Logan took a couple of minutes to regain consciousness, and it was evident he was in rough shape. The cause of his disorientation was up for debate—was it a serious injury from the match or the heavy psychological toll he had endured?
With the assistance of his team and medical personnel, he managed to stagger out of the gym, presumably en route to the hospital.
Amidst the tension in the air, the referee raised Tyson's hand, declaring him the victor. The arena erupted in cheers, a wave of enthusiasm that coursed through the crowd, uniting them under the electric spectacle of boxing.
With Teddy's help, Tyson slipped off his glove, revealing a bandage tightly wrapped around his hand. It was a visual testament to the brutal nature of the sport—evidence of the toll that a fierce competition had taken on him.
Austin, ever the charismatic host, grabbed the microphone and strode around the ring, a big smile plastered on his face. "Ladies and gentlemen, Mike Tyson! You've once again electrified the audience with a first-round knockout! What do you have to say to your fans tonight?"
Tyson took a moment to collect himself before responding. His voice, steady and commanding, echoed through the arena. "Logan fought dirty. He targeted vulnerable spots and pushed me to the edge. He wanted to provoke me into a reaction, and I think he knows now who the real force is in this boxing ring."
The crowd cheered in agreement, their unwavering support for Tyson palpable.
Austin wasn't done yet. "You've just chalked up your fourth consecutive victory, all by knockout in the first round. What's next for you, Mike? Do you have any plans lined up?"
Tyson thought for a moment, giving a shrug that spoke not just of indifference but of confidence. "I need to find a sponsor to help boost my visibility, and then I'll let the WBC set me up with my next opponent. If anyone's brave enough to step into the ring with me, I welcome the challenge."
As the cheers grew louder, Austin seized upon the momentum, eager to entice the crowd even more. "Are you looking to have another match here in Brooklyn?"
Before Tyson could reply, the crowd's enthusiasm became overwhelming.
"Mike! We've got your back!"
"Brooklyn is your home! Bring a fight back here!"
"I'll buy tickets the moment they go on sale!"
Though their chants were not synchronized, Tyson could feel the authentic love and support radiating from the crowd.
He raised his thumb to acknowledge them, and when the crowd quieted down, he continued, "Brooklyn is my heart and soul. It's a community that stands together, and I'm proud to say that. But because of some recent events, I can't set a fight here for now. There are people who might say I have home-field advantage. I'm ready to face anyone, anywhere. I want my opponents to feel the heat of my determination."
Tyson had a natural flair for oratory that energized the audience. Just like that, they erupted in applause, their energy at fever pitch.
Austin, riding the wave of excitement, called out, "Let's give a round of applause for Brooklyn's own boxing star!"
A thunderous round of applause erupted. Cheers filled the air like a symphony of support.
As Tyson departed the ring, he made his way toward the exit. The cheers of the crowd followed him, echoing and reverberating, almost as if they were an anthem celebrating his prowess.
A young boy, no more than twenty, reached out, extending his fist in hopes of a fist bump from the champion. Tyson grinned and approached him, their quickly exchanged fists cementing a moment the boy would never forget.
With an infectious smile, Tyson picked up his glove, waving to the jubilant crowd as he made his exit.
He paused to hand his glove to the boy, ruffling his hair affectionately. "You're going to be a fighter one day, kid."
The boy stood there wide-eyed, holding the glove tightly, as Tyson walked away, the weight of the world seemingly lifted off his shoulders.
Once in the lounge, Tyson took a moment for himself before stepping into the restroom.
When he emerged, his expression was a mix of relief and exhilaration.
Austin came into the lounge, stepping forward to embrace Tyson. "Brother, let me tell you, the feedback from the radio was phenomenal! Our listenership shot up seven percentage points!"
Tyson's heart swelled with satisfaction; everything was unfolding just as he had envisioned.
Smiling broadly, Austin continued, "We're still working out your compensation and bonuses, but you'll get all the updates before anyone else does."
Tyson nodded in acknowledgment. "That sounds great."
"If you want to host a fight in Brooklyn, don't hesitate to reach out. I'll make every arrangement needed."
Austin had truly capitalized on Tyson's star power, and the partnership was proving fruitful.
A determined look crossed Tyson's face. "I'll be back in Brooklyn before long, you can count on that."
After a few more minutes of light conversation, Austin brought up the idea of going out to unwind.
Tyson hesitated before politely declining.
With the clock striking eleven, he was mindful that any delay would potentially affect Kus's sleep schedule.
"Austin, I understand your excitement. Tonight has been incredible, but we should be heading back."
Austin let out a sigh of disappointment but respected Tyson's decision. "Mike, I appreciate your commitment to your well-being. Safe travels, brother."
As they left the stadium, they piled into a sleek, black Cadillac.
Kus reclined comfortably against the luxurious seats, a huge grin on his face. "Mike, tonight was absolutely awesome. I've never felt an energy like this before. The way the crowd supported you—it was incredible! You really took it to Logan and gave him a night he won't forget."
Jimmy and Bill nodded in agreement, sharing in the excitement of the moment, while Teddy offered a hearty thumbs up from the front.
Tyson smiled, recalling the intensity of the match. "I know how to push his mental limits, but Logan was testing my physical endurance. He brought out a side of me I try to control. When he went down, I wanted to throw a few more punches just for good measure, but I knew I had to keep my composure. Losing control would only diminish my reputation as a fighter."
Kus turned to him. "You played it smart, Mike. Your self-restraint sets you apart. Boxing is about strategy and respect; it's a battle of wills, not just strength. Logan crossed a line tonight, and now everyone sees him for what he is. He might be regretting his choices right about now."
Curious, Kus leaned in. "What's your plan moving forward? How long until you're ready to step back into the ring?"
Without a moment's hesitation, Tyson replied, "I'm ready to box whenever they call my name. I don't need any downtime. If I could, I'd fight tomorrow. Back in my amateur days, I frequently fought two matches in a day. I still have that fire in me."
Jimmy conferred with Bill, discussing the next steps. "We're going to petition the WBC to set up a fight for you ASAP. I'll bring you some profiles of potential opponents to consider."
Tyson waved a dismissive hand. "No need for that, Jimmy. Let the WBC assign who they will. I want to keep fighting until they can't find anyone willing to face me—it's the fastest way to climb the ranks and challenge for that intercontinental championship."
"Is that really your strategy, Mike? It sounds reckless, not something a newcomer would typically embrace. This could lead you down a path of uncertainty."
Jimi felt torn—Tyson's ambition was undeniably impressive, but some elements of the plan seemed overly bold.
Yet it was impossible to overlook Tyson's raw power and aggressive style. As of now, no professional boxer had managed to last even a full round against him.
Could this fierce reputation genuinely deter the unpredictable fighters in his path? Only time would tell.
The car rolled through the streets, with the muted sounds of the city enveloping them. Each member of the team was lost in their thoughts, contemplating what was next for Mike Tyson—the fighter, the local hero, and the embodiment of Brooklyn's spirit. In that moment, the narrative of triumph, strength, and relentless determination painted a bright picture for the future of boxing, one fist bump and knockout at a time.