One by one, people stopped backing away.
For the first time, Tyler noticed something different.
They weren't afraid anymore.
They were united.
Eddie walked toward Martin.
"You don't owe them a fight."
Martin nodded.
"I know."
"But Tyler needs to learn something."
Martin looked at the ring.
"What?"
"That strength isn't the same thing as control."
Martin was silent for a long moment.
Then he removed his jacket.
He looked at Tyler.
"One round."
The gym erupted.
Tyler's smile returned.
He thought he had won.
He had no idea what was coming.
============================================================
CHAPTER 7
The news spread faster than anyone expected.
By Saturday afternoon, Champions Den was packed.
Old fighters came to watch.
Young fighters came to record.
Even people who had never stepped inside a boxing gym arrived because they had heard the story.
The arrogant champion versus the forgotten janitor.
Tyler entered first.
He wore expensive trunks and a confident smile.
His supporters screamed his name.
Then the lights dimmed.
Martin walked in.
No music.
No entourage.
No celebration.
Just an old gray-haired man wearing plain black training clothes.
The crowd became strangely quiet.
Eddie climbed through the ropes.
He leaned toward Martin.
"You sure?"
Martin nodded.
"I've been sure for twenty years."
Tyler bounced on his feet.
"Ready to embarrass yourself?"
Martin raised his gloves.
"Ready."
The bell rang.
Tyler exploded forward.
A fast jab.
Then another.
Then a powerful right hand.
Martin moved his head barely an inch.
The punch missed.
The crowd gasped.
Tyler attacked again.
Martin stepped aside.
Again.
Again.
Tyler's punches cut through empty air.
The young fighters stared.
Jake whispered:
"He's not even trying."
Sarah shook her head.
"No."
"He's measuring him."
Tyler grew frustrated.
He rushed forward with a combination.
Martin slipped the first punch.
Blocked the second.
Pivoted away from the third.
Then gently touched Tyler's shoulder.