Bribing attempt involving Anna Schwartz’ promoter

It’s past 22:00 in downtown Munich. Alesia is having a beer at a local pub on a day without training.

She does this occasionally, most of the time alone to have space for herself. Regina doesn’t forbid it as long as it’s done with moderation.

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“Whoa, what a goal!”, she says when checking sports highlights on her phone.

Ally isn’t thinking about boxing tonight although the prospect of fighting Guadalupe Ramirez is very exciting. She’s just relaxing in town after coming back from Japan.

Someone provides unexpected company.

“Hi Alesia. May I join you?”

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She recognises him instantly. He’s Oskar König, Anna Schwartz’ promoter.

Alesia: “Um, sure.”

He sits down next to her, orders a beer and says “prost!”

Oskar König: “Don’t worry, I’m not about to ask you out or anything. Just a chat.”

Alesia: “No problem.”

Oskar: “I’ve seen your fights in Japan. Hot stuff. And now you’re in line for a potential German title fight. This is exciting.”

Alesia: “I’m surprised that you are this happy about it. I’m supposed to fight your fighter, Anna Schwartz.”

Oskar: “I believe in sportsmanship. I’m happy with the success you’re having. This is good for the sport.”

Alesia: “Thank you.”

[Lots of chit chat for a while. Ally starts wondering what he’s up to.]

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Oskar: “Listen, I’m here to talk about that fight.”

Alesia thinks: “I KNEW IT!”

Alesia: “I think you should meet my coach Regina Halmich for that. She and the promoter are in charge of booking fights. I’m sure you guys can make arrangements.”

Oskar: “There is a problem on our side. The fight is unlikely to happen”.

Alesia: “Well, if Anna wants a title shot, she has to fight me first. The federation has made its decision.”

Oskar: “Anna says she doesn’t want to fight you again. You kicked her butt the last time.”

Alesia: “I’m sure she will do better this time.”

Oskar: “She doesn’t want it. She’s confident she can beat Katia Nagel, but not you.”

Alesia: “I can’t help you there.”

Oskar: “Perhaps you can.”

Alesia: “I can’t force her to get in the ring. It’s her decision and we’ll see what the federation does about it.”

Oskar: “Hear me out.”

Alesia doesn’t think anything interesting will come out of this, but she keeps listening.

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Oskar: “As the promoter, I can set financial conditions to make things happen. If we put together the right numbers, I can convince Anna to climb in the ring with you once again.”

Alesia: “You want a more favourable split?”

Oskar: “No, I’m here to offer you a more favourable split.”

Alesia’s eyes are virtually covered by question marks and she orders a second pint.

Alesia: “I don’t know where you’re taking this, but it will be good.”

He waits for her to get the beer before going on.

Oskar: “It will be good. Here are the terms of a strictly confidential written deal that I propose just for you and the head office at my company. If Anna wins the fight against you by knockout, I’ll sweeten the purse and make it 85-15 in your favour. We’ll also write that you get a rematch at the time of your choosing. So, if she wins the German championship against Katia Nagel, you automatically get a title shot. Legally guaranteed. If you say yes, I’ll convince Anna to accept the fight, but she won’t know about our private deal.”

Alesia’s jaw drops as she hears this.

Alesia: “What the fuck? You want me to throw a fight against Anna? From someone who says he believes in sportsmanship, that is rich.”

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Oskar: “Just trying to facilitate things, lady. After a couple of rounds, you make mistakes and she’ll punish you with clean punches. Her power shots will take their toll, you eventually won’t be able to defend yourself and she’ll finish the job with her fists. A real, convincing knockout.”

Alesia: “Facilitation? Is this how she has put wins on her record? By having you bribing the opposition so she could beat them up?”

Oskar: “No. We simply put her in the ring with girls she could beat. It’s boxing. This offer is a one-time thing to accommodate the federation’s plan while keeping you in the game. What if she turns down a bout with you and the suits decide to simply exclude you? Katia Nagel is the top contender and Anna is second. You are third. Only keeping the top two is logical and I’ll encourage them!”

Alesia: “It’s a risk I’m willing to take because it is smarter than being Anna’s punching bag. That would throw me out of contention. And you’re bluffing! You’re not talking to me while being so sure about my exclusion.”

Oskar: “Well, think about it. You won’t be the first fighter to make a compromise to secure a title shot.”

Alesia: “No means no. It’s my final answer! What would you ask for in a rematch? That I’d be tied to the ropes for a 90-10 split?”

Oskar: “Let’s be reasonable here. The offer remains on the table. You should take it and avoid exclusion from the talks. I wish you an excellent night, Alesia.”

He gets up to leave but Ally grabs him by the shoulder.

Alesia: “Tell Anna I sent big wet kisses.”

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As he goes away, she thinks: “What a shitbag. I won’t be one of Anna’s tomato cans.”

Then she grabs her phone to send Regina a text:

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Alesia Schumann
Alesia Schumann
Super Lightweight champion of the world, German champion and one of the pound for pound best. The Diva is known for her tactical strength and durability.