After holding off for days, the weather finally broke and it started to snow. Around Chicago the air is humid — when the snow comes, it comes hard. Overnight the whole city was wrapped in pristine white, like stepping into a fairy tale.
...
Amid that frozen scene, Soldier Field hosted the first-round finals of the Golden Gloves!
This stadium has a proud history: built in 1922 and set to turn one hundred next year, it staged the opening match of the 1994 World Cup and was also a venue for the 1999 Women's World Cup.
Today the 63,500-seat stadium had been temporarily converted into the Golden Gloves finals arena. Many of the boxing fans who filled it were originally soccer supporters — the crowd was similar in scale, but the atmosphere of a boxing match felt very different.
A protective canopy was raised above the central ring to keep snow off and prevent it from disrupting the fight.
When Jason Luo arrived, the second round of Group A was already underway. The crowd's cheers rolled through the stadium like thunder, making ears ache.
...
Brown and Jason Luo found the locker room. Not long after, Raul burst in.
"Good news. I just checked — in Group A's first round, Yorkliel knocked his opponent out in the second and's already through to the quarterfinals."
Brown nodded. "Good. Carl'll hear that and feel pressure. That increases our plan's chances. Now it's down to how you perform, Jason."
"Don't worry, Mr. Brown. I know what to do. I won't let you or Coach down. It's just a shame Coach can't be ringside…"
Raul smiled. "Coach Pei's not well. The stands will do — Tony can help look after him. Relax, I bought them front-row soft seats."
Jason finally relaxed. "You really thought of everything."
They changed and put on their gear. Because the event was on TV and streamed online, fans had donated new gloves and bright red boxing trunks for Jason — the color red standing out as festive and eye-catching.
The fans also made a banner and gave him a nickname: "The Dragon Slayer." A teacher suggested it — the dragon represents strength; the wish was for Jason to beat strong opponents and climb to the top.
Jason kind of liked the name, even if he felt it was a bit premature. Still — a nickname's a nickname.
...
While Jason warmed up, Pedro called again to stress the one rule: shore up your defense. Under no circumstances let him knock you down before he loses his cool.
Group A's second round finished. Cloaked in his cape, Jason waited in the aisle with Brown and Raul to make his walk.
The finals' presentation was different from earlier rounds. The event had brought in Robert, a well-known pro commentator whose voice you'd hear at major boxing events.
"Now, the first bout of Group B's finals! First, from Chicago — the fighter nicknamed the 'Wonder Kid' — Jason!"
Lights lit the entrance. Two ring girls led the way; Jason stepped out flanked by Brown and Raul and made a striking entrance.
At home, Grace shouted at the TV, "Henry! Hurry, hurry — my Jason's on! He looks so handsome, come look!"
Jason climbed the stage and stripped down to show his gear. Fans in the stands were few but loud, cheering him on. Some veteran spectators who liked his style also applauded to welcome him.
After the host read Jason's basic info and amateur record, he invited the next fighter.
"Next, Carl Frazier! Yes — the descendant of Smokin' Joe, boxing's perennial pride! Who can match the heir of a champion? Undefeated in twenty-two fights, can he continue his family's glory and add a new legend tonight? Let's witness it together!"
The lights zeroed in. Carl appeared in gold trunks, flanked by six beautiful escorts, dazzling under the spotlight.
Wearing a custom cape held by two attendants, his entrance had far more pomp than Jason's — he looked every bit the star. It was obvious: Carl was the show's main act; Jason was the prepared stepping stone. Anyone could see it.
Jason clenched his teeth inwardly. "Damn you. Wait — I'm going to make you sink today."
As Carl hit the stage, the crowd roared. Joe Frazier's name still carried real weight in the boxing world.
After the display the referee inspected both fighters, cleared non-essential personnel, and got ready to start the fight.
A ring girl walked around with the Round 1 card — both the card and her outfit plastered with ads. When she stepped off, the referee had the fighters touch gloves and signaled the match to begin.
...
Carl came out aggressive, taking center ring and pressing forward. Jason was blunt: he didn't throw a punch, simply lifted both fists to guard his head and stayed in defensive mode. As long as Carl didn't close in, Jason would stubbornly hold his ground. He didn't care if Carl scored points — he just refused to take a heavy blow. Fine by him.
At first Carl didn't mind. But almost half the round passed and Jason still refused to fight back — it started to look downright stubborn.
Carl's brow tightened. He edged closer and began unloading heavy shots. The moment he got close, Jason seized his chance and countered. As soon as Carl backed off, Jason dropped back into his shell, even sticking his tongue out at Carl in a little taunt.
Now Carl was annoyed. He'd watched videos of Jason — a pretty fearless fighter. How had he turned into a piece of sticky taffy?
Facing Jason's stubborn guard, Carl felt helpless. The kid took hits well and refused to throw a single punch — clearly aiming to run the full four rounds. Sure, Carl could win on points eventually, but what kind of spectacle would this be?
Yorkliel had already KO'd his opponent in round two. Here Carl hadn't even had a real exchange.
Damn that kid — when did I ever offend you?
Carl grew restless. He kept his guard up, closed the distance, and increased his power, trying to blast through Jason's defense and hunt a knockout.
Jason behaved like an over-frightened cat: if you didn't approach he curled up tight; the moment you came close he counterattacked fiercely, fighting as he retreated. It was as if he were telling Carl: long-range shots are fine — do whatever you want, just don't get in close. You think you can knock me out? Not a chance.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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