Joe's first victory in the tournament was a great morale boost. However, a stronger opponent was waiting in the wings. Alexander Fedorov, nicknamed "The Bull", was another giant in the boxing world. He had long established himself as someone who had never been defeated, and it was clear that Joe would have to push himself to the limit to win this match.
Fedorov was a fearsome opponent not only physically but also mentally. He was fast and powerful, and he fought by suffocating and cornering his opponents. Joe had watched Fedorov before. His style was a combination of physical strength and strategy. As always, Joe carefully observed his opponent and began to devise a plan to counter him.
"This is not just a physical fight," Joe told Jackson during training. "I have to win this mentally too."
Jackson nodded, appreciating Joe's determination. "You can't just beat Fedorov with strength. You have to use your speed and agility."
---
Joe's opponent was always a threat beyond expectations in the boxing ring. Fedorov's every move seemed designed not only to beat his opponent, but also to intimidate and mentally destroy them. However, Joe, as always, maintained his composure and continued to follow a clever strategy against his opponent.
In the first round, Fedorov quickly cornered Joe, but Joe suddenly moved and took a few quick steps back, putting Fedorov in a difficult position with a powerful Dempsey Turn technique. However, Fedorov quickly recovered and countered with a left hook, which forced Joe to step back under the impact.
By the end of the first round, both men were wounded, but there was determination in their eyes. This fight had become not only a physical struggle, but a spiritual one.
"Do you think you're strong enough to beat me, Joe?" Fedorov said sarcastically.
Joe replied through clenched teeth: "Yes, but that's just the beginning."
---
Joe's difficult journey was becoming not just a boxing fight, but an inner discovery that deepened with each fight. The opponents he would face in the later stages of the tournament would challenge not only Joe's body but also his spirit, testing him from every angle.