The cheers were unstoppable from the crowd as Muhammad stepped into the crowd. So deafening that one from the neighboring community could hear it loud and clear. A clear depiction of how much he was loved.
He was built like the biblical people of Goth and was fearless like the biblical Goliath. His fists were like double head sledgehammer wrapped tightly in a dirt-stained cloth. Each stomp of his feet raised the fists of the ancient city of Kano. He was a legend whose name was spoken of in the deepest part of the community yet he didn't allow pride to overrun him.
With all his mightiness, his soft spot, Fatima, his childhood love stood gazing at him in the crowd. Almost taking his mind off his opponent the dreaded Abdulsalami, a man almost as big as his size but known for his reputation of being a beast, ruthless and unpredictable type of wrestling.
Fatima had just returned recently from the city after her years of studies in the big city. Though her presence was barely noticed by his people to Muhammad, her presence had this soft hold over him. Her laughter had the power to disarm him in ways no opponent ever could. Muhammad in many fights had fought tougher opponents but Fatima's gaze at him right there was his kryptonite capable of leaving him defenseless.
He hopped around the arena trying to shift his mind off Fatima. He shook his head and muscles around.
"Focus Muhammad, Focus" he mumbled silently to himself yet Fatima’s face lingered in his mind, her soft smile haunting him from keeping his gaze on his opponent who had this wicked smirk on his face like he read his heart. "It's either you focus or Abdulsalami won't spare you today" he continued mumbling to himself, trying to instill fear in his opponent with his stare but clearly they weren't working. It was the dreaded Abdulsalami he was battling in the ring that day.
Suddenly, the drums began beating loudly, a sign that the match was about to begin. And for the first time, Muhammad doubted himself if he'd win the match.
The referee stepped into the ring and signaled the start of the match. Immediately Abdulsalami launched forward and threw a huge fist towards Muhammad. Like a professional, Muhammad expertly dodged it and countered with his signature punch which sent Abdulsalami staggering backward and the crowd roaring in applause and cheers for him.
Muhammad searched with his eyes to see Fatima smiling, losing his focus on his opponent who used the opportunity to throw a swift unforgiving punch to his side. Muhammad staggered backwards clutching his side.
"What's wrong, champion? Losing your edge because of a woman?" Abdulsalami teased realizing that Muhammad was focused on a girl instead of the match. He vowed to use it to his advantage.
Muhammad shook his head off the pain and stood his ground. His fist was still raised. Abdulsalami was right, a love he buried for years was causing him the match. Was it going to be his downfall?
The fight continues with each other throwing and blocking punches. Abdulsalami was gaining more ground and calculated punches. For every hit Muhammad gave Abdullahi, he returned it with twice the force.
Muhammad was losing his strength and stamina in the fight, twice his back nearly hit the ground. Then he heard Fatima's voice ring out from the crowd.
"Muhammad, where's the lion in you? Don't give up now, stand strong and fight!" It was so loud that the whole crowd heard it.
Like a lion risen from his sleep, Muhammad felt something shift in him. He was known as the lion of his people and he wasn't going to let his people down at this point, especially not Fatima. Tightening his fists, he stood his ground and shut his eyes to block off the pain, clear his thoughts, and focus fully on the fight.
Abdulsalami came this time with a powerful swing but instead of dodging it like Muhammad would have done. He instead blocked it and returned it with a more powerful swing laced with the weight of his people and the voice of Fatima on the jaw of Abdulsalami sending him staggering to the other side of the ring.
He added another one, this time his signature punch sending Abdulsalami falling to the ground.
Immediately the crowd erupted in cheers chanting his name. He held his stand although he felt like falling, his chest heaving heavily. He was breathless. The referee walked towards him and raised his hands up as the winner of the match. Muhammad roared loudly in celebration of his victory. Then he felt a soft tap at his back. He turned to see Fatima standing behind him with a smile on her face. Her gaze was steady.
"You fought well today," she said softly.
"Yes and your motivation did the trick," he replied. "How about we go out to celebrate the win" the words tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop them.
Fatima’s cheeks flushed, but she didn’t look away. "Don't tell me you need to win a fight to ask me out?."
Muhammad laughed. "Next time, I’ll be braver."
"Better" Fatima replied, then turned and walked out of the ring smiling all along.
Muhammad turned and continued with his celebration with his fans and the crowd.