December 27th.
The Chicago Golden Gloves Amateur Boxing Tournament elimination rounds officially began!
At this stage, the competition had truly entered its formal phase. Only one ring remained at the center of the arena, where the top 500 contenders would battle across five rounds until the final sixteen were decided.
With a cold snap sweeping through the country, outdoor activities had sharply declined, making the tournament a perfect source of entertainment. The stands were nearly packed. Returning to Podiat with his coaches, Jason Luo felt as though he had stepped back into his very first visit here.
This was the real battlefield for a boxer!
Jason Luo clenched his fists tightly, an indescribable rush making it impossible to stay calm. Just two months ago, he had been an anonymous fighter in a warm-up exhibition. Now, he was standing tall on the central ring at last!
For reasons he couldn't explain, Jason Luo loved it here. He loved the feverish energy of the crowd. In this atmosphere, he felt like a general charging forward at the head of a vast army, his chest swelling with pride and passion...
After reaching the elimination rounds, fighters were finally provided with locker rooms. Raul sent Jason Luo and Coach Pedro inside to prepare while he went off to gather information.
Not long after Jason Luo finished getting ready, Raul rushed back in carrying a stack of documents. Jason Luo blinked in surprise.
"Sir, I thought they didn't provide opponent information?"
Raul grinned. "Silly boy, the officials don't provide it, but that doesn't mean we can't find a way. I bought this from a promotion company—scouting reports for the entire Top 500. Quick, look it up. Your opponent this round is Hado, ranked 379th!"
The documents were sorted by rank. Jason Luo flipped toward the back and quickly found his opponent's file.
Hado – 25 years old, from Cuba. Height: 179 cm. Reach: 181 cm. Weight: 78.5 kg. Known for agile Footwork, a versatile style, and a distinctive rhythm.
Amateur record: 19 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, with 6 wins by knockout.
Tournament results so far:
Three straight wins in the preliminaries.
Four wins, one draw in the ranking stage, totaling 17 points.
Placed 379th overall.
Pedro frowned. "A Cuban boxer? Looks like the first elimination match won't be easy."
Seeing the concern on his coach's face, Jason Luo quickly asked, "What's so special about them?"
Pedro rubbed his forehead. "Cuba hasn't had boxing for long, but their rise was incredibly fast. They're already recognized as one of the world's boxing powerhouses. Their approach is unique—they focus on defense and evasion while attacking, instead of relying on brute force."
"Boxing is highly valued by Cuba's ruling class. Many kids train formally from a young age. They even incorporate local dance movements into their techniques, giving their style a distinct beauty and rhythm in the ring."
Jason Luo tried to picture it, but couldn't.
Pedro went on, "Their style is flexible and constantly shifting. You'll have to rely on your instincts in the moment. But remember this—no matter how flashy he is, he's still a technical fighter. You've got the edge in close combat. So close the distance and counter his changes with steadiness. That should work."
Jason Luo nodded. Whatever your style, I'll beat you with raw power.
While waiting, Jason Luo skimmed the profiles of the top-ranked fighters at the front of the report.
Yorkliel – 26, from Belfast, UK. Height: 181 cm. Reach: 187 cm. Weight: 78.8 kg.
Excellent technique, powerful Crushing punch. Footwork is a little lacking but steady. Strong tactical awareness and quick-thinking.
Record: 27 wins, 1 draw, with 21 by knockout.
Tournament results:
Three wins in the preliminaries.
Five straight wins in the ranking stage.
Total: 22 points. Ranked #1.
Whoa!
So this is what a top-tier fighter's profile looks like?
Superb technique plus a Crushing punch—it was enough to give him a headache just thinking about it.
Next came another name.
Carl Frazier – 21, from Maryland. Height: 178 cm. Reach: 180 cm. Weight: 79.1 kg.
Born into a boxing family, he had solid fundamentals. Aggressive offense paired with agile defense, faintly showing the style of Joe Frazier.
Record: 17 wins, no losses, with 13 knockouts.
Tournament results:
Three wins in the preliminaries.
Five straight wins in the ranking stage.
Total: 21 points. Ranked #2.
Damn, Jason Luo thought, this Carl Frazier might actually be more dangerous than the first-ranked fighter!
Joe Frazier… why does that name sound familiar?
Just then, the staff came to escort them to the stage.
As soon as they stepped out of the locker room, a familiar voice boomed:
"Alright, that wraps up this exciting bout. Let's take a look at the next match-up!"
"Oh, dear viewers, next we have Cuban boxer Hado facing off against the local kid Jason! This will be a treat—Cuban boxing is top-level and their style is highly entertaining. As for his opponent… wait! Ah, I remember! Haha, yes, this young man—I know him! The Miraculous Kid! That's right, his incredible willpower and physical strength left a deep impression on me. Welcome back, welcome to Podiat once again!"
At that moment, Jason Luo stepped out of the tunnel, smiling and greeting the announcer, Wollers. He hadn't expected to see him as the commentator again today.
Jason Luo really liked his commentary style. That unique rhythm was almost addictive...
Before he climbed onto the stage, Pedro gave him a final reminder. "Stay focused. At this level, even a technical fighter's rear heavy punch can't be underestimated. Don't rush in. Test him out first."
Jason Luo tapped his cheeks with his gloves to sharpen his focus. "Got it. I'll observe first."
"Go get him!"
"Stay sharp!"
Pedro and Raul shouted encouragement.
Once in the ring, the referee carried out the standard checks, while Wollers rattled off detailed stats on both fighters for the audience's benefit.
After the customary salute, the bell rang. The match had begun!
Both fighters carried immense pressure into this elimination round. Jason Luo pressed forward steadily, while Hado held back, unwilling to strike recklessly. Once they entered striking range, they locked in a brief stalemate. Then Jason Luo made the first probing move.
But Hado reacted like a drawn bowstring snapping loose. With lightning-fast Reaction, he slipped Jason Luo's jab and instantly countered with a flurry of punches. Jason Luo blocked and dodged—now the fight had truly begun!