Over the next two days, Jason Luo and Coach Brown carefully studied recent fight footage of Gruev and Charlison Hanvey. They analyzed both men's techniques in detail, comparing their strengths and weaknesses.
Although their rankings were different, it was difficult to say who was truly stronger. The real question was whose style and current condition made him the more suitable opponent for Jason Luo.
Coach Brown's recommendation was clear—choose Charlison. Gruev might have flaws, but his advantages were undeniable: incredible durability, heavy punches, fierce willpower, and rich experience. The fact that he had gone ten full rounds twice with Tomio and still won on points proved his toughness and stamina. He was clearly at the peak of his career.
Charlison, on the other hand, had an impressive record, but as a young fighter who'd never tasted defeat, he had yet to face real adversity. His recent draw against York Forlan hinted at a change in momentum and confidence—making him a more exploitable target.
Rod agreed. From a business perspective, defeating Charlison would be far more profitable.
The final decision rested with Jason Luo. In truth, he also preferred Charlison. Silvaliev had left a deep impression on him—those Russian-style fighters were built like iron bears. Though his own toughness had improved, his heavy punches still weren't powerful enough to shake a "polar bear." It was better to play it safe.
Clenching his jaw, Jason Luo made up his mind. "It's settled then. Charlison Hanvey. He's too handsome anyway—no hard feelings, but I'm going to punch that face!"
Rod and Brown both laughed. "Listen to you! You're not exactly bad-looking yourself. Fair warning though—British ladies love your type. Pretty boys like you drive them crazy!"
Jason Luo grinned, unfazed. "Heh, the coach said boxers shouldn't date pretty women. Maybe older ones are a better match anyway..."
Everyone burst out laughing.
With the opponent decided, Rod immediately got to work, contacting the British side to discuss the match details...
After the draw with York Forlan, Charlison had indeed lost some confidence. Being caught up in a new romance hadn't helped either—his training had become lax, and his form suffered. His promoters were anxious, but given his current state, pushing him into another high-stakes bout would've been risky. Then Jason Luo appeared. Charlison's team saw this as the perfect chance for him to regain his confidence and pushed hard to make the match happen.
After two or three busy days, both sides officially signed the fight contract. The venue was set: St. Mary's Stadium in Southampton, England. There was no choice—Jason Luo, as the challenger, would be fighting on enemy turf.
Once that was settled, another matter arose. BX Promotions' annual conference was approaching, and as the Rising Star of the Year, Jason Luo had been invited to receive an award. According to Mr. Rod, there was also a $30,000 bonus.
Money solved everything, so Jason Luo immediately agreed.
BX Promotions' headquarters were in Philadelphia, the fifth-largest city in the United States, located on the Delaware River in Pennsylvania. Once the nation's capital, Philadelphia—known as the City of Brotherly Love—is now part of the country's fourth-largest metropolitan area.
BX Promotions' business covered nearly every combat sport imaginable—boxing, wrestling, sumo, K-1, GLOPY, ONE, and UFC—all under its umbrella.
On the flight, Rod gave Jason Luo a detailed explanation of the company's operations and the distinctions between its various leagues. Jason Luo was especially interested in K-1, GLOPY, and UFC, asking countless questions that Rod patiently answered.
Japan's K-1 series had once been the pinnacle of stand-up fighting, producing a generation of global icons—Masato "Silver Wolf," Buakaw "White Lotus," Albert Kraus, Andy Souwer, and many others. But after GLOPY acquired K-1's key partner, ITS Showtime, K-1's influence began to wane. Even so, it remained hugely influential across Asia.
During that era, Muay Thai fighters dominated K-1, with Thailand's toughest men—Sangdang, Sitthichai, and Superbon—standing as the sport's flag bearers.
Hearing this, Jason Luo felt a twinge of disappointment. "Mr. Rod, why aren't there any Chinese events or fighters?"
"There are some," Rod replied. "Since 1999, fighters from China have participated in K-1, but the country's competitive sports scene developed relatively late. Few ever made it to the finals. However, in recent years, things have changed. Domestic promotions like Martial Arts Wind, Kunlun Fight, and Glory of Warriors have improved rapidly, producing stars like Death God Fang Bian, Wang Hongxiang, and Yi Long."
Jason Luo nodded quietly, but his mood darkened.
Rod noticed his silence and, understanding his thoughts, shifted the topic.
"These fighters may not earn as much as world boxing champions," he said, "but many of them cross over into movies and television. Quite a few end up becoming stars."
Eventually, their conversation drifted to UFC history, touching on Kazushi Sakuraba's legendary solo battles against the entire Gracie family... slowly easing Jason Luo's frustration.
But the next day, at the BX annual newcomer awards ceremony, Jason Luo's mood soured again. Every winner on stage was either Japanese or Thai. His sense of pride took a hit.
When he finally stepped onto the stage himself, whispers spread through the audience.
"No way, a Chinese guy? That's rare..."
"Relax, he grew up in the States—he's American."
"Oh yeah, I heard he's undefeated, 100% KO rate, doing pretty well in the WBA."
"Hmph, without a championship belt, those stats mean nothing."
The murmurs reached Jason Luo's ears, filling him with anger. He wanted to talk back but held it in.
They were right—he was an American. What could he say?
And it was true—he hadn't won a single title yet.
So, standing under the lights, Jason Luo clenched his fists tightly and said nothing.
That night at the hotel, Rod noticed Jason Luo didn't look happy despite having just pocketed the bonus. "Jason, what's wrong? You're supposed to be on vacation. Relax a little. The company's arranged plenty of entertainment tomorrow—some singers are coming too. I'll introduce you to a few. Make some friends."
Jason Luo suddenly stood up, cutting him off. "Mr. Rod, I want to go back tomorrow! The big fight's coming up—I need to prepare."
Rod froze for a moment, then met Jason Luo's determined gaze and seemed to understand.
"Alright then," he said softly. "We'll go together. Jason, whatever anyone says, you've earned my respect. And trust me—your journey is only just beginning."