Chapter 7: Joining the Boxing Gym

"Mario, did you skip breakfast? Put some force into it, be decisive! If you fight like this, you won't be able to take a single punch from Link even after ten more years of training."

"West, don't mention that bastard Link. I underestimated him yesterday and wasn't prepared. Give me another chance, and I definitely won't lose."

"Stop talking and focus on your training."

On the boxing ring in the training area on the second floor of West Boxing Club, Mario was sparring with a boxer in a black vest. Coach West, wearing a white baseball jersey and holding a notebook, was instructing from below the ring.

Link walked around the boxing gym, checking out the facilities and training equipment.

Yesterday, Coach West had persistently invited him to join. Link had assumed West was just a coach from a small gym, but in reality, this place was more professional than he expected.

Three floors, a steel frame structure with glass curtain walls, and excellent lighting. The first floor housed the office area and cafeteria, the second floor was the training area, and the third floor had dormitories and offices. There was even an elevator for easy access.

The training area was next to the boxing ring, equipped with rubber punching targets, speed bags, resistance bands, heavy bags, barbell racks, and all the necessary equipment. More than a dozen young people were doing strength training, creating a lively atmosphere in the gym.

"Link, this is a photo of Coach West when he was a boxer."

A staff member followed behind Link, introducing him. This person had proactively approached Link upon entering the gym. It was Robinson, the gym manager, who offered to show him around, especially the wall of fame.

On the wall of the training hall hung photos of a young West Corian participating in boxing matches.

In his youth, West was a middleweight boxer who had trained at the same gym as Roy Jones Jr.'s father.

He made his debut in the early 1970s and challenged Sugar Ray Leonard for the WBO middleweight title in 1978 but lost. Sugar Ray Leonard was the first boxer in history to accumulate $100 million in career earnings and possessed formidable strength.

Manager Robinson further explained that Coach West retired in the early 1980s and started coaching, with nearly thirty years of experience.

"Very impressive. Has the gym produced any successful boxers?"

Link inquired.

"Yes! Of course!"

Manager Robinson immediately rattled off a few names of boxers that Link had never heard of in both his lives.

Only one boxer named Robert Allen was relatively well-known. He had competed for the IBF middleweight title against Bernard Hopkins in 1999 but lost. He later became a second-tier boxer and had since retired.

Seeing the regret on Manager Robinson's face, Link smiled and said, "It doesn't matter. Now that I'm here, this place will have a champion."

Manager Robinson glanced at him, unsure if he was serious or joking, and could only echo, "That would be fantastic."

"Haha, Link, you're here."

Coach West walked over with a big smile, as if he had just noticed Link. In reality, he had been informed as soon as Link entered, but he felt it was more appropriate for Robinson to introduce the gym's history and honors.

"Link, what do you think of this place?"

Coach West asked, gesturing towards the clean and tidy gym. Originally, the gym had been quite messy, but last night, he had called in everyone from the gym, plus four hourly workers, to work through the night cleaning it up, making it look less shabby.

"Very good, very professional."

Link nodded in approval.

Coach West laughed heartily, "Link, I'm glad you like it. Practicing boxing at home can't compare to training in a gym. Here, we have training equipment, sparring partners... If you join West Boxing Club, I'll do everything I can to support you, providing you with the best training space and environment, as well as logistical services. How does that sound?"

Seeing his hesitation, West added, "Until you start competing professionally, all gym services are free. After you start competing, the coaching team will only take a 5% share of your prize money."

Link thought for a moment.

The conditions offered by Coach West were indeed generous.

According to the rules of the boxing world, after a boxer enters the professional arena, the coaching team can receive 1% to 15% of the boxer's prize money, depending on the team's contribution. The greater the contribution, the larger the share.

And coaches play a crucial role in a boxer's development.

In addition to training the boxer and developing training plans, coaches find ways to address the boxer's weaknesses and improve their boxing skills.

During matches, the coaching team also devises suitable game plans for the boxer. In critical moments, a coach can even throw in the towel to save the boxer's life.

A good boxing coach can make or break a boxer.

For example, Tyson's coach, Cus D'Amato, is considered by many to be the one who shaped Tyson. If Cus hadn't passed away in 1985, Tyson's peak performance might have extended beyond the year 2000.

Another example is Evander Holyfield's coach, Lou Duva. Lou Duva was one of the founding members of the Boxing Hall of Fame and the owner of a major event promotion company. He had trained nineteen champions, including Evander Holyfield and Pernell Whitaker.

Compared to these renowned coaches, West Corian's achievements paled in comparison, but Link didn't mind.

His strength and speed were steadily improving through training, and he would only become stronger in the future. He didn't need to worry too much about competitions. What he needed now was a skilled support team, a guide to lead him into the boxing world.

West Corian had been in the boxing industry for over thirty years and should be quite experienced. Even if he fell short in some areas, it wouldn't be too late to find a replacement in the future.

"Coach West, happy to collaborate."

Link extended his hand.

"Haha, Link, happy to collaborate."

Coach West shook his hand firmly and shouted towards the boxing ring and training area, "Everyone, stop! Let me introduce you. This is Mr. Link Baker, a new member of our boxing gym. He has outstanding boxing skills and last night, at the Red Glove Bar, he knocked out Mario with one punch."

"Wow!"

"Really?"

A gasp arose from the crowd. Everyone looked at Link in surprise and then at Mario with curious eyes, asking if it was true. Did he really get knocked out with one punch? Was he that weak?

Mario's face flushed with embarrassment. He had intended to keep this news under wraps, but West had exposed it in front of everyone, leaving him no face at all. It was humiliating.

He glared at West resentfully, then looked at Link. His eyes darted around before he shouted, "Don't laugh at me, everyone. This guy Link is very strong, a heavy hitter. West said none of us could take a single punch from him, that Link will become a champion. Did you know, Link doesn't have to pay a single cent for food or clothing here? West is planning to train him at his own expense."

The others looked at Link with displeasure. No one likes an outsider who receives special treatment within their group.

"Mario, don't talk nonsense here."

Coach West reprimanded.

"No, I'm not talking nonsense. West, this is exactly what you told me."

Mario crossed his arms and turned his face away in disdain.

Link chuckled lightly and picked up a pair of gloves. "Mario, we're boxers. Talking loud doesn't mean anything. It's about who can fight. How about we spar again? I hope you won't go down so quickly this time."

"Alright, Link. Today, I'll show you what absolute defense means."

Mario swung his thick arms and roared excitedly.

Thump!

Thirty seconds later, Mario's face slammed into the canvas.

This time, he fought cautiously, protecting his head with his arms from the start. His eyes were fixed on Link's fists, ready to defend with all his might as soon as Link's shoulders moved.

But unfortunately, his defense was still not tight enough. Link only threw a combination of punches, first hitting Mario's ribs, forcing him to lower his center of gravity. The second punch landed on the left side of his jaw, shifting his balance, and the third punch knocked him straight to the ground.

Mario lay on the canvas, rolling his eyes. In less than 12 hours, he had once again experienced the feeling of dizziness.

It felt terrible.

Fortunately, Link held back this time, not causing him too much harm. He lay on the ground for a few seconds, glared at Link, and reluctantly walked out of the ring.

West laughed and said to the four adult boxers around him, "You guys go up and spar with Link too. See for yourselves the skills of a high-level boxer."

The four adult boxers lined up to spar with Link. Since it was a practice session, he didn't use full force. He sparred with each person for five or six rounds, using his skillful technique and stamina to wear them out until they were panting and stumbling