Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 118459 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 592(@200wpm)___ 474(@250wpm)___ 395(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118459 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 592(@200wpm)___ 474(@250wpm)___ 395(@300wpm)
“Not only are you getting the title fight between Deacon Love and Mario Brusci, you’ll see two old enemies go head-to-head in the form of Hunter Davidson and Crew Gentry. It’s going to be an amazing night.”
Kyle glances at Hunter, then me, and then turns back to the crowd. “All right. Let’s get down to business. This is gonna be one helluva fight. On this hand, we have Hunter who has been tearin’ up everyone we’ve thrown at him since his debut. No one’s made it through the second round against this animal. On this hand, we have Crew Gentry, a kid that owns the only blemish on Hunter’s record. Tickets go on sale today for this card and I suggest you get them quick. This fight alone will be worth it,” he says. “Now let’s open the floor to your questions! Media, raise your hand and we’ll send someone out with a mic.”
I keep my eyes focused on the back wall and try not to buy into the chaos surrounding me. Hunter is pulling some antics on the other side because I see heads turning towards him and laughter erupts.
Focus.
“Bob from The Gazette. Kyle, this fight is replacing the one that was supposed to happen between Davidson and Reyes. What made the NAFL decide to replace Reyes with Gentry?”
I look at Kyle. He’s shifting from one foot to another like he’s jacked the fuck up. “Well, to be honest, there wasn’t anyone left in this division that would be an interesting fight. Davidson’s pretty much cleaned out this division and his camp didn’t want to wait the nine, ten months to see him fight again. When Gentry resurfaced”—he grins—“well, there’s not an empty seat in the house tonight.”
Laughter ensues.
“Lowell from Boston MMA. Davidson, this is for you. We know the last time you met with Gentry, he took you to the final minute of the fight. And he beat you. Granted, you’re both in much different places right now, but what’s your prediction of this fight?”
Davidson’s laughter fills the room. It’s like nails down a chalkboard. “Yeah, I’d say we’re in a different place right now. I’m a professional fighter, the champ no less, and he’s making eighteen dollars an hour on the docks.” I don’t know what he does, but the crowd laughs again. “Seriously, none of my opponents have taken me outta round two. I think it’s safe to say this fight will be ended fast and hard.”
“Oni from One Division. Gentry, your last fight that we know of took place against Davidson and concurrently ended your career. Now you’re back. What makes you think you can walk back into the fighting world and be competitive?”
Oni gives the mic back and stands with his notepad and watches me. He has on his requisite MMA shirt and smarmy smile. I laugh because no matter what I say, a guy like this won’t get it.
I lean towards the mic attached to the table in front of me. “Once a fighter, always a fighter.”
The journalists all begin chattering, cameras clicking again, and I lean back and watch.
“Jerry from Meosho Tribune. Gentry, word going around is that you’re fighting so your niece can get a medical procedure. Is that true? If so, are you prepared to fight or are you just doing it for a paycheck?”
“Let me cut in here real quick,” Kyle says, glancing at me. “Crew’s contract is an all or nothing deal, which means if he doesn’t win, he gets nothing. He only gets paid if he wins. So I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say the kid is ready to fight. It’d be pointless otherwise.”
“It’s pointless anyway,.” Davidson chuckles through his mic.
I start to scoot my chair back when Sal shakes his head and points again to his temple.
Breathe.
“The rumors are partially true,” I say, feeling one hundred sets of eyes on me. “My niece is sick and I will pay for her treatment with my winnings. But I can’t say I’m not chomping at the bit to knock this guy out.”
“So, you’re predicting a knockout?” Jerry asks, pulling the mic back in front of him. “Can we quote you on that?”
I shrug. “Quote what you want. I’m telling you I’ll win this fight.”
“Lisa with Sports One. Gentry, what can you tell us about your niece? How serious is it?”
“I want to keep the focus on the fight, on me and Davidson. Whatever happens after the fight, what I do with my earnings, is none of anyone’s concern.”
“You seem very sure of yourself,” she replies.
“I’m just sure of what I know.”
“Don with Qurom. Davidson, does what your opponent is fighting for make any difference to you?”
“You know,” Davidson says, “the charitable side of me almost just paid the tab. But I got to thinking about it and the fighter side of me couldn’t pass up the opportunity to kick this guy’s ass.”