*Chapter 234: Is Reputation or the Championship Belt More Important?*

At the end of May, a major news story broke in the boxing world.

The super champion Richard Brad, who had originally planned to transition to the heavyweight division in the latter half of the year, recently accepted challenges from seven light heavyweight contenders.

Among them were Richard Hall, Anthony Tarver, Glen Johnson, and others—all ranked in the top 30 of the light heavyweight division, most of whom have held championship titles and are formidable opponents.

Richard accepted all these challenges at once, and his management company stated that the matches would be scheduled close together, likely to be completed within two months, so as not to interfere with the year-end heavyweight match.

This news immediately sparked widespread discussion among the public.

Boxing fans welcomed the news, noting that Richard had been busy with filming in recent years, only fighting three or four matches a year, which left them wanting more. Now, with multiple matches in a month, the anticipation was palpable.

However, many boxing experts were skeptical of this arrangement.

First, they pointed out that the schedule was too tight, making it difficult for a boxer to maintain optimal condition for each match.

Second, there were concerns about Richard’s skill level. His abilities are not significantly superior to those of his challengers, and with such a grueling schedule, he is at risk of losing. Some even predicted that Richard might not make it through three of these bouts.

Third, Richard’s recent performances indicated a decline. While he had clean victories in his earlier fights against Roy Jones, once the top light heavyweight, he nearly lost to Richard Hall and Dariusz. Even against the mediocre Gonzalez, his victory wasn’t convincing.

These signs suggest that his stamina, punching power, and most importantly, his boxing instincts have deteriorated compared to before. He no longer has the sharpness he once had.

This was the perspective of Pascal Schaefer, the editor of Ring Magazine, in a recent article.

The article concluded by identifying the reasons for Richard’s decline: First, he’s been distracted, spending most of his time on movies over the past two years, leaving less time for training, which inevitably led to a drop in his performance.

Second, Richard’s mindset has become increasingly arrogant. After dominating the light heavyweight division with 24 consecutive wins over four years, defeating the likes of Roy Jones, Richard Hall, and Anthony Tarver, he began to see himself as invincible.

Recently, he challenged WBA champion John Ruiz, and now he’s planning to take on seven light heavyweight champions in quick succession—an overly aggressive approach.

The author suggested that Richard, having achieved unprecedented success in boxing and with a flourishing career in film, where he reportedly became a billionaire last year, might be losing his focus and underestimating his opponents.

The article advised Richard to calm down, focus on training, and diligently improve his skills. Staying humble and avoiding arrogance would ensure a long career. Schaefer cited the example of the once-invincible Tyson, who after 37 consecutive wins, thought no one could beat him, but is now considered a second-tier boxer.

Given Schaefer’s reputation in the boxing world, this article was widely reprinted by many media outlets.

"Mr. Brad, have you read this article?"

One day, a New York Post reporter ran into Richard while he was out shopping, accompanied by three long-legged women: Gisele Bündchen, Angela, and Ambrosio. The reporter couldn’t help but wonder how someone like him could be a boxing champion.

Richard stopped and smiled. "Are you talking about Mr. Schaefer’s article? Yes, I’ve read it. His advice is very sound, especially for ordinary boxers, but it’s not quite applicable to me."

"Why not?"

The reporter asked, puzzled.

"Because I’m not an ordinary boxer," Richard replied, with a smirk.

"Haha, Richard, you’re getting cocky. I have a feeling you might get defeated this time," Angela laughed.

Bündchen and Ambrosio also chuckled.

"Don’t worry, I’m confident!"

Richard waved his fist.

The reporter forced a smile. Richard was indeed getting cocky—only someone with an inflated ego would say such things.

"Mr. Brad, we all know that you’re planning to transition to heavyweight. Why did you suddenly accept challenges from seven contenders before moving up? And why are you scheduling the fights so close together? Can you share your thoughts?"

"It’s simple. They challenged me, and I respect their courage. So I decided to accept them all, not wanting to disappoint anyone. Additionally, as Mr. Schaefer mentioned, I’ve spent too much time on movies these past two years, with little time for training and few matches.

So, I decided to participate in more matches before moving to heavyweight. First, to train and improve my skills, and second, to repay my fans for their support," Richard explained earnestly.

"Mr. Brad, have you considered the possibility of losing? If you lose, will you continue to fight?"

The reporter asked.

Richard smiled gently. "Yes, I’ve thought about it—every day, in fact. That’s why I’m training hard to minimize the chance of it happening.

But if it does happen, I won’t be too discouraged. Sometimes, I learn more from failure than from victory. I’m actually looking forward to failing."

"Well said, Richard!"

The three women beside him applauded.

"Thank you!"

Richard smiled, raised his hands slightly to calm the applause, and then looked at the reporter who was jotting down notes.

"Any more questions?"

**"Yes, I do have one more question, Mr. Brad. A few days ago, your agent announced that these seven matches will be held over the course of two months, meaning one match per week. Many boxers have expressed doubts about the feasibility of such a schedule.

In fact, some betting companies have introduced a new betting option on which match you'll be knocked out in. Mr. Brad, what's your number?"

The reporter asked.

"You don't need an answer to that. I'll let my fists do the talking," Richard smiled, picked up his shopping bags, and walked away.

The reporter said goodbye and looked over his notes, pleased with the multiple newsworthy points he had gathered from the interview.

——

In the car, Gisele held his arm and said, "Richard, you’re being too impulsive. Fighting seven championship-level opponents in a row is really difficult. What if something goes wrong? Maybe you should reconsider this plan?"

Richard shook his head and smiled, "The news is already out—how could I take it back now? If I back out, how could I face the boxing world?"

"What's more important, reputation or the championship belt?" Angela asked with a playful wink.

"Both are equally important!" Richard replied.

"Hmph, I think those critics are right. Ever since you became a super champion, you've really let it go to your head," Gisele rolled her eyes at him.

Richard laughed heartily, "Don't worry, everything I said is true. No matter the outcome, it will benefit me greatly. If I win, my influence will reach new heights.

If I lose, even better—it'll remind me that there are always stronger people out there, and I'll work even harder to improve. It's progress either way. Just the other day, Bob asked me what I’d name this series of matches, and now I've got it: 'In Pursuit of Defeat,' how about that?"

"Haha, that’s a great name! It’s bold and will definitely spark more conversation. I support it!" Angela clapped and laughed.

"If you actually lose, though, that name will come back to haunt you," Ambrosio teased.

"No worries—his skin is thick; it won't hurt him," Gisele playfully pinched his cheek.

Richard shook his head, "These matches aren’t just about training; we've got other goals too. I've been fighting for four years now, but my single-match earnings have never surpassed $10 million. We’ve decided that before moving to heavyweight, we want to break that barrier—make it a milestone victory.

These seven matches are the final push. If we stick to the usual schedule of one fight per month, it would take a year to complete, and the audience's attention might wane. But if we do one match per week and finish in two months, we can drive the narrative and keep the public engaged, increasing viewership with each match.

As the series progresses, the excitement will build, and by the seventh match, breaking the $10 million mark should be within reach."

"So you absolutely have to win," Gisele said, holding his hand.

"Yes, I absolutely must win," Richard smiled.

"Go, Richard!" Angela and Ambrosio cheered.

"I will!" Richard replied confidently.

——

*(End of Chapter)*