Chapter 52: Chapter 52:The Main Event Begins
The morning sun rose over Japan, but for the nation, it was already a day buzzing with excitement. The news channels were flooded with footage from the chaotic press
conference and the fiery weigh-ins. Clips of Alex Makunouchi's explosive confrontation with Riku Tanaka played on a loop,
interspersed with commentary from boxing analysts, fans, and even casual viewers who had been captivated by the drama.
"Makunouchi's words at the press conference were something else!" a morning show host exclaimed, replaying the footage of Alex pointing at Riku's team and hurling his bold threats. "This fight is more than personal—it's become a national spectacle!"
Another analyst chimed in. "And it's not just talk. Let's not forget, Alex has a perfect record with three knockouts. His confidence isn't baseless."
Bars and restaurants across the country were already making preparations for the night.
Big-screen TVs were being positioned in prime locations, banners promoting the event adorned windows, and special menus were crafted to cater to the crowds expected to gather later.
A bartender in Tokyo wiped down his counter, speaking to a reporter. "We've had people calling since last night, asking if we'll show the fight. We're expecting a full house—this is the biggest boxing event in years."
In Osaka, a sushi chef carefully arranged dishes, grinning as he told a regular customer, "It's going to be crazy tonight.
Everyone's talking about that Makunouchi kid. They're saying he's the next big thing in Japanese boxing."
Meanwhile, outside the arena, a flurry of activity unfolded. Security personnel were stationed early, setting up barriers and coordinating with event staff to manage the massive crowd expected to arrive hours before the first bell. Metal detectors were installed at entry points, and event organizers made last-minute adjustments to ensure everything ran smoothly.
The buzz extended beyond the venue. Vendors began setting up booths nearby, selling merchandise like T-shirts, posters, and headbands bearing the names of the night's fighters.
One vendor, unpacking a box of Alex Makunouchi merchandise, chuckled. "These are selling like crazy. That kid's got everyone fired up. People love a fighter who speaks his mind."
By mid-morning, the streets around the arena were already bustling. Fans milled about, snapping photos and chatting excitedly about the matchups. Many of them wore shirts with slogans like "Team Alex" or "Riku's
Revenge," showcasing the divide in loyalties that only added to the anticipation.
A young fan holding an Alex Makunouchi poster turned to her friend. "Did you see the weigh-ins? He didn't back down at all! I can't wait to see him fight tonight."
Her friend nodded, holding a poster of Riku Tanaka. "Riku's going to shut him up. You'll see!"
Even reporters stationed outside the arena noted the unprecedented excitement.
"This is incredible," one news anchor said during a live broadcast. "It's not even noon, and we're already seeing fans gather here. The arena is sold out, and ticket scalpers are having a field day."
Another reporter added, "It's not just here. Across Japan, bars and restaurants are preparing for what could be the most-watched boxing event in recent history. Makunouchi and Tanaka have captured the nation's imagination."
Back inside the arena, workers moved quickly to finalize everything for the night. The ring crew adjusted the ropes, checked the lights, and ensured every detail was perfect.
By lunchtime, the excitement was at a fever pitch. News stations played fan interviews, predicting outcomes and debating strategies. "Will Alex's confidence translate to the ring?"
one commentator asked. "Or will Riku prove he's more than just a target of trash talk?"
For the fighters themselves, the noise of the outside world faded as they focused on the battles ahead. In their respective camps, the preparations continued, but even they couldn't ignore the seismic wave of energy building outside.
The stage was set, and Japan was ready. The entire country was waiting, breathless, for the night to come.As the afternoon turned into evening, the arena was electric with energy. The preliminaries had wrapped up, each fight building anticipation for the main event. The crowd, already buzzing, erupted into cheers as the lights dimmed slightly, signaling that the main show was about to begin.
The camera panned across the packed audience, showing the sheer volume of fans crammed into every corner of the venue. Spectators waved banners and signs, some emblazoned with slogans supporting Alex, Ippo, or Takamura, while others bore Riku's name or Yoshiaki Yajima's image. The noise was deafening, a symphony of cheers, chants, and excitement.
The camera then shifted to highlight some notable faces in the crowd.
"There he is, folks!" the commentator exclaimed. "The super rookie of the featherweight division, Miyata Ichirou! An undefeated prodigy, and many say he's destined for greatness."
Miyata, seated in the VIP section, acknowledged the camera with a slight nod, his composed demeanor a stark contrast to the roaring fans around him.
"And look at this—Japan's lightweight champion, Shinobu Iga!" The camera zoomed in on Iga, who smirked confidently as he raised a hand to the crowd.
"And right there," the commentator continued, "the reigning Japan Featherweight Champion, Eiji Date!"
Date offered a polite wave, his expression calm and focused, as though he were analyzing every detail of the event.
The energy in the arena climbed to new heights when the lights dimmed entirely, plunging the space into darkness. A moment later, the first strains of a 1990s classic—"Eye of the Tiger"—blared through the speakers, and the spotlight hit the entrance.
Makunouchi Ippo stepped into view, his silhouette sharp against the blinding light. The crowd erupted in cheers, chanting his name as he began his walk to the ring. His face was calm, yet determined, as he strode forward to the beat of the song. The atmosphere was electric, and fans reached out to him, waving and cheering with fervor.
"He's here!" the commentator exclaimed. "Makunouchi Ippo, the rising star of the featherweight division, walking into the biggest fight of his career so far!"
As Ippo climbed into the ring, the lights dimmed once more, signaling the arrival of his opponent. A different song, "Born to Be Wild," started playing, and his opponent stepped into view. The crowd roared, some cheering, some booing, as the fighter began his walk to the ring, his confidence evident in every step.
The spotlight followed him as he entered the ring, locking eyes with Ippo across the canvas.
The crowd was in a frenzy now, the energy in the arena reaching its peak. The commentators held their breath, the anticipation thick enough to cut with a knife.
"The stage is set!" one commentator shouted. "The first fight of the night's main event is about to begin!"
To be continued…