RNP Page 224
Page 224
According to a reporter who witnessed the event closely, when Viktor shook hands with Klitschko, his knuckles turned white from the force and the handshake lasted for a much longer period than usual.
After the ceremony, both teams held separate press conferences.
Victor's camp emphasized his invincibility:
“Viktor is in his prime, and playing consecutive matches will only enhance his legend; he is invincible. Klitschko is a promising young player, but the timing is wrong.”
Wladimir Klitschko's team, on the other hand, focused on appealing to emotions:
“This is a fight for honor. Vitaly has the lessons learned from Vladimir, plus his own talent, and will create new history.”
Outside the hotel, boxing fans were divided into two groups and arguing incessantly.
Supporters of Viktor held signs that read "Invincible Destroyer," while fans of the Klitschko brothers responded with chants of "Time for Revenge." Police had to set up barriers to prevent a clash between the two sides.
The next day, the front pages of sports media around the world were all about the signing, but the angles and perspectives were completely different.
The New York Times, in an article titled "A New Height in Boxing Commercialization," focused on the economic aspects of the sport.
"The duel between Viktor Aguilera and Wladimir Klitschko was not just a sporting contest, but also a masterpiece of commercial maneuvering. The difference between their appearance fees of $1500 million and $120 million was staggering, but the revenue-sharing terms cleverly balanced this inequality. The winner received 30% of the ticket sales, which added extra incentive to the competition..."
The Chicago Tribune, however, questioned the timing of the game to criticize Viktor, suggesting it was an attempt to profit from bettors.
“Victor Johnson’s fighting frequency is worrying. This will be his sixth major fight in fourteen months. Medical research shows that boxers need sufficient recovery time to avoid long-term brain damage. Has the boxing commission neglected its responsibility to protect its athletes?”
The most insightful analysis came from Sports Illustrated columnist Jack Mackenzie:
"The selling point of this match is 'revenge,' but upon closer analysis, it's more like a meticulously planned commercial hype. Klitschko certainly has potential, but is he really ready to challenge Viktor? Or are the agents simply capitalizing on an emotional selling point?"
European media outlets largely support Wladimir Klitschko.
The London Times wrote:
“Vladimir Klitschko may be exactly the fresh blood that boxing needs. His style is more European, focusing on defense and strategy rather than the pure power of American boxing. The fight in Denmark may mark a style revolution.”
Professional boxing media split into two camps.
The Ring Magazine believes:
“Viktor’s advantages are obvious: experience, strength, and mental fortitude. But Klitschko’s height and wingspan may cause problems. The key is whether Viktor can break through Klitschko’s defense.”
Conversely, Boxing News favors the challenger:
“Youth and energy are Wladimir Klitschko’s greatest assets. Viktor has shown signs of fatigue in recent fights, and he couldn’t even handle Libarta as a young boxer; his speed has decreased. If Wladimir Klitschko can control the distance and go the full twelve rounds, a points victory is not impossible.”
Television sports programs have also joined the debate.
ESPN's "SportsCenter" program discussed the game for three consecutive days, inviting experts from various fields to debate it.
Former heavyweight champion George Foreman stated:
“I like Klitschko’s attitude, but practical experience can’t be gained overnight. Viktor knows how to win big tournaments, which is something young players can’t learn.”
But Viktor is only 21 years old.
Sugar Ray Leonard, however, holds the opposite view:
“Sometimes, fresh blood can bring surprises. I remember when I challenged more experienced competitors, everyone doubted me. Doubt is the best motivation.”
But Viktor is only 21 years old.
Social media and telephone interview programs, which were still in their infancy, were also overwhelmed by this topic.
Boxing fans engaged in heated debates, causing casino odds to fluctuate accordingly.
Initially, Viktor was favored 1:4, but as the discussion progressed, the odds gradually adjusted to 1:3, indicating that Wladimir Klitschko's support was rising.
Beyond media hype, real boxing analysts delve into the technical characteristics of both fighters.
Victor Lee, 21 years old, 186cm tall, 204cm reach, 19 wins and 1 loss (19 KOs).
Known for his devastating punches, he is a master of psychological tactics and adept at disrupting his opponent's rhythm.
The downsides are that the defense is sometimes loose, the speed is relatively weak, and it relies on brute force as the best defense.
Vladimir Klitschko, 23 years old, 199cm tall, 203cm reach, 18 wins and 0 losses (15 KOs).
European style, emphasizing technique and movement, precise jab, and excellent stamina.
The downsides are a lack of experience in major competitions and insufficient diversity in attack methods.
Renowned boxing coach Teddy Atlas analyzed the situation in an ESPN feature:
“This will be a battle of power and technique. Viktor must get close to the inside and use his punching advantage; Klitschko needs to keep his distance and control the rhythm with his jab.”
Atlas also pointed out a key factor: "Viktor has been looking to finish fights quickly lately, averaging only 3.2 rounds in his last five fights. If Klitschko can survive the first six rounds, the situation could turn in his favor."
Exercise physiologist Dr. Linda Mendoza focuses on performance factors:
“Viktor’s frequent matches may indeed affect his recovery. Our research has found that boxers’ reaction speed decreases by 10-15% after a series of high-intensity matches, especially in the later stages of the match.”
Strategically, both teams released smokescreens.
Viktor's coach claims they are working on strategies to deal with taller players;
Wladimir Klitschko's team emphasized that they had improved their combination punch technique.
However, insiders revealed that Viktor's training focus remains on strength enhancement and explosiveness;
Klitschko, on the other hand, focuses on movement and counter-attacking.
Gambling experts noted that despite public opinion favoring Viktor, large bets were increasingly going to Wladimir Klitschko.
"Smart money knows certain things."
"Or at least they think they know," said Billy Walters, a veteran gambler in Las Vegas.
Following the signing ceremony, both parties entered a closed training phase.
The media can only obtain sporadic information from the occasional promotional photos and videos released.
Viktor posted a video of himself knocking down a punching bag at his Chicago training camp, captioned "Danish night will be just as short."
Wladimir Klitschko posted a photo on social media of herself and her brother analyzing match footage, captioned "Preparation and Planning".
Casino odds continued to fluctuate, eventually stabilizing with Victor leading 1:2.5.
Ticket sales were exceptionally strong, with all 50,000 tickets for the Danish Sports Centre selling out in four days, and pay-TV purchases exceeding expectations.
Lowell and Frankie sat in their Los Angeles office, reviewing the latest reports, and smiled with satisfaction.
"Controversy is the best promotional tool."
Lowell lit a cigar. “Everyone is arguing about who will win and why—which means everyone will pay to see the answer.”
Frankie nodded: "Now I just hope the game itself is worthy of all this hype."
Outside the window, the sun is setting. But in the world of boxing, a storm is gathering strength, set to erupt in Denmark on April 14th.
Regardless of the outcome, this match is etched in boxing history—not only for the match itself, but also for everything it represents: honor and revenge, business and sport, tradition and innovation.
All these controversies will ultimately be resolved within the confines of the boxing ring, by the fists of two men.
Frankie couldn't find Victor or Franky, so Michael only told Frankie:
"Victor went to New York to find a woman!"
Chapter 190 The Discipline of the New York Gangs?
New York City, this never-sleeping behemoth, with its cold steel forest and dazzling neon lights, devours countless secrets and traces.
Max was like a drop of water flowing into a muddy river, deliberately erasing his own traces—but he underestimated the determination and methods of the pursuers.
Victor, anxious, navigates New York’s labyrinthine streets and official channels, but to no avail.
The detectives in New York were perfunctory, and their reports were all the same—"No progress," "The trail went cold," "The target may have left New York."
Victor felt powerless; the vastness and chaos of New York seemed to mock his conformity—and then, Franky stepped in.
This ruthless character from Chicago, bearing the marks of a former mob boss, was the "catalyst" sent by Mr. Li to expedite the process.
As soon as Franky stepped off the plane, the New York atmosphere in the air made him frown.
Unlike the rough, straightforward, and class-divided atmosphere of Chicago, New York's chaos is more refined, and also more arrogant and xenophobic.
He first met with Mr. Liu, a Chinese resident of Chicago, who elegantly expressed his frustration and subtly complained that his New York counterparts might not have been trying hard enough.
Franky listened, a barely perceptible sneer appearing on his lips.
There was no surprise in his eyes, which had seen too many storms.
"Irresponsible?"
French's voice was deep, with the gritty quality characteristic of a Chicago accent. "Mr. Liu, you're too much of a gentleman. Here, 'irresponsible' usually means 'not paying enough,' or 'afraid of trouble,' or more likely, they simply don't take your outside client seriously. New York..."
He snorted and didn't say anything more, but his contempt was evident in his words.
He doesn't need to look at those fancy reports; he only believes in the most basic and effective methods.
French brought a small group of people, but they were all highly skilled veterans who had followed him in Chicago and knew how to acquire information "efficiently".
Mr. Liu frowned, because it sounded like Victor behind Franky was expressing his dissatisfaction.
However, the cooperation between the two parties was quite normal. Plus-size clothing from unknown places was very popular with New Yorkers, and they made a lot of money from it.
"New York is not Chicago, and Chinatown here is just Chinatown."
Frankie glanced at him:
"Don't worry, people in Chicago are very good at persuading others."
·······
Frankie wasted no time.
He had his men directly "invite" the three New York private investigators primarily responsible for finding Victor—when they found them, they were using the deposit Victor had paid to purchase large-sized 'tobacco' produced at Victor's Tulsa farm.
The three were knocked unconscious in a dizzying manner in an abandoned warehouse in Brooklyn, where the air was filled with the smell of rust and dust.
The three detectives, upon waking, were initially filled with professional arrogance and discontent, shouting that it was illegal detention and threatening to call the police.
But when the heavy iron doors of the warehouse slammed shut, and Franky's men silently surrounded them, their cold eyes sweeping over them, the temperature in the air suddenly dropped.
Franky sat on an old wooden chair he'd found somewhere, slowly wiping a pair of leather gloves, not even glancing at them.
A row of hardware products was placed in front of him.