Alex was heading toward the locker room, while John and Mark rushed to the spectator seats. As they walked up the steps, they brushed past an old man — Zayn — but ignored him, not knowing who he was.
Inside the locker room, Alex was getting ready. Suddenly, the door creaked open. An old man stood there, smiling. It was Coach Ray.
Ray: "What's up, kid? Long time no see. Last time we met was at the park."
Alex smiled, surprised.
Alex: "Yeah… you're right. Long time. What are you doing here?"
Ray: "Why? Can't I come coach my student one last time before he retires from this industry?"
Alex blinked.
Alex: "Wait—you know about that? How?"
Ray: "Of course. I'm friends with Zayn."
Alex froze.
Alex: "Are you serious? For real?"
Ray smirked as if it was nothing big.
Ray: "Yeah. Anyway, you know your opponent tonight, Mayweather? He uses that shoulder-block technique… I forgot the official name. But listen, when he blocks with his shoulder, you'll have to deal with it. And this time…"
He pointed at Alex's fists.
Ray: "I want you to finish the tournament with one punch."
Alex stared at him.
Alex: "Wait. Mayweather? Shoulder block? One punch? Coach—are you crazy?"
Ray laughed.
Ray: "I know you want to fight Sean. So you better save that stamina. One punch… and you won't tire early."
He tapped Alex's shoulder.
Ray: "Good luck."
Then he walked out, leaving Alex even more confused.
Alex rubbed his eyes.
Is this a dream? Coach Ray is actually here…?
He took a deep breath.
"Alright… time to show the world who I am. Hunter family, man."
Inside the coliseum
The commentator's voice boomed:
"TODAY IS THE FIRST FIGHT OF THE INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT!
ON MY RIGHT—ALEX HUNTER!
AND ON MY LEFT—MARRY WEATHER!
YOUR REFEREE—JOHN OBLAK!"
In the VIP room
Miguel and Sean watched from above.
Miguel: "So… you think you can beat him?"
Sean: "I'm sure I can. But let's analyze his skill today first."
Back in the ring
Mayweather and Alex stared each other down, heat rising between them.
In Alex's mind:
So he uses the shoulder block… and I have to finish him in one punch? Coach Ray must be insane… this guy's a world champion.
The bell rang.
Mayweather opened with a quick jab.
Alex dodged.
So that's it? He really lets his shoulder lead like a shield?
Mayweather continued throwing combinations. Alex stayed calm, dodging everything until the round ended.
Commentator: "Incredible! First round ends with neither fighter taking a single hit!"
Up in the stands, Zayn sat beside Coach Ray.
Zayn: "Ray… why isn't Alex countering anything?"
Ray: "I told him to finish it in one punch. Maybe he's waiting for the opening."
Round Two
Alex thought:
How hard is his shoulder? How am I supposed to end this with one punch? I can see openings… but why am I scared? Stop overthinking. Finish it.
The bell rang.
Alex moved in.
Mayweather came in harder — more punches, more aggression. But Alex didn't fall for any of it. He dodged, calm as ever… then suddenly, he saw it.
Mayweather slowed.
His guard dropped.
His stamina dipped.
That opening—
That PERFECT opening.
Alex shifted his weight, pushed all his power into his right hand—
BAM!
A massive uppercut.
Mayweather collapsed.
The crowd exploded.
The referee counted.
"TEN!"
Commentator: "WHAT AN EPIC NIGHT! WHAT A FINISH! THIS IS ALEX HUNTER!"
Alex did it. One punch.
After the match
Zayn and Ray entered the locker room.
Zayn: "Congrats, son. You did well."
Ray: "I didn't expect you to actually beat him with one punch. You're on another level."
Meanwhile, at Miguel's office
Sean stared at the screen.
Sean: "Looks like he's more than just a teen dad."
Miguel exhaled slowly.
Miguel: "So… Hunter family, huh."
Outside the coliseum
Alex walked alone, breathing in the night air. John and Mark ran over.
John: "Bro, you were crazy good down there!"
Mark: "I bet Sean is peeing his pants right now."
Meanwhile in a toilet stall somewhere—
Sean: "Aachoum! What the—? Someone talking behind my back?"
Alex and John burst out laughing.
Alex: "This is going to be a long journey…"