State of emergency

Esther: “Let’s spy on the corners, starting with the German side, after a fourth round that could redefine the complexion of this world championship fight.”

Regina: “Babe. Tell me your state of mind.”

Alesia: “I’m happy to have sent her down. Haven’t won a thing yet, though.”

Regina: “That’s the spirit. I reckon we’re pulling ahead, though, and we want to build on that. That round went so well and she had no answer for what you did, so it makes it hard to give you a new plan. Stay alert and aware. Stay on your toes. Look for the little cues on her fitness and will to fight. Don’t undersestimate her because she’s no quitter.”

Alesia: “Got it.”

Regina: “This crowd is on your side and I’ll encourage it to keep making noise. It blocked their communication and it can pump you up. For now, don’t overdo it with the uppercut. You’ve used it more than against anyone else in the past and we don’t want her to be able to read it. Focus on the other strengths, starting with the defend and counter approach.”

The Diva nods.

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Seeking respect

Across the ring, the champion is offered a seat and she is desperate to take it. She is half sitting and half lying down in the corner after the roughest round she had in a long time. Perhaps the worst of her career.

Anastasia: “She broke my nose. I felt it.”

Dimitri: “I see it. Let me take care of you. I’m not happy that you went for the smallest taunt, though.”

The coach gets the gear out. He cleans her face up with a towel, contains the flow of blood, applies adrenaline to the cuts inside her nose and vaseline to make it all more slippery. Intense corner work.

Dimitri: “We have to force her to respect you early in that fifth round. I need you to stage a big attack as soon as possible with punches that hurt enough for her to stand back. We can only succeed if she respects your power.”

Anastasia: “Yeah.”

Dimitri: “I need you to be the first to punch, but not in reaction to a taunt. She’s got to see red leather as soon as she is anywhere near you. Don’t give her the time to slip in. Punch and punch and punch to keep her at a distance. If you do this correctly, she won’t get in easily and she’ll take power shots when she gets close. We need that now, more than ever.”

Anastasia: “Yeah.”

Dimitri: “She doesn’t respect you, so you have to enforce respect physically. Show the heart of a champion, champ!”

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Self-deprecation

At the guest tables, Akane and Virani are having an animated conversation.

Virani: “What a round for Ally! The way she knocked her down makes me think she can win this.”

Akane: “Indeed. I don’t think there’s a limit to her potential. Such a great fighter. Anastasia is still dangerous, though.”

Virani: “Yeah. She’s crafty and she’s got physical assets that few boxers have in the game. Not sure I’d want to be in the ring with that kind of woman.”

Akane: “The only worse thing I can think of is getting knocked out cold by a Japanese boxer. Been there myself earlier this year with Takara.”

The Cobra isn’t sure what to say next.

Akane winks: “Of course, you also know exactly how it feels like since Masae gave you a good spanking.”

Virani: “I wasn’t out cold, I was just trying to get a good look at the ring lights.”

Akane: “Hahahahahaha!”

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Being clever

A few meters away, the next ringside guest is asked to give an interview for Box TV. Anna holds the microphone and asks the questions.

Anna: “Sophie Schumann, a serious Lightweight prospect, is with me for comments on this fight. What do you think of  the action and especially that fourth round?”

Sophie: “I’m impressed with my sister’s strength and composure to recover from a dubious call in the first round, the onslaught that followed and the pressure of taking on the champion to score such an important knockdown in the last round. Ally is playing her game on her terms by now and that’s how she can become champion of the world.”

Anna: “What strikes you the most so far?”

Sophie: “It has to be my sister’s ability to deliver that uppercut in any circumstances. If you recall, Anastasia pretended that she had a fix-all plan to cancel it out but that’s not what we’ve seen since the opening bell. Ally knows how to place that shot since it’s a counterpunch instead of a lead punch. It’s not the only weapon she depends on, but she’s been making clever use of it and the Russian has no answer to it.”

Anna: “What can decide this fight?”

Sophie: “We have two women with a complex set of skills and a mindset to win. At the end of the day, if I have to put any money on this, the combination of potential from Alesia and coaching from Regina is the one I want to go for. Can anyone beat this pair in the thick of things? I don’t think so.”

Anna: “Thanks for taking my questions.”

Sophie: “Thanks for having me.”

Once the microphone is off…

Sophie: “I’m offering myself as a sparring partner for your championship fight. Are you game?”

Anna: “You sure?”

Sophie: “I just wanna help.”

Anna: “Let me tell Maxim!”

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New leader

Esther: “Four rounds are in the books and look what we have here! Anna logically scores the last encounter as a 10-8 in favour of Schumann, which means that she now has the lead. Her performance in the last round may not have been the absolute best of her career, but it may have been the most important one. Schumann has entered the middle rounds in good position and Orlova has to make a statement to keep the belt.”

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Rebecca: “Seconds out!”

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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.