PART 1 — THE BOY WHO ASKED FOR A ROUND
The ballroom had been built for speeches, not boxing. Yet beneath the chandeliers stood a professional ring, surrounded by donors attending a charity dinner.
Fourteen-year-old Eli Mercer climbed through the ropes wearing a faded hoodie, borrowed gloves, and worn shoes. Across from him stood Adrian Vale, a former heavyweight champion.
The referee warned Eli that this was only a controlled exhibition.
“I know,” Eli said.
“How long?”
“One minute.”
Adrian studied the boy. “Why one minute?”
“For my father.”
The room fell silent.
Eli explained that his father, Marcus Mercer, had once trained with Adrian before either man became famous. Marcus had disappeared from boxing after a serious injury. Now he was in hospital, and before losing consciousness he had told Eli to find Adrian.
Eli had obeyed.
He did not want to beat a champion. He wanted one honest minute.
The bell rang.
Eli stepped forward and touched Adrian's chest with a weak punch.
Adrian did not move.