Chapter 37: Advice

A series of loud bangs echoed from the back of the gym, where Mathew was delivering punch after punch to the heavy bag in front of him. A few of the gym members gathered around, curiously watching him strike the bag relentlessly.

Typically, after being familiar with Mathew after a few months of coming to the gym, someone would have come by to talk to him about why he was training so fiercely. But the cold and angry expression on his face made them rethink their decision.

Damn it. Kenny's words still piss me off. You'd think after a week, I'd get over it. Mathew growled and sunk a left hook into the bag, causing the chain holding it in the air to rattle violently.

Eventually, his muscles reached their burning point, and his breathing grew out of control. Forcing him to stop and catch his breath.

"What's got you all heated up, son?" Harrison asked after limping next to Mathew. "Punches like those are something I'd wish on no man. Much less one of my poor bags."

"Mr. Davis. No, it's nothing." At the sight of the older man's unbelieving look, Mathew sighed. "I was just releasing some pent-up frustration… there was someone who said some terrible things about a friend of mine. I guess it got to me more than I thought."

"I see now… letting anger dictate your actions as a boxer can be incredibly dangerous," Harrison reflected, his brow furrowing as he recalled moments from his past. "Holding the power to inflict serious harm on others comes with a weighty responsibility—a burden that not everyone can bear with grace." He paused, lost in thought, his gaze distant as memories washed over him. "Even so, it's essential to manage that anger, to keep it in check. If you allow it to take the reins, everything can spiral out of control in an instant. That person who insulted your friend, did you act on your anger?"

"…I almost did," Mathew admitted. "It would have been so easy. One good punch and-"

"Stop it, Mathew. Thinking like that is dangerous. You can never let your anger lead you to use your fists against those around you, especially when the day comes that you become a professional," Harrison placed a hand on Mathew's shoulder and looked at him seriously. "If you do, all your hard work will be wasted in an instant. Trust me... I've seen it before.'"

As Mathew listened to the older man's voice, filled with regret, he frowned.

He knew exactly what Harrison was talking about.

He was speaking of Carlos Ortega, a talented young boxer whom Harrison had mentored several years earlier.

With his sharp reflexes and fierce determination, Carlos was carving out a promising career in the professional boxing world. His rapid ascent was marked by an increasing fanbase captivated by the exciting potential he displayed in the ring. As the protégé of the legendary Harrison Davis, a retired boxing champion, Carlos was quickly garnering attention and respect in the boxing world.

Carlos possessed remarkable strength and technique, which he channeled into his mighty fists. This combination of skill and physical prowess led him to achieve an impressive total of nine victories during his career.

With all of them being knockout victories.

Carlos's promising professional boxing career took a tragic turn when a heated bar fight erupted after one of his matches. In a moment of unrestrained aggression, he accidentally caused the death of another man, an incident that shattered not only his dreams of championship glory but also led to his incarceration. As the news of the incident spread, it left fans and fellow athletes in shock, marking a stark and somber end to what many believed would be a bright future in the sport.

"You're talking about your Carlos Ortega. Aren't you?"

"…I am."

"Is he the reason you don't coach anyone else besides Nat?" Mathew asked cautiously, fearing he might offend the older man.

Harrison sighed and nodded slowly. Placing his hands behind his back, he turned to a lone punching back at the left side of the gym. His eyes grew foggy as he recalled all the memories around that bag.

"Yes, it is," Harrison said. "You're young, Mathew. When people are young, they often act on their feelings before thinking things through. However, unlike most young people these days, you have a good head on your shoulders. That's why I trust Nat to be around you. You're a positive influence on her."

Mathew blinked at Harrison's words, feeling deeply touched by the trust and confidence Harrison placed in him. Standing up straight, Mathew nodded in acknowledgment.

"Thank you, sir."

Harrison smiled and walked off to head to his office.

Turning to his heavy bag, Mathew took a deep breath and delivered a one-two combo.

Regardless of Harrison's advice. His anger didn't magically disappear.

It was still there. Inside him. But now, it was tucked away deep within his chest.

It was controlled.

At least for now.

••o••o••o••

Two Months Later

"Come on! Move your head more!"

"I-I am! You're just really trying to punch me in the face!"

"If you don't stop moving, then I won't have to punch you!"

Mathew groaned as the coarse rope binding his wrists dug into his skin. Tied behind his back, he strained against the restraints while skillfully dodging Natalia's lightning-fast punches, each one a blur of motion that threatened to connect.

Thanks to his keen observation skills, he picked up on the slightest changes in her stance and the minute twitches of her muscles, allowing him to anticipate her next strike. As he shifted his weight, he felt the adrenaline surging through him, heightening his senses and sharpening his focus on every move she made.

He had to thank Alex for drilling all those anatomy lessons into him.

During this training, his impressive evasion and dodging skills improved gradually. However, Natalia occasionally landed quick jabs or crosses that knocked his head back.

In the weeks leading up to the highly anticipated California Junior Boxing Tournament, Natalia dedicated herself to pushing Mathew beyond his limits. Each training session became a grueling test of endurance and willpower, with Natalia adopting an almost relentless approach that bordered on brutality.

From dawn till dusk, she crafted workouts that left him exhausted and gasping for breath, her fierce determination reflecting in every demanding drill.

[Boxing: 55]

[Speed: 47]

[Strength: 44]

Despite the days full of sore muscles and aching limbs, Mathew couldn't argue with the results of her hellish training.

A loud bang filled the ring as Natalia's left fist crashed into Mathew's face.

"Don't get distracted on me!"

"R-right!"

Their training lasted another ten minutes before they switched roles. Although Natalia was spending her personal time helping Mathew learn several new exercises and boxing techniques, she also gained valuable experience from it.

Upon completing his rigorous training regimen, Mathew dedicated himself to assisting her in honing her own skills as well. He tirelessly helped her through a variety of physical exercises, which she had carefully tailored to address her specific needs and goals. Whether it was improving her strength with weight training or enhancing her agility with dynamic drills, he was steadfast in his commitment to her growth.

Their training sessions often culminated in friendly sparring matches, where they would put their skills to the test.

At first, Mathew felt nervous about sparring with her because of their differences in gender and body type. However, he quickly learned not to underestimate her after she landed a powerful right hook on his body. Still, he made a point to hold back his strength to avoid hurting her when he struck back.

"Geh!" Natalia groaned as her head snapped back from a quick jab. Mathew winced but continued their training.

"Shake it off! Keep your eyes on me!"

"You don't have to tell me that, Matt!"

He had long learned not to panic whenever he hit her. Natalia didn't like to be seen as weak; she absorbed all his blows like a champion. This impressed Mathew. Still, he always made sure to hold back to an acceptable level because he didn't want to accidentally hurt his friend.

He'd never admit that out of fear of drawing her wrath.

Time passed, and the two eventually exhausted their energy. After a quick break, they returned to the ring for their daily sparring sessions. Each new bout sharpened one another's skills and techniques.

Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

With their headgear properly secured, Mathew and Natalia touched gloves and raised their guards—a slight grin resting on their faces.

"Box!" They both said as they both stepped in.