After nine days of negotiations, Han Libo and Editor Meng finally secured the WBA broadcast rights for Jason Luo's fight series—marking his official breakthrough into the domestic market.
The moment the deal was sealed, major platforms like Baidu Network, Youku Live, and other media outlets immediately mobilized their teams to Southampton...
Youku Live even invited renowned commentator Du Wenjie to provide live coverage of the match. Within just two days, platforms like Toutiao and Bilibili pushed notifications across their networks, drawing countless boxing fans to follow the event.
Boxing has deep roots at home. Though the UFC has risen sharply in recent years, both sports share much of the same audience. Even those who usually only watch UFC were intrigued—after all, a new boxer had suddenly emerged in the WBA challenger lineup and was now set to compete in a top-tier bout.
Within twenty-four hours, pre-registrations for the fight on Youku and Baidu Live had surpassed four million!
When Rod received the news, he trembled with excitement. "Oh, unbelievable! Jason, four million people are watching your fight! My God, you're about to explode in popularity!"
Brown, however, turned serious. "Mr. Rod, the fight's almost here. Don't let any of this affect his mindset. Jason, listen—now's the time to stay calm. Victory is all that matters. Losing focus now could be disastrous."
Rod immediately caught on. "Right, right! Jason, we can't afford a single mistake this time. Just concentrate on the match. We'll handle everything else."
Even with their reassurance, the pressure weighing on Jason Luo was immense. Sure, millions were watching with curiosity now—but if he failed, that same attention could turn him into a laughingstock overnight.
Then Raul spoke up. "Jason, stop overthinking it. I've watched you grow step by step. Your ability has soared, but your heart isn't as pure as it was when you first started boxing. I still remember clearly—when you challenged Hebrey, you fought with the determination of someone ready to risk everything. You said boxing is a battlefield for the brave and that you'd always fight with a fearless heart. Tell me, how can a strong opponent make you afraid, yet fame and gain make you lose your way?"
"Remember when we went to Podiat for your first fight? You told Pedro your only goal in a match was to defeat your opponent—that money and fame were just byproducts. Have you forgotten that?"
Raul's words struck straight to Jason Luo's core, echoing like thunder in his mind.
Yes! Somewhere along the way, that once-hungry kid had turned into a recognized professional boxer—but the raw fire that once drove him had begun to fade beneath the weight of fame and expectation.
What had happened to him?
Boxing was never about fear or defeat—it was about pushing yourself beyond the limit. If you're afraid to lose, you've already lost!
"Mr. Raul, you're right. I was wrong. I let the noise around me cloud my purpose. From now on, I'll put everything into this fight. My only goal is to win—no hesitation, no regrets!"
"That's the spirit! A man with nothing to lose has nothing to fear—I still remember that saying clearly. You'd better remember it too, or I might have it tattooed on your backside, ha ha!"
With Jason Luo's mindset back on track, the group set off for Southampton to prepare for the match the following morning.
...
Because of the time difference, 10 a.m. in the UK corresponded to 6 p.m. back home. On Youku's live stream, commentator Du Wenjie's familiar voice came through:
"Hello everyone! In just half an hour, Jason Luo will challenge British fighter Charlison Hanvey right here at St. Mary's Stadium!"
"To be honest, when I first heard this news, I was just as surprised as everyone else. Those familiar with professional boxing know that in recent years, our country has made great progress—especially in the lighter weight divisions, producing champions like Xiong Chaozhong, Zou Shiming, and Xu Can. But progress in the middle and higher weight classes has been much slower."
"Some media have long argued that athletes from smaller frames can't compete successfully in the heavier divisions, pushing all kinds of theories. We've heard this kind of talk in sports countless times before. But history keeps proving one thing—dedication and hard work can overcome any barrier."
...
Southampton, St. Mary's Stadium.
The 32,000-seat arena was packed to capacity, every ticket sold out. Many overseas fans had paid premium prices just to get in. Nearly ten thousand spectators gathered together, their voices roaring as one—matching the energy of the home crowd.
The weather was perfect. The announcer checked his watch, then raised the microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to St. Mary's Stadium for this crucial WBA event! Tonight's competitors—representing the United States, the undefeated rising star Jason Luo, and our very own Royal Guard, Charlison Hanvey! This match carries immense significance for both fighters. Now, please welcome Charlison to the ring!"
The crowd erupted. The stands shook with thunderous applause as Charlison appeared. He'd gone all out—emerging slowly in a full suit of medieval English knight's armor, instantly setting off waves of cheers.
Behind him marched twenty soldiers clad in leather armor, spears in hand. Charlison walked tall at the front, like a warrior heading to battle. Just before stepping into the ring, he drew his sword and shouted, "The brave know no defeat!"
Nearly twenty thousand voices roared back in unison, "Long live the knights! Fight to the death!"
It had to be said—Charlison's grand entrance was a masterpiece. It stole the spotlight and sent the atmosphere soaring.
Once he stepped into the ring and began removing his armor, the announcer continued, "And now, please welcome the challenger—Jason Luo!"
When Jason appeared, draped in a crimson cape and red boxing shorts, the crowd of overseas fans erupted into applause...
There was something striking about that deep shade of red under the lights. When Jason stepped into the ring wearing it, the sight stirred a strong emotion among those watching—a collective thrill that words could barely capture.
Jason hadn't prepared any elaborate entrance. Accompanied by Brown and Raul, he stepped calmly onto the ring.
But when he took off his cape, the crowd instantly noticed the tattoo on his left arm—a coiled dragon wrapped around a pillar.
"Look! The tattoo on Jason Luo's arm!"
"That's awesome! A real warrior's symbol—I want one like that too!"
"Go, Jason Luo! Today's the day you make us proud!"
"Red's a lucky color—Jason Luo's taking this one tonight!"
"Victory! Victory!"
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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