dmims Page 68
Page 68
"You should ask Mr. Wilson himself this question,"
Max calmly replied, "We only care about the facts. The fact is that Victor is innocent, and we will not tolerate anyone ruining a young man's career and reputation for the sake of newspaper sales!"
There was an uproar at the scene.
Wilson, forcing himself to remain calm, stood up and declared righteously, "We have the right to monitor the illegal behavior of public figures..."
Viktor noticed that at least three reporters had quietly left their seats—most likely to rush to publish the exclusive story of 'ESPN reporter accused of defaming boxing star'.
Max looked at Wilson, his voice crisp and firm:
“Mr. Wilson, this is an automated recording system. Please tell us, aside from what you heard from mentally ill people and the baseless disclosures by Chicago Police Department personnel, what is your evidence?”
Wilson was speechless, packed his things, and left.
Max persisted, saying to Wilson's retreating figure, "Mr. Wilson, please keep your phone on, we will send you a lawyer's letter!"
The reporters also sensed the power of the 'reversal', and immediately ended the press conference before surrounding Wilson.
After the press conference, Victor and Max had just returned to their suite when the USA Boxing investigation team arrived.
The leader was a silver-haired woman who introduced herself as Laura Simmons from the association's ethics committee.
"Mister Lee".
Ms. Simmons said expressionlessly, "The association has received serious allegations against you, and we need..."
Max had already handed over the police report: "Ms. Simmons, the Chicago Police Department has completed its investigation. This is the official document proving that all the allegations are defamatory, and the author of that article, Max Wilson, has already fled the press conference."
Simmons read the documents carefully, occasionally glancing up at Victor.
The air in the room seemed to freeze, and Victor could hear the throbbing of the veins in his temples.
His career hangs in the balance at this moment—if the association decides to suspend his eligibility, even if he is later proven innocent, he will miss next month's U.S. Championships and lose his chance to make a career in professional boxing.
"We will verify whether the document is authentic."
Simmons finally said, his tone softening, "But the association still needs to do its own verification."
Max immediately responded, "Chief Rodriguez of the Chicago Police Department's Investigations Unit is available for questioning by phone at any time. His contact information is on the last page of the document."
Simmons nodded and handed the document to his colleague behind him: "We'll complete the investigation as soon as possible. Until then, Victor's eligibility to compete will be temporarily suspended."
Max praised the Boxing Association for its insight.
But before Simmons left, he said to Victor:
“Mister Lee, many of our boxers have had painful childhoods, adolescences, and youths, but we embrace all kinds of people and will not target anyone because we know that most of your strength comes from this. However, we hope that you will not continue to have such experiences after becoming boxers.”
Victor nodded: "I will keep that in mind and will continue to abide by U.S. law as before."
After the investigation team left, Victor slumped onto the sofa, his shirt soaked with sweat.
"It's not over yet,"
Max reminded him, "ESPN will definitely retaliate. We need to prepare the lawsuit documents. Can Jimmy handle it?"
What stage will the lawsuit reach?
"It usually ends in pre-trial mediation; it's just an apology for a private matter."
"Then Jimmy will handle it."
Victor clenched his fist, his knuckles cracking: "But I'll make that bastard pay."
"Wilson can't get into trouble for at least six months, or you'll be the one who did it."
Max offered advice: "I suggest you don't target him anymore, it's better to leave it at that. I can also help you arrange a meeting with him, and then you can make peace with him, which will clear your name this time, and it will also give you some publicity among the journalists!"
"He's getting off so cheaply?"
His voice was deep and dangerous, like a caged beast: "Then what am I?"
"I'm just offering advice."
Max lit a cigarette, the smoke curling around her alluring red lips: "You decide."
Victor snatched the cigarette from Max's mouth, popped half of it out in one go, and let the smoke enter his lungs, bringing him satisfaction with the nicotine.
Then he exhaled smoke by the window:
"Help me make an appointment; I want to reconcile with him!"
Max nodded: "It's a wise choice, but now is not the time to let bygones be bygones."
After Max left, Victor looked at Ethan: "Find a homeless man, and after I've made up with him, run him over!"
Ethan shook his head: "You have to listen to Max on this matter!"
"Women think it's easy to settle scores, and he thought Franklin was very useful, but Mark's experience tells me it's not!"
Victor looked at him: "I will hold his body and weep at his funeral, just like a friend of many years, without anyone noticing."
Ethan finally nodded: "Ten thousand dollars, and I'll find a cancer patient."
Michael looked at Victor: "Max is smart, she'll know exactly what's going on."
Victor said firmly, "I understand, but men can't always listen to women."
······
On the morning of March 17, Victor stood at the hotel entrance, facing the re-gathered media.
This time, his eyes burned with a cold fury.
“Max Wilson, the reporter—the one from ESPN,”
He emphasized this point, his voice trembling slightly with suppressed anger, "They're willing to ruin my reputation just to create a sensation. The police report has already proven everything."
He held up the document, saying, "But that's not enough. My legal team has begun preparing a defamation lawsuit. I will not allow this behavior to continue to harm other athletes."
The flashes went off again, but this time Victor didn't dodge.
He stared directly into the camera, as if trying to pierce through the screen and declare war on the slanderer.
Amid a barrage of questions from reporters, Victor turned and left, leaving behind the angry yet resolute silhouette of a boxer.
Max caught up with him and whispered, “Well done. Public opinion has completely shifted now. ESPN just released a statement saying they are ‘internal reviewing’ Wilson’s reporting process.”
Viktor couldn't wait: "When will we 'bury the hatchet'?"
Max glanced at the schedule. "I think it would be best if you reconciled with Wilson after you defeated Steve Nelson. That would be the most convincing way!"
The All-American Boxing Championships will be held from March 18 to March 22, a total of five days, including the preliminary rounds (two days), the quarterfinals (one day), the semifinals (one day), and the finals (one day).
The seeded fighters include Alexander Garcia and Steve Nelson, along with regional champions from boxing powerhouses such as California, New York, Texas, and Michigan, bringing the total number of heavyweight contenders in the elite group to fifteen—a few others had to withdraw from the national competition due to injuries sustained during their regional championship bouts.
Viktor was not lucky enough to get a bye; instead, he was unlucky enough to be drawn against one of the seeded players, Steve Nelson, and was scheduled to play in the first match on March 18.
Viktor laughed heartily: "I can't wait to fight a seeded player!"
Old Jack, noticing Viktor's slow speech, said, "The first match is going to be very unfriendly; your tactics will be pretty clear to everyone!"
"Don't we still have time?"
Victor glanced at Ethan, who immediately understood: "He's four centimeters taller than me, has a one-centimeter shorter reach, and while he's agile, how many rounds can he jump with protective gear? I'm confident!"
"Don't be careless."
"Will not."
"Drug test and physical fitness test in the afternoon, rest in the evening, and then we'll discuss tactics."
Max didn't see Ethan in the afternoon, so she asked Michael. Michael told Max:
“We have an uncle in Princeton, and my brother went to visit him.”
Chapter 56 Warrior Genes: A Calm Island Amidst Fury
On the morning of March 18, 1985, the sky over Colorado Springs was a sickly grayish-blue.
Long queues had formed outside the Olympia training center, and the white breath exhaled by the people condensed in the cold air.
The heavyweight bouts of the All-American Gold Gloves Boxing Championships are about to begin here, and today's highlight is undoubtedly the elite heavyweight bouts – the first match being between Viktor, who has recently been embroiled in controversy, and seeded Steve Nelson.
Viktor stood in front of the mirror in the locker room, his angry eyes fixed on his reflection, constantly reminding himself of something!
They became even angrier!
Anger is a universal stimulant!
His height of 185cm is not outstanding among heavyweight fighters, but his weight of 371 pounds makes every muscle of his like granite. At the same time, fat provides protection, and the outer layer of his skin is covered with sweat and a little oil to ensure that the friction is not enough to allow the opponent to deal high damage.
Victor slowly put on his protective gear, the mouthguard making an uncomfortable grinding sound as it clenched between his teeth.
"That son of a bitch, Max Wilson."
Viktor suddenly punched the locker, denting the metal door.
The day before yesterday, reporter Max published an "exclusive scoop"—"Heavyweight boxer suspected of providing special services," naming names, which Victor remembered very clearly.
Old Jack handed him a towel: "Don't let that trash affect you, Victor. I know what Ethan's doing, but the game is the priority anyway."
Victor looked at Ethan.
Ethan sighed and helped Victor put on his protective gear. A mouthguard, balaclava, and gloves were layered on top of him, making Victor's already round face appear even more ferocious against the backdrop of his triangular eyes; his chin was almost completely hidden under the protective gear.
"Old Jack asked me who I had met, and I blurted it out in no time!"
Victor warned old Jack, "Don't try to stop me."
Old Jack shrugged: "I don't recommend it. I don't think the people you've found can withstand interrogation."
Ethan laughed: "That would require the police to have a chance to interrogate him."
"Listen, today's opponent is Steve Nelson, a seeded player and a fan favorite."
Old Jack lowered his voice, "Don't let him provoke you, don't be afraid of his provocations, let him be careless, and follow our tactics."
Viktor snorted, grabbed the water bottle, and took a big gulp, the water flowing down his chin to his chest.
He didn't care about Nelson or being a darling of the audience.
At this moment, all he wanted was to find a place to vent the anger burning in his chest.
As Victor walked through the tunnel toward the ring, a deafening chorus of boos erupted from the stands.