Tension creeps in

Chelsea’s feeling the pressure

Training camps are over in Munich and Detroit. Alesia Schumann and Chelsea Carter have pushed themselves to the limit before going through regeneration. They are set to meet again in Berlin.

The American goes out in style. At her request, Final Bell Boxing agreed in the contract that the certified small-plane pilot could borrow the company’s private jet. Chelsea takes her party to the German capital directly instead of dealing with the airport chaos now associated with a commercial flight.

Mercedes: “Man. Da most luxury I ever had!”

Summer Simpson: “Right? There’s nothing cooler.”

Chelsea plane 1
Chelsea plane 2
Chelsea plane 3

Role model

Alesia doesn’t have to do any of that work. A train journey from Munich to Berlin, in the first-class compartment, will do. She uses the little free time left before hitting the road to speak in a classroom close to home, and take questions. That’s how you play role model.

Student: “Ally, what did you think when people said you were crazy for wanting to become a boxer and become a champion?”

Alesia: “People often judge things due to what they know and what they’ve been taught. They don’t understand why you are walking on your own path, and they don’t have to. What’s important is what you want, and finding a way to make it work.”

Student: “That’s not easy.”

Alesia: “I know. That’s why sometimes you stick with a vision. And if things don’t work out? You start planning your next move.”

At the end of the talk, the kids applaud her.

Alesia classroom 1
Alesia classroom 2

Recapturing glory

One day later, it’s time for a much-awaited press conference at the Berlin Mark Hotel. Without a surprise, Final Bell CEO Heidi Becker takes to the stage when the spotlight turns on.

Heidi: “Welcome and thanks for joining us for this special event. We have a scorching hot matchup for you in two days when Alesia Schumann and Chelsea Carter climb into the ring to fight for the Super Lightweight championship of the world. Let’s hear what the number one challenger to the title has to say.”

Presser Heidi

Alesia: “I remember the night when I met Chelsea Carter. Had a good impression of her as a boxer and fancied eventually having this fight. We became friends. Make no mistake, though. When the bell rings, I’ll give her as much hell as I gave anyone else before. Maybe even more. I’m here to recapture the world title after a hiccup against Steffi Slater. It’s only when you lose that you learn and recover the hunger, I guess!”

Presser Alesia

Heidi: “What do you say to that, Chelsea?”

Chelsea: “I agree with Alesia about how the story began. The talk of a two-time champion, though? You can forget about it. She may want that belt badly and I understand why, but I want it too and it’s never a good idea to stand in my way. I’m built to win and better prepared than ever. I’m walking out of that ring as world champion.”

Presser Chelsea

No journeyman

Things get spicy during the question period.

Reporter: “Isn’t it true that Final Bell pulled the strings to get you this matchup? My sources say that you were already favoured by the WBU and Taylor Grant was seen as the obvious opposition, but your camp wanted to make the two of you happy, and Chelsea happens to be easier beat.”

Alesia: “You’re only right about one part. It’s correct to say that Chelsea and I wanted this but it’s not about who’s easier.”

Reporter: “Come on. Everyone in this room sees you as the obvious A-side here.”

Alesia: “The A-side? Maybe. Doesn’t really matter when the bell rings, though. There’s still a girl with two fists in her gloves, and that’s all it takes to be dangerous.”

That sets the brunette’s teeth on edge.

Chelsea: “You just called me a fucking journeyman.”

Alesia: “What the hell. We didn’t build this up for years to think that way.”

Chelsea: “Maybe you do and if you do, you’ll pay the price for it. I didn’t come here to take prisoners.”

The Diva doesn’t get why High Voltage is that supercharged. Heidi and other reporters defuse the situation and the two camps can part ways, although one side is bothered.

Press conference confrontation 1
Press conference confrontation 2

Discipline

Indeed, Chelsea feels the need to chill out at the end of the day. She heads to the hotel bar and takes a seat.

Chelsea: “Bartender! I’ll have a pilsner.”

Her coach, who was scrambling to find her, arrives just on time.

Mercedes: “Hell no. BARTENDER! Alcohol-free beer only!”

Chelsea: “Look. I need this one and I’m already on weight.”

Mercedes: “Dafuq. Alcohol makes ya GAIN weight and slow down. Ya ain’t havin’ dat before weigh-in and da biggest match of yer career! Got a problem? We talk.”

Chelsea: “Fuck. The disrespect I got today. You heard that nonsense from the reporter? And Ally didn’t defend me all that much.”

Mercedes: “Fuck them reporters! Ya ain’t fightin’ for them! And stop bein’ a little bitch with yer friend. There ain’t no one in boxin’ who helps fighters da way she helped ya. Drop dat attitude and focus on winnin’ cuz dat’s how it’s done.”

Chelsea beer 1
Chelsea beer 2

Around the same time, the Schumann sisters are hanging out in the Diva’s room in a different hotel.

Alesia: “I’m a little surprised by Chelsea’s reaction. Is it about what I said?”

Sophie: “Nah. The question you got was a little sharp but you didn’t say anything bad. I think she’s a little nervous. Fighting an idol for the world title. She’s not the media darling and she’s far from home this time. It’s a lot of pressure.”

Alesia: “Yeah, maybe. Funny how no one seems to wonder if I find this match challenging because it is.”

Sophie: “No one expects a giant to fall. That’s why we don’t listen to outsiders. You do your thing, sis. There’s no other way to win.”

Alesia Sophie talk 1
Alesia Sophie talk 2
Alesia Sophie talk 3

The mood is far brighter on the next day. Alesia and Chelsea both make the weight when stepping on scales, wearing swimsuits that send the fans into a frenzy.

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Alesia Chelsea introductions
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.
Chelsea Carter
Chelsea Carter
Former Super Lightweight world champion. A daredevil from San Francisco who follows the footsteps of her idol Alesia Schumann.