The Contender

Episode 3

Carlos POV

It is the first day of my training in the gym. Three weeks. That is the gap between today and the day of the fight. I feel like i have come to far to waste this opportunity. But part of me was still in shock how this all happened so fast. I step inside the gym, looking to find a coach, when i saw something familiar

"Coach Antoine?"

"Carlos?"

It was my old boxing coach, Antoine Vazquez, one of the best in the country. He helped me through a lot, even one time took care of my brother when i'm ill, knowing how much he means to me. He was like family. When i left my old camp because i want to take care of my father he was sad, but hopeful that we will be in touch again. Never did i thought that today will be that day.

"My boy!!! How are you doing" as he came to hugged me. "Its been a while". "Yeah, its been a long time. Im good, just taking care of my family" I answered with a smile. "So, what are you doing here, coach?". He then stares at the jacked guy, and introduced him to me "This is Victor Gomez, my first student. Victor, this is Carlos". Ohh, so its him!! I've heard about him before. Coach Antoine once told me about his former student, and how much i remind him of the student. He was coach's first star, winning several regional championships, bringing the glory to his camp. I saw his name once at the trophy cabinet, but never realized that today will be the day i met coach Antoine's first star. Its like predecessor meeting its successor. I would think that this might be a chance for me to learn from the experienced. "You're his first student? The guy whose name's on the trophy cabinet? Why didn't i realize it?" i asked with both excitement and confusion. "Yeah, its me" he said with a smile. "Anyway, are you ready to train or are you still star struck?" he asked with a small laugh. "Yeah, i think i'm ready."

With that, i started preparing. During the training, i still feel a little bit rusty, its been two years since i last done these kinds of activity. But they were pushing me, especially coach Antoine, who constantly reminded me on whats at stake. Motivating me in every step of the way. By the time the training ends, my body felt like it was melting. I struggled to lift some parts of my body, such the amount of grinding they put me through. "I cant move" i said to coach Antoine. He understood, seeing how much i pushed myself in the training, and told me to rest. I smiled, complying, its been a while since we had a moment like this. The cycle repeats until we approached the day of the weigh-in. I was sent to compete in the lightweight division, so i have to make 155 lbs. The weight cut was grueling, and quite torturous, since i was quite heavy to just cut in to 155. Few hours before the weigh-in, i was leaning against the wall, tired from all the weight cuts, while my coach looks at me understandingly. He knows how much tiring it can be to try to strive for success, but he knows if i spent my energy 100%, my chances of success will be high. I feel my body melting from all the rigorous work, but i will not just give up and stop pushing. The hour of the weigh in arrives, and i was 1 pound below the required weight, while my opponent is exactly 155 lbs. The fight is officially on!!!! During the staredown, my opponent, who i learned that the name was Miguel Alfonso, tried to intimidate me, we butted heads in his attempts to get under my skin. I stared at him, just smiling, knowing what i will do to him on fight day.

The day of the fight arrives, i walked in with full enthusiast, tried to look calm but cant hold in my excitement. Its been a while since the first time i compete, and the nostalgia of fighting waves across me. My brother watches, letting the entire arena knows that he support me, as i smiled at him and walked inside the cage. My opponent, who is bigger than me and was displaying a cold, mean look, walks inside the cage and is taunting me relentlessly. I smiled, trying to be respectful, as the announcer announces our name. After further instructions from the referee, the fight begin.

Miguel immediately charges in with power shots, i was overwhelmed at first but adjust myself and land some technical shots to slow him down. As he tried to take me down, i defended it well somehow, using my upper body strength to balance myself, and survived the grappling exchange, despite being a novice. Two minutes into the fight, i noticed that he already slowed down, and i hit him with a big right hook that immediately knocked him unconscious. And just like that, i won!!!!

My coach immediately ran to me, congratulating me along with the whole team. As i celebrate, i saw Miguel staring at me from the distance. I know he had just lost in a quick fashion and had every right to feel devastated, but the cold, mean look on his face is very different from the one he shown before the fight. I dont think he wants this rivalry to be over this soon. I stare back while hiding the fact that i am quite worried of what he might do in the future, then continue celebrating with the team.