Tag Archives: Boxing

Aug12013

Posted in F4YL Character Descriptions

Ahiga Montejo

Ahiga Montejo

Ahiga Montejo

Ahiga Montejo was a prodigy boxer that rose quickly in the world boxing rankings, becoming a champion at a very young age.  However, for reasons unclear, he unexpectedly left the game.  He was nowhere near his peak and rumors ran rampant as to why he suddenly disappeared.  Much of what happened to Ahiga during a span of years directly after his disappearance is still unclear, even to the few people he has kept in touch with.

It wasn’t until after his unknown years Ahiga ran across a young Fleet Blackwood, eventually deciding to take Fleet under his wing and train the boy along side his good friend Tony.  Tony and Ahiga have been amigos since they were teens, with Tony being one of the few people Ahiga has remained “unhidden” from since his disappearance from boxing, and the world in general, all that time ago.  It is Tony’s hope that Fleet will be the light to bring Ahiga back from the shadows, into the world once more.  He feels Ahiga has so much to give, so much knowledge to spread.  And Tony wants nothing more than to see his lifelong friend defeat his inner demons and be the man he once was and still views him to be.

Although he can be long winded at times, Ahiga’s philosophical ways have been deeply affective on Fleet.  In fact, Fleet himself doubts if anyone else could have gotten him where he is today.  What Ahiga calls his 9 Principles of Life have been the foundation of his teachings throughout his time as Fleet’s mentor.  These Principles are his way of connecting life with boxing and everything in between.

Much of Ahiga’s philosophy comes from his Native American heritage, which he holds dear.  His past has much sorrow, as does that of his ancestors and their fate.  But it is Ahiga’s personal belief of the incorporation of the now which allows him to push past his short comings and the tragic history of his kin.  He believes in a balance of the old ways with the new.  But he also recognizes how often the old ways are ignored, with the new ways dominating and clouding people’s minds.  Ahiga sees that a connection between new and old ways will always be present.  Therefore, there always must be balance, for no one way is totally right and each way is dependent on the other.  Each way is important.  This balance is the same for all things in life.

Despite Ahiga’s beliefs, he remains in inner turmoil to find his own balance.  Lucky for him his philosophical characteristics share space with quite a cooky sense of humor, which helps the old spirit cling to optimism, always seeing the best in any situation.  Hopefully Ahiga will one day find his peace.

But on this evening of events it is what Ahiga has taught his pupil that truly matters.  What Fleet has learned and incorporated into himself from Ahiga’s Principles will come to be of great importance on this peculiar night in which the young man must test his might against a plethora of challenges.  And with Fleet’s obstacles too comes an ultimate test for Ahiga’s teachings.

 

 

Aug12013

Posted in F4YL Character Descriptions

Tony “The Tiger” Mercado

Tony "The Tiger" Mercado

Tony “The Tiger” Mercado

Tony “The Tiger” Mercado is a lively ex-boxer who now spends his days mentoring youth and training up and coming boxers.  Not afraid to tell it how it is, and not taking any bull, Tony is a well respected member of his community and is known to stand up for what’s right, especially when it comes to youth.  Having grown up in the foster care system himself, he’s made it a point to share close relationships with many outreach organizations and has made it a personal duty to give back to the community and help kids.

Underprivileged children always have a home at his gym, where he’s known to tell stories from his past on a daily basis.  He’s been around and recognizes game when he sees it.  So, many of Tony’s stories are meant to teach street smarts and inform young boxers about the darker side of the business of boxing, which have served many of his students well.  Bobby, a longtime protege of Tony, is a perfect example of such positive influence.

But Tony’s stories are often mixed with a lot of jokes and inappropriate content as well, which the kids tend to love, but doesn’t always sit well with the more straight laced of his peers.  There’s definitely no censoring this fun loving, yet hot blooded, character.  His robust ways may have earned him a reputation for being blunt and not always polite, but they have also aided in giving him the reputation of being a brave, honorable and largely selfless man.  Time has taught him patience and has soothed his temper.  But it definitely hasn’t toned down his hilarious, and often crude, sense of humor!

Ahiga knows this sense of humor all too well.  Tony and Ahiga have been friends since they were teens and came up together in the boxing world.  When Ahiga made the decision to suddenly leave boxing early on in his incredibly successful career, Tony was as shocked as anyone.  It was only Tony, with him being Ahiga’s best friend, and a select few other persons that Ahiga maintained contact with after his departure from the ring.  Tony went on to continue his professional boxing run, having a very fruitful career in any regard, before eventually opening his own gym upon his retirement.

Years later, when Ahiga brought a young boy by the name of Fleet into Tony’s gym, Tony saw not only promise in the boy as a boxer, but also saw an opportunity to bring his friend back into the light.  Ahiga had remained in the shadows since his punching days, choosing not to allow his whereabouts to be known by the masses that might still wonder what had happened to the once phenomenal boxer.   And because of his miraculous feats, as well as his utter disappearance, he is now thought of in the boxing ranks as more of a legend than actual man.

As Tony has continued to help train Fleet, as well as represent him in all of Fleet’s public athletic competition endeavors, he has also continued to have the hope that one day Fleet will be able to bring Ahiga back into the world, allowing all of society to benefit from the unique and powerful mindset Ahiga possesses.  But no matter the outcome of his good friend, Tony’s focus is on doing everything he can to ensure Fleet is ready to beat the current champ, Hanson Hansome Kelly, who is the protege of an old buddy named Henry Page, and who also happens to be managed by one of sleaziest scoundrels in the sport, Cecil Claremont, who has it out for Tony…..boy would Tony love to knock Cecil out.

 

 

Aug12013

Posted in F4YL Character Descriptions

Hanson Hansome Kelly

Hanson Hansome Kelly

Hanson Hansome Kelly

Hanson, or Hansome, as is the name he adopted early on in his boxing career, is Fleet’s long time foe.  And, yes, he spells Hansome like that for a reason, as does he choose to leave quotations off.  Why put quotations on something that’s true?….that’s his thought on it, anyway.  Are you beginning to sense the type of guy Hanson is?

The rivalry between Hanson and Fleet goes back to high school, where Hanson relished in his own popularity while bullying other students along with his click of Hanson worshipers; his lifelong friend, Craig, being his most devoted lackey.  No one ever really questioned why Hanson was the way he was.  They were usually too busy trying to avoid his punishment.

In terms of personality, not much has changed for him since his secondary school days.  Egotistical and as arrogant as ever, Hanson is the classic guy everyone loves to hate.  But, fortunately for him, he can back up his mouth with his fists.

A true, uncontested champion boxer, Hanson would never admit it, but he does in some way feel some hesitation towards fighting Fleet.  There’s just something there in the back of his mind that he can’t get over.  And this inkling of doubt has been with him since his rivalry with Fleet began.  It’s strange to him why Fleet affects his mind at all.  He’s defeated so many excellent fighters along the path to his current title.  Who is Fleet Blackwood, but just another chump trying to take his belt and stop his greatness?

Just like Fleet, Hanson values the sport.  He trains hard and doesn’t fall victim to the hype….too much.  He also gives respect when he feels it is due.  The problem is he doesn’t feel respect is due for most people because most people are basic punks that haven’t earned &#!^.  Tony, Fleet’s trainer, is someone Hanson does respect.  In another life he may have even trained under Tony.  But that’s another life!

In this life Hanson is who he is.  And no one but him and his boy Craig really have any idea of what he’s been through.  Fleet isn’t the only one who’s come up rough.  They come from the same city, after all.  And Hanson’s not going to change for anyone.  Anyone who thinks he should can go $@%! themselves.

This includes his manager, Cecil.  Hanson can see through this snake’s games like glass.  But he also recognizes Cecil’s value and connections.  This is why he signed with him in the first place.  Plus, despite what people think of Hanson, he isn’t totally heartless.  The financial troubles of his long time trainer, Henry, quite possibly had some play into why he signed so quickly with the devil that is Cecil Claremont.

All roads since have lead Hanson to this night, the night he is finally set to face Fleet.  And he sees it as his opportunity to do what he’s been saying he would do to Fleet for years….knock him the @%#* out!

 

 

Mar42014

Posted in F4YL Character Descriptions

Henry Page

Henry Page Contemplating

Henry Page

Henry has a lot of confidence in his prodigy, Hanson.  Despite the bad attitude Hanson displays constantly, Henry stays true to his disciple, regularly having to aid in covering up Hanson’s mishaps and poor decisions and getting the brandishing champ out of the trouble that he seems to search for.  It doesn’t help that Hanson demands the company of certain people Henry would rather not have around, like his leeching companion, Craig, who often interferes with Henry’s training of Hanson and who also never seems to shut up.

Henry knows he shouldn’t be feeding into his protege’s recklessness and ill temperament.  But he’s taught himself to just look the other way.  His pride has made him put the morals and good nature he grew up having to the side for the sake of winning, something he himself could never quite accomplish during his boxing career, at least not to the level he desired…to the level of Hanson.  Henry is a perfect example of someone living his dreams through another person.

Just ask his old pal Tony, Henry’s not a bad guy.  He’s just afraid to lose.  And he’s caught up in the hype of everything.  He’s allowed himself to be over influenced and largely controlled by the wrong people.  His love for the sport has played second string to his hunger for success.  Tony feels Henry officially sold his soul once he allowed Hanson to sign with Cecil Claremont as his manager.  “Sure, Hanson might get a fast road to the belt.   But nothing good will come from it but a bag of shit,” Tony was quoted saying.

Henry’s craving for success has diminished his path, often clouding his better judgment.  But when his pupils are successful he feels like he is too.  So, he justifies his actions, or lack there of, with the results he obtains.

Furthermore, no matter what it might seem to outsiders, Henry does share a special bond with Hanson, as the champ has always remained loyal to his longtime trainer.  Henry put his neck, and financial well being, on the line for Hanson more times than once during Hanson’s come up.  And Hanson, despite his lack of apparent good nature, is not one to forget who has his back….hence people like Craig.

Deep down Henry knows Hanson’s time is coming though.  He recognizes the potential Fleet has in taking down his champion.  And it scares the crap out of him.

 

 

Mar22015

Posted in F4YL Character Descriptions

Cecil Claremont

Cecil Claremont

Cecil Claremont

We’ve all heard the stories about talented athletes that make millions of dollars only to have those millions blown from reckless spending and poor management.  Often these stories end with the athletes having nothing, yet, their managers walk away very, very well off, having used and manipulated the athlete the entire time to fill his or her own greedy pockets.  These types of managers are utter and complete scumbags…..Well, Cecil is one of these kinds of managers.

Always looking out for his own grander horizons, Cecil Claremont seems to be in the mix of everything involving money.  People might question his character, but they cannot deny his pizazz for financial gain or his ability to recognize talent.  It was no surprise to the boxing world he signed the current champ, Hanson Hansome Kelly, the first chance he could, becoming the gifted, yet egomaniacal, boxer’s manager.

One would think there would be some sort of loyalty between the two with everything each has contributed to the other….nope.  Hanson might be a punk, but he isn’t dumb.  He sees right through Cecil’s act.  Their relationship is one based more on necessity and greed than trust and love.  Hanson’s trainer, Henry Page, is too prideful of his protege’s place in the spotlight to let anything disrupt the good’s going.  So, he too turns the cheek to Cecil’s manipulation and thirst for financial gain.  As long as Hanson keeps getting the right fights and his title is secure Henry is content.

Cecil’s had his eye on Hanson’s up and coming rival, Fleet Blackwood, for quite a while.  Over the years his attempts to win over Fleet have been derailed by Fleet’s team.  The temptation to move ahead more quickly using Cecil’s influence and power has at times been difficult for Fleet to resist, especially earlier on in his career.  Luckily, Fleet has had proper guidance by way of his mentor, Ahiga, who’s always provided great advice.  And Fleet’s trainer, Tony, well, there’s history between him and Cecil, and let’s just say he sees the kind of animal Cecil is…..and he’s not a fan. 

Who is to know if the dirty dog will ever win over the stoic boxer.  One thing is certain…..Cecil is quite persistent.

 

 

Mar52014

Posted in F4YL Character Descriptions

Ms. Blackwood

Ms. Blackwood with Fleet (Boy)

Ms. Blackwood

Fleet’s caring mother, Ms. Blackwood was very tentative in allowing Fleet to start boxing when he was a boy.  But she realizes now it was one of the best decisions she ever made for her son, and for herself.  Even though she knows Fleet’s advanced abilities protect him in the ring, it still doesn’t stop her from getting nervous as all heck when he fights!  Fleet is her life.  And his safety and well-being is at the top of her priority list.

Ms. Blackwood went through a lot of struggle with raising Fleet, with his father leaving them not long after Fleet was born.  She decided immediately when this happened that she would not cry and she would not make excuses.  She fought her personal demons along the way and made things work, not allowing her circumstances to overcome her family.  Few people understand that it’s really from his strong-willed mother that Fleet gets much of his determination, work ethic and inner power.

Once turned off by the idea of her son throwing fists in the ring for a career, Ms. Blackwood has allowed herself to “get use to it”, realizing Fleet’s talent.  She owes so much gratitude to Ahiga for finding Fleet, seeing something in him.  All these years of his service to her son has earned her undying respect and appreciation.  She thinks of both Ahiga and Tony as family.  Without them, she doesn’t know what would have happened to Fleet….or herself.

 

 

Mar22015

Posted in F4YL Character Descriptions

Mr. Jenkins

Mr. Jenkins

Mr. Jenkins

Mr. Jenkins is that neighborhood market owner everyone wishes they had….and rarely do.  His father started up shop way back in the day and he only saw it right to continue the family business after his pops passed.  Things also didn’t pan out for him in his previous career.  So, everything just kind of fell in place and he’s been the face of the corner store ever since.

The Jenkins Family Market truly is a staple in the community.  And Junior, as his dad always called him, takes great pride in that.  He makes sure he learns everyone’s name and that everyone feels welcome.  An active member of the neighborhood watch, Mr. Jenkins also is no pushover.  The common thief has learned all too many times Mr. J’s nice guy attitude quickly changes when he has to protect his store.  Indeed, at this point most people in the neighborhood know that his pleasant personality is only equaled by his feisty spirit, which he learned to control, for the most part, as a youngster through the local boxing gym…the same local boxing gym Tony “The Tiger” Mercado took over years later and still owns and operates to this day.

Mr. Jenkins is a huge contributor to Tony’s gym, always has been.  But when he learned a local boy by the name of Fleet Blackwood was making a name for himself by way of Tony, Mr. J upped his support even more and has played a huge role in the development of the neighborhood’s boxing program ever since.

Whenever Fleet comes into the store it always brings a smile to Junior’s face, knowing his sponsorship has helped in some way.  He and Fleet often go back and forth, trading stories.  Ever the enthusiastic storyteller and supporter, Mr. Jenkins regularly has a hard time controlling his excitement as he details this tale or that memory of his own adventures, or recalls the fine points of one of Fleet’s past fights.  It always cracks Fleet up how worked up the guy gets.

Mr. Jenkins is Fleet’s biggest fan.  His sponsorship has helped the stoic boxer so much along his road and he remembers the happenings of pretty much every fight Fleet’s ever had.  But what Mr. J doesn’t recall is that it was in his very market Fleet met who was to become his mentor, the man truly responsible for putting the once troubled boy on the path that made him the powerful man he is today.