Domination in America, Starting from being a Boxing Champion-Chapter 820 - 593: Clench Your Teeth and Hold On
This match was spearheaded by the WBA Boxing Organization, with a large scale and influential presence. A half-hour warm-up performance was held before the match started, featuring Lady Gaga, One Direction, Drake, and several top-tier Vegas song and dance teams.
After the performance, Link and Little Klitschko entered the ring, officially starting the match.
"Boxing!"
The ring referee lowered his arm.
Link and Little Klitschko touched gloves in the center of the ring, each took a step back, and as Link prepared to throw a punch, Little Klitschko struck first.
Little Klitschko, at 39 years old, is not at the golden age but still in his prime with minimal decline in physical strength. He punches fast and hard, and with a 206 cm arm span, an unprepared opponent could easily be knocked down by one of his punches.
Fortunately, Link had meticulously studied his opponent's boxing style and strategies before the match.
Little Klitschko is a first-rate technician, much like his brother, a product of the Soviet Union's athlete training, inheriting the traditional power and tactical approach.
He also has great physical attributes; speed, strength, and reaction capabilities are all there.
Except for his slightly lesser ability to take punches compared to top-tier black boxers, he hardly has any weaknesses.
In facing such an almost perfect opponent, Link didn't plan on using sneaky tactics but rather aimed to win with dignified boxing ring tactics, not only convincing his opponent but also contributing an exciting match to the boxing world.
Facing an assault from Little Klitschko, Link dodged to the side, then followed with a punch to Little Klitschko's left side.
However, Little Klitschko, being tall with long arms, had a larger attack range and stood further back than Link.
When Link swung, Little Klitschko only had to step back half a step to avoid the punch.
Thus, hitting him was difficult for Link.
After dodging Link's punch, Little Klitschko pressed forward, launching a flurry of punches aimed at Link's head.
Link fought back while retreating, seeking opportunities to break Little Klitschko's rhythm.
In the first round, within three minutes, each managed attacks and defenses, Little Klitschko threw 154 punches hitting Link's shoulders and chest 12 times but no head hits, whereas Link threw 102 punches with 17 hitting the opponent's chest and abdomen but no head hits either.
From the first round's outcome, the winner was unclear.
After a minute's break, the match continued, with Little Klitschko maintaining the same rhythm from the first round, attacking aggressively using his arm length and speed advantage, pressing forward to break Link's defense and extend his superiority.
After exchanging a few punches, Link tactically adjusted, still primarily defending, but more aggressive in his attacks, stepping into the range of Little Klitschko, risking hits to aim for his opponent's head.
The intense exchanges from the first round grew fiercer, both fighters upping the pacing, engaging head-on.
With Link's adjustment, the match became even more thrilling, with punches flying back and forth in the ring, quickly working up a sweat.
The spectators under the ring were just as exhilarated, shouts echoing continuously.
"Link, hit hard! You're just one step away from the 'Four Organization Boxing King' title."
Below the ring, Mario was waving his fists and shouting.
"Aren't you supposed to dislike Link? Why are you cheering for him?"
Blonde Reggie laughed.
"Nonsense! When have I ever disliked Link?"
Mario retorted with a scowl.
Blonde Reggie chuckled, turning towards the somewhat nervous Coach West beside him.
"No need to worry, Link is sure to win."
"I know, it's just a bit overwhelming to think that in just seven years, Link has become the Heavyweight Boxing Champion and is fighting in a title unification battle. Link's growth has been so rapid."
Coach West sighed, watching the fierce and formidable Link in the ring.
"That's nothing, over these seven years, Link has not only dominated three ranks but has also become the Emperor Superstar, a billionaire, and among eight billion people worldwide, there is none stronger than him."
Mario declared.
"Not bad, you've learned how to flatter cunningly. This shows you've grown smarter."
Blonde Reggie grinned and chuckled.
"Shut up!"
Mario glared at him, his eyes then returning to the ongoing match in the ring.
At 87 seconds into the match, Little Klitschko, taking advantage of his long reach, first opened up Link's guard with a Swing Punch from his combination punches, then landed a Jab on Link's forehead. Had Link not dodged in time, he would have been squarely hit.
At the moment Link was hit, his Left Uppercut also struck upwards hitting Little Klitschko's chin.
Little Klitschko reeled backward, quickly taking two steps back.
Link, however, did not retreat and pressed forward towards Little Klitschko, unleashing a rapid series of Jabs, hitting both high and low, striking Little Klitschko's chest and abdomen eight times consecutively and once on the side of his face, nearly knocking him down.
After being hit, Little Klitschko actively increased the distance to avoid further hits.
Link didn't intend to stop; he continued his aggressive assault, but this time Little Klitschko was prepared and defended fully. Although Link threw over seventy punches, only more than ten hit Little Klitschko's body, unable to hit his chin or head.
The second round ended, and Link and Little Klitschko retreated to their corners for a break. While rehydrating, Link noticed Big Klitschko standing by the ring, discussing tactics with Little Klitschko.