The strength Joe gained from working with his new friends and trainers was becoming more and more apparent. The new skills he gained and the strategies he developed during this period would begin to elevate him again in the boxing world. However, Joe's opponents were just as strong.
One of Joe's first big tests would be his fight with Viktor "The Wrecking Machine" Ivanov. Viktor was almost two metres tall and weighed 110 kilograms. His punches were so powerful that they often sent his opponents crashing to the ground. Viktor was known not only for his physical strength, but also for his ability to break the minds of his opponents. Joe was not ready to fight Viktor, but now he had to take on the challenge with the strength that his friends and colleagues had given him.
In the first round, Viktor attacked with great speed. Joe parried the first blow using the Dempsey Turn technique, but Viktor was so strong that every blow shook Joe. Joe was being tested both physically and mentally. But using the agile movements taught by Rick Johnson, Joe began to evade Viktor's attacks.
In the second round, things began to change as Joe began to use his speed. Viktor tried to corner Joe, but Joe spun quickly, did a Dempsey Turn and caught a weak spot in Viktor's defence, hitting his opponent in the face with a quick left hand. Viktor didn't give up, however, as he caught Joe with a powerful right hook. Joe was in serious trouble.
Gus shouted round the corner: "Joe, don't panic. You can do this. Just try the Dempsey Turn one more time, don't make him feel you!"
Joe began to wear himself out both physically and emotionally, trying to counter each violent blow. But the moment came and Joe made the move he needed to make for the championship. Viktor was starting to lose momentum from the power and Joe was waiting for the moment to strike back. He found his opponent's weakness by reapplying the Dempsey Turn. This time, he landed a quick combination, followed by a big right cross that knocked Viktor down.
The referee counts, Viktor can't stand. Joe walked back to his corner, tired but triumphant. He had won the victory. But it wasn't just a physical victory, it was a mental victory. Joe was now a boxer who was not only strong, but fought with a fighting spirit.
On his way to the championship, Joe was increasing his strength day by day with the support of his new friends and trainers. But his opponents were just as strong. The loss of Viktor Ivanov had not only boosted Joe's confidence, but also those who respected him in the boxing world. But a tougher opponent awaited him in Mikhail "The Storm King" Andropov. Mikhail was a boxer who outwitted his opponents with mind games and planned each move to perfection.
Joe has decided to take on this new challenge, again working with Lena, Rick and Eddie to develop all his skills. This fight would be one of the toughest tests of Joe's career. But Joe now realised everything: When power, speed and strategy came together, he was truly unstoppable.
The challenges Joe would face would reshape him not only in the boxing ring, but in every aspect of life. But no matter what, with friends and mentors counting on him, Joe was determined to continue on this journey.
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