The Boxing System: I Became the King of the Ring

"Javier, let’s go!" Grey Williams shouted from the van. "We ain’t got all day!"

The engine idled rough, spitting exhaust into Brooklyn air. Other group home kids pressed faces against windows, waiting for him.

Javier’s pen remained frozen over the Golden Gloves application.

Miguel understood the pressure. "Take the form. Think it over tonight."

The paper crumpled as Javier stuffed it into his jacket pocket. His hand shook slightly from the adrenaline crash after sparring.

"Whatever you decide, you showed heart today," Miguel said, offering a firm handshake.

The van door slammed shut behind him. Seventeen sweaty teenagers crammed into seats designed for twelve. Grey accelerated hard through a yellow light, cursing under his breath about overtime pay.

"Yo, tell them about the uppercut," Tommy said, twisting around in his seat. "Kid caught Miguel clean."

"No need to," Javier said quietly, feeling heat rise in his cheeks.

"Man, you should’ve seen it," Tommy continued, ignoring Javier’s protest. "Carlos, Kevin, y’all were playing basketball, so you missed everything. Javier steps into the ring for his first time ever, right? Miguel’s testing him, throwing combinations, backing him into corners."

Tommy gestured wildly with his hands. "Then in the second round, Miguel gets lazy with this jab. Javier slips right and BAM! He catches him clean with a cross."

"Miguel let him," Carlos countered from the back row. "No way a beginner tags a real fighter."