Floyd Mayweather!"
The small black man reminded Richard, as he should be calling him Floyd by custom.
"I know. Is there something you need?"
Richard asked while stretching his joints.
"Well, whatever. I heard your next opponent is Antonio Tarver?"
"Yes."
"Do you have confidence in beating him?"
Mayweather leaned in and asked quietly.
"What do you think?"
Richard smiled.
Mayweather looked at him, "Even though Antonio Tarver won an Olympic bronze medal, I still think you're stronger."
"Haha, then why did you ask? Let me tell you, no matter the occasion or the opponent, my answer will always be the same: I will definitely win!"
Richard said with a clenched fist.
"Hey, you're an interesting guy. Are you in New York? If you have time, come by the gym in the north Bronx on Cona Street. That's where I train."
"You're also in the Bronx?"
Richard was a bit surprised, the information didn't mention where he was.
"Also?"
Mayweather paused, "You're in the Bronx?"
"Yes, I'm from the Bronx, my home is in the south, and my gym is next to Youth Park. Come over and train sometime."
Richard smiled.
"OK, I'll definitely visit. Alright, I should go place my bet."
"Buy me a drink if you win!"
"No problem!"
Mayweather waved and left.
Richard chuckled and continued his warm-up exercises.
"Hey, Richard, look here! Look here!"
That annoying Paul came over again, pointing to his black face and asking Richard to look.
"What happened there? Did Dixon hit you?"
"Of course not, earlier two hot girls hugged me and kissed me hard on the cheek here. Didn't you see the lipstick marks?"
Paul pointed to his cheek, getting closer for Richard to see.
Richard rolled his eyes. With a face that dark, even slaps wouldn't leave a mark, let alone lipstick.
"I see it, I see it. That girl's mouth must be pretty big."
Richard guessed randomly.
"Huh, how did you know? She had a curvy body, and she even asked me out tonight. Richard, how about you tell Alvin we stay in Philly tonight and return tomorrow? I could introduce you to a hot girl."
Paul laughed.
"No need, you can stay here. Alvin and I will go back."
"Then forget it. Alvin is great in many ways, except"
Paul stopped, looked around, then continued, "Except he's so naggy and strict, even controlling our personal lives. This isn't a coach; I suspect he might be my long-lost dad."
"Impossible!"
Richard said flatly.
"Why? How do you know it's impossible?"
"Did you forget? I'm your grandpa, you called me that last time."
"Oh, fuck, you bastard still remember that."
Paul got angry, swinging his fist but stopping halfway. He laughed, "Richard, you're good. Wanting to be Alvin's dad, I'll definitely tell Alvin."
"I didn't say that, I just said it's not possible... Ahem, I need to get ready for the match."
Richard stood up.
"Richard, get ready."
Alvin walked over from the referee's table, "Antonio Tarver is older, more experienced, and not lacking in stamina. Be careful in the ring and adapt as needed."
"Got it!"
Richard nodded and stepped onto the ring.
"Alvin, Richard said he's your dad."
"Shut up!"
Alvin glared at him, "Don't talk until the match is over."
Paul pouted. If Alvin didn't mind being taken advantage of, then fine.
---
"Welcome Richard Brad from New York!!"
As Richard got on the ring, the live commentator exaggeratedly announced, "He stands at 6 feet 3 inches, with a 76-inch reach, a strong build, and a face more handsome than Tommy Morrison. He entered the professional boxing scene last December and has a record of four wins. Maybe he'll be the next Tommy Morrison..."
Fuck~
You're the next Tommy Morrison!
Richard was a bit annoyed. Morrison was a famous white heavyweight boxing champion in the 90s, known for his handsome looks and strong build. Nicknamed 'The Duke,' 'Gentleman,' and 'White Tyson,' he starred in "Rocky V" with Sylvester Stallone in 1990, playing Rocky's apprentice and was considered the hope of white boxing.
He had decent strength, defeating many strong black champions and winning the WBO and IBC titles.
But he indulged in women, was diagnosed with AIDS last year, and had to retire, becoming a negative example like Tyson.
Richard wanted to be a champion but not become like him.
After introducing him, the commentator introduced his opponent, Antonio Tarver, who was 182 cm tall with a 191 cm reach, turned pro last February, and had a record of seven wins.
Like Paul, he had dark skin, a small head, thick lips, always had a grim look, and seemed unapproachable.
When the commentator mentioned his 'Olympic bronze medal from Atlanta,' the crowd cheered.
Antonio Tarver raised his arms and waved, gaining some support from the audience.
But Richard's looks were too good. Handsome, strong, and a white boxer, most of the audience was shouting his name.
"Richard, go for it!"
"Richard, you're so handsome!"
A group of girls shouted.
Richard smiled and waved at the girls, appearing polite and elegant, much better than Morrison.
More people started cheering for him.
Richard smiled slightly. In boxing, winning the crowd's support is important. It gives a home advantage, a better mindset, and stronger momentum. This is the competition outside the ring.
"Ugh, pretty boy!"
Antonio sneered.
He was annoyed. He had an Olympic bronze medal, honors, and what did the opponent have? Besides being white and handsome, what else?
The audience was so infatuated, screaming at a pretty face. I'll turn that pretty face into a pig's head soon, let's see if you still scream.
"Hello!"
Richard extended his fist in greeting.
"Hmph, hypocritical pretty boy!"
Antonio bumped fists and stepped back to the referee's right.
Richard smiled lightly, so many people are jealous of my looks? I must be very good-looking.
The referee checked their gear and confirmed everything was in order before raising his right hand.
Ding, ding, ding~
The bell rang at the referee's table.
"Box!"
The match began.
Bang, bang~
---
Sorry for the delay.
(End of chapter)