He was late. Again.
There I stood, pacing the small ring. I've anticipated this day a long time ago, training under the sun and in the rain hoping I'd be a match for him. This wasn't another sparring session, this was it, the final test. While I paced the ring, a sudden uproar by the crowd shifted my gaze to the entrance. There he stood, Jake, my rival, the reason why I've trained harder than I do. I was never a match for him but I was not letting my guards down tonight.
While he walked to the ring, the light focused on me in the dark wearing red gloves, one of my favorites. He offered a curt nod. We touched gloves, a brief formality before the storm. Soon the first bell rang, we circled, a silent dance of footwork. He let out a smile as he threw his first punch, I held my hands high to my face blocking and dodging his punches. I knew never to let go of this opportunity, a final test before qualifying for the boxing tournament.
It was an intense moment as we struggled for victory. We were already breathing heavily in the third round, throwing weak punches while trying to find weaknesses. Jake was good, but tonight I felt different. I've worked several months for this and I was ready to give it my all. Jake could see this in my eyes in every round we went.
"You're ready" I heard my trainer say, the words low and sincere. A wave of relief washed over me. The red gloves felt lighter now. "Congratulations" Jake said, handing out his hands. The main event, it finally was within reach, an evidence that hard work pays.