Joe's body was still aching when he won. He was covered in sweat and bruised. But for a moment, the physical pain felt like it had paid off.
He had crushed Fedorov, but it had come at a heavy price. Joe sat down on the floor in the middle of the ring for a moment, his breathing labored. His chest was rising and falling rapidly, his eyes still blurry, his mind exhausted.
His coach Jackson rushed over to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "Great job, Joe," he said. "But remember, every victory comes with a price."
Joe took a deep breath and listened to the applause from the cameras and the stands at ringside. This moment would be a turning point in his life. He had now advanced to the next round of the national tournament, but the opponents would be much tougher.
"Yes, boxing is not just a fight, it's a journey," he thought for a moment. And that journey was just beginning.
"I can do more," Joe said, and began to walk out of the room. "I'll continue to believe that."