Chapter 2 – Pound for Pound

Mad Dog MMA Gym, Downtown Fairhaven.

6:00 PM

Later on that day…..

It was a busy evening at Mad Dog MMA Gym, the sight of worn out sand bags and all kinds of training equipment made the gym a home of up and coming fighters in hopes to make it to the mayor fighting organization. Amongst these would be warriors was a young fighter in his mid-twenties; his name was Manuel "Manny" Perez, born in Olympic City from Mexican parents. Manny stood 5'11 and had a great athletic built, he had a faded haircut and was wearing his MMA fighting trunks. For Manny fighting was his way to a better life, many fight organizations were already knocking on his door offering six figure contracts.

"Good… you're one of the best guys that have come thru these doors" said coach Hector Alvarez. Manny's mentor who is in charge of the training regimen.

"Can't wait to get in the cage and make it happen" Manny just finished a bunch of Muay Thai combinations.

"Just don't get cocky now because you're undefeated. Just stay hungry and you'll see how everything comes into place" said Hector.

"Don't worry" Manny took his fighting gloves off.

Suddenly an entourage of three people made their way into the gym. They were wearing business suits and had an intimidating look by the way they've carried themselves.

"They're back" Hector pointed at these men. Manny only stared hard at them.

"Mr. Perez, we hope that you've reconsidered our offer" said one of the men with an Italian-American accent.

Manny only looked at the guy "Tell your boss I'm not interested"

The man only chuckled "Our boss is offering a lot of money for your services. What are the chances that you'll even become a champion…. Very slim I'd say. You'll have money, cars, women….. all you desire"

"The answer's still no" Manny replied.

"Very well…. It's not like we're gonna let you off that easy" said the man as him and his buddies surrounded Manny. The second henchman tried to punch Manny but the punch was deflected as Manny followed with a right cross and a front kick to the chest. Then the third guy tried to attack from behind and without putting his foot down, Manny executed a back kick to the guy's face. Then the main guy pulled a club and tried to bash Manny in the head but he intercepted the arm and broke it. The main henchman felt excruciating pain.

"You son of a bitch! You broke my arm! You're dead!" The main man yelled as his two guys got up and made their way out of the gym.

Manny only ignored the threat as he saw these enforcers leave.

"You know… these guys won't take no for an answer" Hector warned.

"I know…. But at least now we made it clear I don't want to take part in their business" said Manny.

Minutes after the scuffle, Manny headed into the showers and changed into a pair of white baggy sweat pants and a black hoodie. Then he made his way out of the gym, Hector was waiting for him by the door.

"Manny, you gotta watch your back with these Italians. I've heard some shady stuff about them trying to recruit people and getting rid of them if they refuse. I know some people in Coast City if you need to lay low and train for your fight in Palmont City" Hector said as he saw Manny getting ready to leave.

"I'll be ok, coach. These guys won't do shit after what just happened" Manny replied.

"Just watch your back, kid" said Hector.

Manny nodded as he exited the gym. Then he walked to the parking lot towards his car, a silver 1969 Chevy Camaro. He got inside the car and turned the ignition on, unleashing the beast under the hood.

The Junkie's notes: Here's the next chapter as an added bonus I have the next chapter lined up!