I was onto the fourth round and I could see the frustration that was brewing in my opponent's eyes.
His arrogance in the beginning quickly fading as he realizes this wasn't going to be an easy fight.
I managed to avoid any serious hits, just a couple of bruises on my sides and cheek, but nothing I couldn't handle.
Though I couldn't say the same about my opponent who was currently sporting a bloody nose, the discoloring around his left eye foreshadowed a black that would make its appearance the next morning, the bruising around his mid-cage and the way he was putting more weight on his left side indicted that his ribs were fractured.
I didn't allow my opponent's current state to go to my head, knowing this could still be anyone's game.
From my observation, I knew if I played my cards right we won't reach 8 rounds if I manage to get a knockout.
Ring
The ringing of the bell signaled the beginning of round five.
With one last sip of water, I popped my mouthguard back in before moving back to the center of the stage.
Unlike the last four rounds, I threw the first punch.
Deril easily dodged my hit but was unable to dodge the kick I sent into his right side.
He hit the ground releasing a groan of pain, his ribs in worst condition than they were before.
I heard the referee begin to do an eight-count, but Deril slowly made his way back up.
His stance was slightly off, but he had a determined look in his eyes that impressed me.
Too bad I'm just as determined.
Once again we danced around the ring, dodging one another attacks, though I could see fatigue catching up to my opponent, the adrenaline rush he was feeling before now fading.
I began rolling with the punches, throwing jabs back and forth as I slowly backed him up against the ropes.
I ducked, easily dodging the sloppy jab he sent before sending an uppercut to his jaw.
Deril slumped against the ropes in a daze.
I stepped back giving him a chance to get back up, though it looked like he was on the verge of collapsing.
I watched as Deril spit blood from his mouth, the crimson color standing out against the white mat.
He currently looked like a deranged bull out for blood.
Like someone waved a red flag before his eyes, he began to charge at me in rage.
Before he can get in a hit, I sent a powerful right hook to his face.
With the final blow, Deril fell face forward unto the mat.
His body was unmoving showing that he was unconscious.
Silence filled the room as they awaited a verdict.
"MYLES ROCKY LANGSTON HAS LANDED A KO ON DERIL THE HITMAN JOHNSON, MAKING HIM THE GOLDEN GLOVES SEMI-FINALISTS CHAMPION!!!" The announcer screamed into the mic as the crowd went into an uproar.
I wore a giant grin on my face as the referee lifted my hand up, signaling me as the winner of the match.
Towards the front, I spotted my friends who were jumping up and down in excitement.
My grin widening as I watched Jesse clap with joy as she chanted my name along with the crowd.
"As the winner, he will be heading into the finals against the undefeated champion for the past two years of the Golden Gloves, Kyle Hands of Stone Woods. I'm sure that will be one of the greatest matches we will see!" The announcer said as I made my way out of the ring.
Maneuvering through the crowd I felt people pat me on the back in congratulation, though my attention was only on one person.
"That was amazing! I knew you would win Rocky!" Jesse said in awe as she pulled me into a hug.
My arms immediately wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to me,
"Thanks, Twinkle toes," I replied, my smile never dropping.
Even when we pulled away, I kept one hand around her waist, as our friends sent congratulatory remarks in my direction.
A feeling of pride swarmed my heart, glad to have made those close to me here on such an important night.
"Onto the finals baby!!" Lance hollered as my friends shouted with cheer.
A pat on my back took my attention away from my friends and to Coach Hanson who now stood beside me with a proud grin on his face.
"Congrats Kid, I'm proud of you," Coach Hanson said as he patted my back once making me beam from ear to ear.
The approval from someone him, who was more a father to me than a coach, meaning the world.
"Thanks," I replied happily before introducing him to my friends.
"Wow, so this is the famous Jesse. She's more beautiful than you described," Coach Hanson said throwing a wink in my direction as my face heated up.
My friends chuckled taking delight in my embarrassment.
"Nice to meet you, sir," Jesse said kindly as she reached her hand out to shake his.
"You too," He replied with a warm smile.
"Well, I've embarrassed you enough, so I'll leave you to go celebrate. But, I expect to see you at the gym at 8 am sharp." He said sternly before stating a final goodbye to us.
After he left we decided to head to Debby's to celebrate.
I quickly made my way to the locker room to take a swift shower and change, before heading out to the parking lot to meet the others.
Immedetialty spotting Lance's car I made my way over.
Opening the back door a small smile graced my face as I noticed the only empty seat was beside Jesse.
"Hey," I whispered to Jesse as I closed the door shut.
"Hey," She whispered back with a smile on her face.
I tried to ignore the fluttering feeling I got in my chest as her hand brushed against mines.
"Thanks for coming out tonight, I really mean a lot to me," I stated, genuinely grateful for her support.
"Will you stop thanking me already," She said rolling her eyes, though a small grin was on her face.
"I'll always support you, Myles, I believe in you and I know you're gonna be the best boxer to ever grace the ring. And I'll be there sitting front row cheering you on," Her words causing me to freeze in my seat in both awe and shock.
Intertwining our fingers together, I lifted her hand up to my lips, placing a gentle kiss on them, as I had no words that can describe how thankful I am for her and just how special she is to me.
I watched as Jesse's eyes widen in shock at my actions before her expression softened.
Our joined hands now laying on her lap as she squeezed my hand in reassurance that she'll always be here.
The rest of the ride to Debby's was quiet, Jesse's head resting on my shoulder as our hands remained interlaced with one another.
The ringing of a bell above our heads signaled our entrance into the diner.
Spotting a booth in the back by the windows, I directed us over to it.
Taking my seat I tugged on Jesse's hand so that she would sit next to me making her roll her eyes at my actions as I sent her a cheeky grin.
Our friends followed suit, Lance taking a seat on the other side of Jesse, across from him was Malia, and sitting next to Malia was Talia and on the other side of her was West.
"What a surprise!" I heard a familiar voice speak with delight.
"Myles I didn't know you had so many friends," Debby said standing at the front of our booth as everyone laughed at her comment.
"Don't just sit there, introduce me to your friends," Debby stated with a happy grin.
Going around the table I began to introduce everyone to Debby.
"And you already meet Jesse," I finished as Debby nodded in agreement.
"It's great to see you again beautiful," Debby said her gaze fixed on Jesse as she smiled in greeting.
"Enough with the introductions, what brings you all here," Debby asked as she began to place menus on our table.
Everyone looked at me not sure if they should answer with the truth or make something up.
"We're celebrating my most recent win, you're looking at the Golden Gloves semi-finalist winner," I said proudly as Debby's eyes lit up with excitement.
Debby knew all about my dreams to become a fighter as she would discuss them with me all the time when I was younger.
"Well, that is a great reason to celebrate! I'm so happy for you Myles! " She said with delight.
Exchanging a few more congratulations and thank you's Debby left us to ourselves, stating that our waitress would be with us in a minute.
After we got our food diner went smoothly without any interruption.
Looking around the table watching Lance and Talia bicker with one another as the rest of us watched in amusement, I couldn't help but feel grateful for those around me.
Growing up I was used to my father tearing down my dreams saying that it was worthless and at some point, I believed him.
It wasn't until I met Jesse, someone who believed in me that I began to believe in myself now.
Now I'm surrounded by a group of people who support me and go out their way to uplift me and cheer me onto victory.
"You okay?" Jesse asked from beside me breaking me out of my thoughts.
"Yeah," I replied with a smile on my face to reassure her that I was okay.
She smiled back before directing her attention back to our friends.
Better than okay