Ava is indeed a strong candidate. In terms of reputation, strength, and overall impact, he aligns more closely with where Ye Chen stands today. Mayweather, while undeniably talented, is smaller in weight and older in age, which poses a different kind of challenge. While defeating him could lead to a significant financial reward, it could also lead to accusations of bullying an elder. Such scenarios often lead to charges of taking advantage of someone perceived as weaker.
Last year, during the global celebrity income rankings, celebrities and sports stars vied for visibility and financial success. Ava ranked tenth in terms of income, a staggering achievement, with earnings exceeding 90 million yuan, securing his place as the number one in the fighting world. Notably, in the broader sports arena, he trails only behind leading figures from the United States, CR, and Nairobi.
Ye Chen expressed interest, saying, "If the opportunity arises, I'd welcome a match against Canelo in the boxing ring. However, it's true that I am quite protective of my winning streak. If I were to step into the boxing ring, Canelo would surely find himself falling before me."
One of the onlookers interjected, "No, that's not a plausible outcome."
"Ava is among the premier boxers of today. Within his weight class, there are very few who could genuinely stand a chance against him in a fistfight."
Another voice chimed in, questioning, "How can that be? In the realm of boxing, top UFC fighters often struggle against even secondary boxers."
The buzz surrounding this matchup prior to the unofficial announcement had many speculating about the possibility of an ultimate showdown between them someday.
Although I'm a fan of yours, I cannot deny that when it comes to the boxing arena, no one from the MMA world can match Ava's prowess. If Ye Chen were to voice these opinions to the average sports fan, some might be swayed.
Yet, among those present were mostly sports professionals. They fully understand the stark differences in specialized training. It's akin to letting a football player step onto a basketball court; regardless of their athletic ability, they would be outmatched by seasoned basketball stars. This reality eliminated any credibility to Ye Chen's confidence in his words.
Ye Chen didn't aim for their validation. His intention was to create buzz before revealing a video to engage fans and spectators alike.
Before long, a group of individuals arrived at the wrestling training facility. Upon entry, Ye Chen was taken aback by the size of the training gym; it far exceeded his expectations and dwarfed the facilities he was accustomed to. The difference in resources was evident, showcasing the benefits of strong backing in athletics.
In a wrestling gym, discussions naturally gravitated toward the sport itself. Wrestling encompasses various styles, including classical, freestyle, and submission wrestling, alongside numerous other disciplines, though none hold as much popularity as the three main ones.
Soon, the wrestling coach delegated responsibilities. The first wrestler to step up for an introduction was a freestyle wrestler who said, "Hey there, I'm Jack. I'm a first-team NCAA wrestler. Last year, I made the All-Star team and currently sit at sixth in my category. I even competed against athletes representing the U.S. in the Olympics last year and was close to earning a spot myself."
An audience member noted, "Aren't those scores a bit exaggerated?"
Another voice returned, "Jack, stop boasting. How about a bet that you can't beat Kamanu? If you were an Olympic contender, what does that say about the top five competitors?"
The students, in the know, responded with jeers. Still, being sixth in ranking holds its weight in merit. Their negative feedback rang out, but Ye Chen and a few others were genuinely taken aback by the intensity of the situation.
The NCAA holds a level of prestige not to be taken lightly. Many star players might not reach Olympic levels, but they are still formidable in their rights. When matched against athletes from special events, MMA fighters often find themselves at a disadvantage more often than not. Typically, these exchanges allow up-and-coming potential talents to showcase their skills without putting anyone in a humiliating position.
Wusman, reflecting on his past as only a second-team member, found himself uneasy about the current dynamics against a sixth-ranked wrestler in the 84kg category. Even in weight classifications, he felt outmatched. His usual weight was above 200 pounds; however, Jack during this season looked to be at least 90 kilograms, potentially even exceeding 200 pounds.
Yet, Wusman believed in his years of practicing fall defense skills. If he couldn't win outright, surely he could contain the competitor.
As the two competitors took the mat, Ye Chen immediately spotted a gap in their strength levels. Clark, standing beside him, remarked, "What are your thoughts, Ye Chen?"
"It's tough to envision a win here. The opponent is younger, stronger, faster, and possesses a wrestling skill level that's hard to match," Ye Chen replied. His insight captured the attention of the attending coaches and students alike.
"Jack's impressive. He's only a freshman now and still has room for development," one coach praised, signaling his commitment to nurturing talent.
"He's a top contender at our institution, and with the right conditions, he could very well make an Olympic appearance," said the younger coaches, brimming with enthusiasm for their students.
Yet the older coach remained grounded, adding with a knowing smile, "Let's see how it unfolds, win or lose is just part of the journey."
His words echoed a sentiment that rang subtly false, knowing how much their students had achieved in the MMA circuit with stellar fall-prevention rates inspired by their coaching skills. They had intentionally set Jack up as the sixth-ranked opponent right off the bat.
Almost instantly, the older coach approached Ye Chen and asked, "In your opinion, where does Jack need to improve? Feel free to share your thoughts… perhaps you should get in there and give it a go? Let's allow the students to learn from your experience."
This suggestion raised eyebrows; Ye Chen's expression showed offense. Even Clark next to him frowned.
GSP's expression turned serious as well, as he typically hovered around 185 pounds and had seen many losses. The prospect of choosing between Ye Chen and another competitor sent ripples of concern through him. The old coach's intentions were clear — he appeared cordial but carried an underlying agenda.
Ye Chen was hesitant, stating, "Jack is skilled. With a coach of your caliber, why would he need my suggestions?"
"I've followed your matches; frankly, your wrestling technique speaks for itself. If I had the chance to train you a few years back, I would've aimed to make you an Olympic champion with your talent," the coach continued, pushing the idea.
The atmosphere thickened with an awkward silence, and before long, the moment turned dramatic.
In a sudden burst of action, Jack took advantage of his competition, striking Wusman's head and causing him to stagger. In that fleeting moment of distraction, Jack swiftly maneuvered, seizing Wusman's back and expertly throwing him down to the mat. The ease of the throw revealed just how impressive Jack's physical conditioning was, challenging the very notion of Wusman's previously claimed skills.
The stark difference in ability was evident. The sports school's claim of an exceptionally high fall-prevention rate for its wrestlers was callously disproved. Although it wouldn't be accurate to say that no wrestlers excelled beyond Jack within MMA, the nature of MMA, influenced heavily by strikes and kicks, usually sets a different tone than the straightforward grappling of wrestling. Ensuring mastery in that arena paid off dividends; in contrast, Olympic champions might stumble in situations outside their traditional elements.
Yet, if it weren't for Wusman's skin tone, the embarrassment he felt would have shown on his face. Maintaining his composure, he managed a polite smile, "Yes, quite a show of promise and raw strength."
Jack, riding a wave of newfound confidence, rallied, "Ye Chen, how about giving it a shot yourself?"
Cheers erupted from the students, chanting, "Ye Chen, Ye Chen, Ye Chen..." applauding excitement mixed with doubts about Jack.
Without hesitating, Ye Chen decided it was a good opportunity for him to assess his own wrestling abilities, considering it could also offer him a potential partner to learn from later. Given the circumstances, it seemed worthwhile to step into the competition.