Ethan woke next morning to deep aches in his ribs, sharp reminder of last night's fight. He tried to smother the smile tugging at his lips. A highlight reel in his mind played the scene of Andre hitting the mat, a spark of pride flickering in his chest.
But reality came rushing back when he glanced around his cramped, one-bedroom apartment. The paint peeled from the walls, and a stack of unpaid bills sat accusingly on the kitchen counter. Winning a fight hadn't changed his circumstances—yet.
That afternoon at the gym was different. Fighters nodded at Ethan as he walked in-a subtle acknowledgement of his victory. Even Leo, who rarely gave compliments, smirked as Ethan began to wrap his hands.
"You guess you're not a punching bag anymore," Leo said.
"Thanks, I think," Ethan responded, shaking his head with a chuckle.
Frank beckoned him over to the corner of the gym, where a man in his fifties was waiting. He was dressed in an expensive suit, the kind that seemed out of place amidst the sweat-stained gym equipment. His sharp eyes sized Ethan up like he was a piece of merchandise.
"Ethan, this is Victor Kane," Frank said. "Promoter for the Metro Fight League."
Victor extended a hand, his grip firm and calculated.
"Nice to meet you," Ethan said, unsure what to make of the man.
"I watched your fight last night," Victor began, his voice smooth and confident. "You've got raw talent, but more importantly, you've got heart. That's what fans want to see—someone who can inspire them."
Ethan glanced at Frank, who nodded subtly.
Victor continued, "The Metro Fight League is looking for new blood. Fighters who can put on a show. I'd like to offer you a chance to join our amateur circuit. It's not glamorous, but it's a stepping stone to the pros."
Ethan's pulse quickened. The idea of fighting in an official league sounded surreal. But doubts crept in just as quickly.
"I don't have the experience for something like that," Ethan said hesitantly.
Victor smiled, his expression both reassuring and shrewd. "Experience can be gained. What you have can't be taught. Think it over, but don't take too long. Opportunities like this don't come often."
With that, Victor handed Ethan a card and left, his polished shoes clicking against the floor.
Later, as Ethan pounded the heavy bag, Frank approached him.
"You've got potential, Ethan," Frank said. "But you need to understand what you're getting into. The amateur circuit isn't just about winning fights. It's about making a name for yourself. People will cheer for you one minute and tear you down the next. Are you ready for that?"
Ethan wiped sweat from his brow, his chest rising and falling with each breath. "I'm not afraid of hard work. I've been fighting invisible battles my whole life. At least this one's out in the open."
Frank grinned. "Good answer. Let's get to work."
The next few weeks were a whirlwind. Frank pushed Ethan harder than ever, fine-tuning his technique and building his stamina. Early mornings were spent running laps through the city streets, his breath visible in the cold air. Afternoons were filled with grueling drills at the gym, where Frank shouted corrections over the clatter of gloves and bags. Evenings were dedicated to watching tapes of other fighters, studying their movements and strategies.
Ethan's first fight in the Metro Fight League was set for the following month, and the pressure was building. The league wasn't a collection of rookies. It included experienced amateurs who had been fighting for years, each one hungry for a shot at the pros.
The night of the fight arrived faster than Ethan had expected. The venue was larger than the community center, with bright lights and rows of spectators filling the seats. It was electric, a mix of excitement and tension that buzzed through the air.
Ethan sat in the locker room, his hands wrapped and his gloves resting on his lap. Frank paced in front of him, offering last-minute advice.
"Don't let the crowd distract you," Frank said. "Stay focused. This guy you're fighting—Marcus 'The Hammer' Hayes—is strong, but he's slow. Use your speed to your advantage."
Ethan nodded, his nerves bubbling under the surface.
And so, when his name is called, Ethan steps into the arena. The crowd roars deafeningly, and for a moment, he feels like an imposter. But once he climbs into the ring, something shifts. He is no longer Ethan Cole, the stock boy from nowhere. He is a fighter.
The bell rang, and Marcus came out swinging. True to his nickname, "The Hammer" lived up to his reputation. His punches were powerful, each one capable of ending the fight if it landed cleanly. Ethan ducked and weaved, narrowly avoiding the crushing blows.
"Stick to the plan!" Frank shouted from the corner.
Ethan jabbed at Marcus's midsection to test his defenses. Marcus swung at him with a wild haymaker, but he managed to step out of it just in time. As the round continued, Ethan started to see the openings Frank had warned him about.
In the second round, Ethan's speed and precision became more of a factor. He threw several quick jabs and body shots, which started to chip away at Marcus's stamina. The crowd began to shift, cheering louder as the underdog gained momentum.
By the third round, Marcus looked spent. Ethan seized the moment and threw a beautiful combination that left Marcus stumbling back on his heels against the ropes. He then caught him with a tremendous right hook that snapped his jaw and dropped him crashing on the mat.
The referee counted, and the crowd erupted as Marcus was unable to get up.
Ethan raised his arms in triumph as the thrill of victory washed over him like a wave.
Back in the locker room, Victor Kane appeared, clapping slowly.
"Well done, Ethan," Victor said, his smile as sharp as ever. "You've got something special. Keep this up, and you'll go far."
Ethan nodded, though he could sense there was more to Victor's words.
As Victor left, Frank leaned against the lockers, his expression serious.
"This is just the beginning, kid. The fights are only going to get tougher, and so are the decisions you'll have to make. Keep your head straight, and don't lose sight of why you're here."
Ethan sat back, the weight of his journey settling on his shoulders. He had come so far, but the path ahead was anything but easy.
Little did he know that next time he fought in the ring would be for his soul; it would soon be a battle in the world of fame, corruption, and danger that he could never have envisioned.