Page 37 of Undefeated

“It’s your job to tell me what to do, boss. It’s mine to do it. You can see what I can’t,” I said as I hit the speed bag one last time.

“How you feel?” he asked.

I nodded sharply.

“Better get out in the hallway, they’re calling you out in five,” the floor manager said through the doorway.

“How we fighting this guy?” Kelsey asked as I sat on the bench beside him.

“Southpaw, boss. Just like you said,” I responded.

“That’s right. Tonight you’re a lefty. Let’s go,” he said as he laced up my gloves.

I looked down at the floor and said my prayer. As I stood up I pounded my gloves together and tapped my dog tags with each glove.

We stepped into the hallway and waited for the call. As soon a Jimi Hendrix, Red House began to play I started to walk toward the ring.

As I approached the ring, I saw Ripp and Kace right where they said they’d be. I stopped at the edge of the ring and lowered my head. Kelsey reached toward my neck and slowly removed my dog tags.

“Give ‘em to my girl, boss,” I said.

He nodded.

“Get in the ring, Shane,” Kelsey said as he nodded toward the ring.

“Hand her the tags, boss. I need to see it,” I said.

Kace was half sitting, half standing, and obviously excited. Ripp stood beside her, clapping and whistling. As Kelsey handed her the dog tags, she made eye contact with me.

“Who?” I screamed her direction.

She pointed at her chest.

I nodded and stepped into the ring.

I closed my eyes and jogged lightly in place. Blocking out everything was easy for me. I waited for them to call my name. I was ready.

“…red corner….Mace Maaaaad Dogggg Wilsonnnnnn” the announcer said.

“And. In the blue corner. Shane Shame on Deeeeeeekkaaaaar,” I opened my eyes and stepped to the center of the ring.

I stared into the eyes of Wilson.

“Listen up. I gave you your instructions in the dressing rooms. Obey my commands at all times. When I say break, I want a clean break. In the event of a knock down, I’ll direct you to a neutral corner. I want a clean fight. Protect yourselves at all times. Any questions?” the referee asked Wilson.

Wilson shook his head.

He turned his head to face me, “Any questions?” he asked.

“No sir,” I responded.

“Touch ‘em up,” he said.

We touched gloves and headed to our corners.

“Remember what we talked about,” Kelsey said sharply.

I bit my mouthpiece and nodded my head.