socalfunplaces Page 72
Page 72
The printed ink had a distinct smell, and the wording inside was formal and polite, thanking him for his amicable attitude during the 'misunderstanding with reporter Max Wilson' and expressing anticipation for possible future collaborations.
“Is this a blessing in disguise?”
Viktor didn't think so.
The conflict with an ESPN reporter a few days ago almost ruined his public image, but Max Black intervened in time to clarify the situation.
She also contacted her friend Jim Harper in the media circle and devised a plan, which led to this clarification article.
The Denver Post's headline was quite friendly: "Rising star boxer Victor Lee clears up misunderstanding with ESPN reporter, both sides reach an understanding."
The article details the ins and outs of the incident—so detailed that even Viktor was unaware of many of the details, clearly based on conjecture.
It also emphasized the sincerity of Viktor's apology.
"Victor!"
Max: "ESPN's attitude is better than we expected, which is a big help to you. At least no one will be following you all year round and pressing the shutter when you're thrusting your gun."
Victor held up the email: "I haven't seen ESPN's comments on Wilson's handling of the matter."
"This is an internal matter for them, and they won't tell us."
Max revealed a piece of information: "But Wilson is definitely not going to be any better. Harper said Wilson is already looking for a new company. He's sent out a lot of resumes these past few days. He's probably been laid off."
"That's right!"
Victor stood up and suddenly noticed the faint dark circles under Max's eyes: "Did you stay up all night?"
"Jim and I worked until 3 a.m. on this report."
Max rubbed his eyes but smiled with satisfaction. "But it was worth it. The media's opinion of you has completely changed now, and some people are even starting to call you a 'gentleman boxer'."
"This is all thanks to you."
"I say this sincerely," Viktor said.
He recalled the scene a month ago when Max had just become his temporary agent—his former agent had suddenly resigned due to allegations of leaking information, and Max was only sent in as an emergency replacement.
“Max, you are well-suited for this profession. If possible, I hope you can resolve our differences and work together.”
Max shook his head: "I was just doing my job, after all, I got paid."
Victor thought it was a matter of 'money': 'If possible, we can increase the original salary by 30%, and a separate bonus can be set up for such emergencies.'
Max paused, his expression becoming complicated, but he still shook his head firmly.
“Victor, one thing doesn’t define everything. Your personality is actually quite bad, which may be related to your childhood experiences. You’re always out of place. I’ll say it again: you’re a person without friends, and being an agent isn’t a good career choice.”
"Personality? I don't know how many boxers have worse personalities than me!"
"So I have doubts about the profession of boxing agent, and I even think I am not suitable for this profession."
Viktor felt a pang of disappointment: "I've already recognized your abilities after a month. You've done better than most agents. If possible, we can work together for a longer period."
“I’m just a student who couldn’t even finish college, Viktor.”
Max avoided his gaze. "Besides, I'm going back to school at the end of April to finish my studies. Based on your two endorsements, the commission I've earned is enough to cover two years of my studies and pay the interest on my student loans."
"Think about it again?"
Victor persisted, "You can be my agent part-time, after you graduate..."
"This is unrealistic."
Mairka again mentioned 'personality': "I don't know what kind of experience would make you so confident. To be honest, if you had five years of experience in the sex industry, your mental illness should have made you lose interest."
But you have the common sense of a normal person. I checked the records and heard Michael and Ethan's descriptions of you. It's like you have a different soul. You've gone from being a timid and submissive person who was disciplined by Old Joe to a strong man.
But your stubborn ignorance makes you like a tiger entering the African savanna for the first time, fearless of anything. From the moment you dared to step into the boxing ring, you acted as if you were the protagonist in a movie, daring to try anything and use any means necessary.
"This isn't good, Viktor. Is your fighting spirit ignited because of that boxer named Tyson? Or that Drago who can punch 1850 pounds? You even underestimate other boxing champions, only keeping those two in your mind. With this mentality, you'll die in the ring sooner or later."
Viktor's eyes were cold and unwavering; he didn't listen at all.
Chapter 59 Conversation
“Victor, I’m not lecturing you, I’m just stating the facts. You are a generous and clear-headed person, which can be seen from your previous efforts to get rid of the gang. Although the methods were despicable, the effectiveness is the best reason.”
Max’s voice was gentle but firm. “But professional boxing requires 24/7 focus, and you also need an experienced manager to guide you to higher levels of competition. I think maybe I’m too young, making you feel that you don’t need to treat me as an equal. And the main reason is that it will affect my studies.”
Viktor didn't know if she was right, but a sense of resentment welled up in his heart—should he just let such a clear-headed woman go?
A television clip flashed through my mind: "Such talent, if he can be used by me, will be of great use; if he cannot be used by me, he should be killed on the spot!"
Viktor then shook his head, banishing the dangerous thought—this is a crossover; it's just a lighthearted urban sports novel, not a historical drama.
"At least·····"
Victor took a deep breath—to maximize Max's impact—"Let me at least treat you to a meal. As a way of thanking you for your help these past few days. How about the night of March 22nd? I don't have a game that day."
Max hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded: "Okay. But don't overthink it, it's just a normal farewell dinner."
"Of course, it's just dinner."
Viktor forced a smile, but his heart ached as if he had been punched in the gut.
As he watched Max walk away towards the stadium, he suddenly realized he might have made a mistake—he should have expressed his wish for her to stay sooner, or perhaps telling her everything would have been a good idea, instead of waiting until everything was already set in stone to regret it.
Back inside the stadium, the final match was reaching its climax.
A California team member landed a vicious uppercut on his opponent, and then both players exchanged blows. The bell rang, and the referee began to make his decision.
A deafening chorus of boos erupted from the audience – the audience didn't like watching point battles either, especially since yesterday's first knockout seemed like the beginning, but it turned out to be the end of the climax of the preliminary rounds.
"That's what I meant!"
Old Jack excitedly grabbed Viktor's arm, "Look how patiently that California player waits for his opportunity! That's a smart way to play!"
Viktor watched the boxers celebrating their victories in the ring, and the words of Tyson came to mind: "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face."
Perhaps what's needed in the boxing ring isn't a perfect plan, but rather a plan coupled with action, and the courage and determination to execute it.
This idea took root in his mind.
Perhaps he should stick to his instincts when it comes to boxing style;
As for choosing an agent, perhaps he should be more proactive in pursuing the person he wants.
After all, whether in the boxing ring or in life, opportunities are always fleeting.
After the match, Victor stayed alone in the empty arena and practiced with the punching bag. Each punch was delivered with more force than usual, as if he wanted to vent all his confusion and frustration.
Sweat dripped down his chin, leaving dark stains on the mat.
Back in the room, Victor and Ethan discussed:
"What do you think about us forming our own team?"
Ethan was surprised because Victor was using a consultative tone instead of his recent habit of 'arranging', and glanced at Michael.
Michael lay still, but his mouth moved:
“Victor, why are you bringing this up today? Is Max determined to leave?”
"No, it has nothing to do with Max."
Victor lay on the bed, exhaling a puff of smoke that drifted towards the ceiling—luckily, there was no smoke alarm yet.
"But today I feel that old Jack can't help me anymore. If I follow his fighting style, I can't adapt to the professional boxing ring."
Ethan sat up and walked to the window: "What does this mean?"
"Old Jack advocates for outside-style and American-style fighting. However, American-style fighting is the typical style of black boxers, which requires agility and flexibility to deal with the opponent's attacks by disengaging from contact. Outside-style boxers focus on maintaining an appropriate distance from the opponent and scoring points, using footwork, jabs, straight punches, and long hooks to move around the ring, disrupt the opponent's rhythm, and throw as many punches as possible. The two styles are combined very well."
Victor lit another cigarette: "But you know, I prefer a combination of aggressive and traditional European style of play. That kind of positional warfare is where I can make the most of my physical strength. I don't have the kind of stamina that old Jack requires; I might be exhausted by the tenth round."
Ethan knows both:
An aggressive boxer focuses on closing the distance while emphasizing the number of punches in a combination. They use quick footwork, sidestepping/swaying to enter effective range, and then use combination attacks to wear down their opponent.
A dominant boxer needs excellent stamina, resilience, coordination, agility, and speed.
Traditional European fighting style involves less movement, focusing on advancing movements, with a rigorous defensive stance, frequent use of straight-line punches, a relatively slow pace, and less variation and fluctuation.
However, the combination of the two styles of play is very advantageous against Viktor. Viktor has been trying to combine an aggressive style of play with a European style of play recently.
Michael stated, "I have no problem with that. As long as we find one more person, I can meet your recovery and treatment needs."
Ethan thought for a moment: "I'm not qualified as a professional coach. If needed, I can bring in a seasoned veteran who's not exactly a star to help you. But who are you going to choose as your promoter and agent?"
But Victor didn't answer, and Ethan and Michael didn't ask any more questions, falling silent.
In fact, Victor was thinking about what Max had said.
After about half a cigarette's worth of time, Victor finally spoke: "Michael, Ethan, do you think I'm the kind of person who uses someone and then discards them?"
The two looked at each other, their eyes met, and they both nodded.
Viktor lowered his head: "Looks like there's something wrong with me."
But this surprised Michael: "Shouldn't it be like this? We're not related to them by blood, why should we be grateful to them? We all paid for it."
“We are brothers, we are Old Joe’s sons, we have the same grandfather, so you are willing to lend us a hand.”
Ethan echoed this sentiment: "As for the others, haven't you been paying for everything? Whether it's buying guns or boxing, you don't owe them anything."
"How long did I actually eat at Gallagher's house...?"
"You do not know?"
Michael interrupted Victor: "After my mom stopped cooking for you, Joe hired Gallagher to cook for you, and Joe paid Gallagher for the meals every week."
"You are bound by 'gratitude'."
Ethan looked at Victor: "Helping you without expecting anything in return is true kindness. As for wanting something more in return after helping you, that's just a transaction. Do I have to thank my boss after I go to work and get paid? I'm just taking back my wages; it's my right to be paid for my work."
Victor looked at Michael: "Why don't I think so?"
Michael shrugged: "Old Joe always made us watch the anthology, while you were doing business with rich women back then."
Victor tossed a pillow to Michael: "You can choose not to tell us about this."
"So Old Joe has done you a favor, and he has also done us a favor. As for you and your brother, we are now 'earning what we have earned.' Even when you can't pay wages, we still need to eat."
Ethan's words were harsh, but Victor listened intently.