Tag Archives: Fleet Blackwood

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.

 

 

Mar22015

Posted in F4YL Character Descriptions

Bobby

Bobby aka Fleet's Corner Man

Bobby

Every great fighter has a great team behind him.  Much of Fleet’s success comes from his neverending support system, from his mom, to his mentor, Ahiga, to his trainer, Tony, to even his neighborhood market owner, Mr. Jenkins.  Bobby is the guy every fighter wants in his corner.  And Fleet is lucky to have him.

Bobby was a pretty good boxer himself, until an injury took his fighting days away from him.  He trained under Tony for years, and had the heart of a champion, although he just didn’t quite have the talent to actually be one.  Still, he understands what it takes to be a champ and gives his all to help up and coming fighters reach their goals.  It was only natural he stayed with Tony after his career ended, helping his former coach with his gym and the training of young fighters.  Fleet was just turning pro around the time of Bobby’s transition from fighter to corner man.  The two had always shared a good relationship.  And Fleet has always been happy to have Bobby in his corner.

When Bobby isn’t helping Tony train his fighters, or doing gym duties, he loves to be a part of the entertainment scene in the city.  He’s done some commercials and it is his second life in entertainment which gave him his first glimpse of a young actress, named Grace Justice, trying to make a name for herself in the Sacramento and Bay Area film and TV societies.  Grace turned her focus to journalism early on in her career, with her catching wind of a stewing rivalry between two local, up and coming amateur boxers in the first year of her employment at one of Sacramento’s newspapers.  The story of the ongoing rivalry between Hanson Hansome Kelly and Fleet Blackwood has been her personal jewel ever since…..and it’s been Bobby’s ongoing opportunity to try to win Grace over.

 

 

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!

 

 

Mar22015

Posted in F4YL Character Descriptions

Craig

Craig aka Hanson's Sidekick

Craig

Behind every great douche bag is another great douche bag.

Oh, Craig, why can’t you just shut up?

Lifelong friend of Hanson, Craig grew up getting picked on as a youngster, that is, until he met the future champ on the playground way back in second grade.  Tired of hearing his crying, in fact, annoyed by his crying, Hanson stuck up for Craig and beat up the bully that was torturing him.  Oh, how the tables then turned…..

From that day forward Craig has seemed to never leave Hanson’s side.  He remains Hanson’s most trusted friend, doing whatever is necessary for Hanson’s safety and needs.  If you ask Hanson, Craig is his brother and nothing less, holding the loyalty Craig has shown him throughout his life very near.  Craig would say the same.

The two together are sure to always rile a crowd, with Hanson Hansome Kelly serving as the arrogant enforcer and Craig dishing up a seamlessly never ending meal of words.  Craig’s talent for vocal annoyance, aka a big mouth, has blessed him as much as it’s caused him trouble though.  One of his many duties has been to act as Hansome’s hype man.  He has also made a nice side career as a promoter and business entrepreneur.

Craig once may have been the kid everyone picked on, but Hanson made sure Craig learned to hold up his dukes long ago when they were still kids.  So, Craig is actually not a bad boxer himself, although it’s always been more of a hobby for him and a way to further help Hanson through being able to train with him.

When Hanson began training with Henry Page it was actually Craig that introduced the two.  Even as a teen Craig could see Henry was the best option for his friend.  And he continues to only want the best for Hanson.  It’s just too bad for Henry with Hanson came Craig, and with him years of utter pain in his @$$!  But Henry’s learned to deal with Craig.  He’s had to for the sake of Hanson because the champ would rather eat glass than ditch his loyal companion.

The only point anyone can make against Craig’s devotion to his friend is why he wouldn’t speak against Hanson’s decision to sign notorious slime ball Cecil Claremont as his manager.  The truth is Craig talked this over with Hanson to a great extend.  Both decided it was for the right reasons as long as they came at it with an angle in mind.  The two friends agreed Craig should learn as much as he could from Cecil while he managed Hanson, getting on the good side of the well connected manager and infiltrating his network so that one day Hanson can just drop him and have Craig step in, keeping it all in the family.  This is a major step in building their own promoting and entertainment empire.

Not too dumb for a couple of labeled punks.  Maybe there’s more to them than meets the eye.  The question is how well Craig has executed this part of he and Hanson’s “master plan”, as Cecil’s reputation shines with the ability to spot schemes from two miles away.  The snakey Cecil is an expert game player.

Indeed, all in all, Craig’s loyalty to his friend is unquestioned.  The confidence instilled in him from his years with Hanson now busts at the seams, just as his verbal tenacity seems like a beacon everyone can spot from a mile away, often rubbing people quite in the wrong way.  He could care less what people think about him and does what he wants without a care in the world.  After all, as long as he’s got his boy Hanson by his side what does he have to worry about?

The sky’s the limit.  The world is theirs.  All is in place.  Time will only tell….

 

 

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.

 

 

Aug182013

Posted in F4YL Character Descriptions

Grace Justice

Grace Justice

Grace Justice

Grace is a local Sacramento newspaper reporter well known within the surrounding communities.  Since her earlier days of striving to be a film and television actress, she’s always pushed to make a name for herself.  But don’t let her desire for stardom fool you.  This tenacious, but always professionally-minded and respectable, lady of the press is in love with her work, having a real passion for truth.  She never lets her own vanity get in the way of what’s right.  And she is quite selfless when it comes down to it.

In fact, Grace’s main flaw, if you want to call it a flaw, is her conscience and good spirit often get the better of her, not allowing her to do a lot of things her colleagues would in order to move up the ladder.  Her sense of righteousness often annoys her peers and tends to make her the laughing stock as they regularly mock her behind her back.  However, those of her colleagues that would mock her know doing so behind her back is the only viable option.  Facing Grace face to face means battle because she’s quick to defend herself with her intellect and will often go overboard in her defensive debates, not letting things go lightly.  She is the last person you want to get into an argument with!

Grace isn’t all talk though.  She can easily bite back with more than just words, furthering her wits to her advantage.  She is quick to pick up on things through observation and especially through speech.  So, you’re not going to pull one over on her easily.

Knowledge is power.  This is the creed of Ms. Justice.  Always calculating, Grace has used her natural intelligence to make up for her lacking qualities.  A perfect example would be how she studied case files, tagged along with local detectives and even went as far as to live on the streets for intermittent periods, all for the sake of learning some valuable street smarts so to better understand where to find the most grimy underground stories.

All in all, Grace possesses the perfect reporter’s attributes, aside from the inability to give in to the dark side of news to get ahead, which, sadly, could make things so much more simple in her quest to be the best.  But her persistence, never ending tenacity and pursuit for the ultimate story keeps her going.  She’s determined to find her success, but only through being good at her work, not by selling out.

An obsession for years, Grace finds the story of Fleet and his boxing rival, Hanson, very intriguing.  She has been following their feud, as well as their separate journeys, for some time.  When the time came for the two young men to meet while still amateurs she was there to get the story of the locally long-awaited sports event.  However, when things went down a different road she was left disappointed, like so many others.

Due to her commitment to professionalism, she can’t take sides.  But deep down she likely is routing for Fleet, as she’s witnessed his road to this point, and knows quite well the type of person he is.  She’s of course seen Hanson’s ascension as well.  But let’s just say Fleet has been the kinder of the two towards her throughout the years.

Grace has become sort of a regular around Tony’s gym, always being welcome around Team Blackwood.  If it was up to Bobby, a member of Fleet’s corner team and Tony’s right hand man, Grace would never leave.  He’s had his eyes on her since her acting days.

Now, with Fleet finally meeting Hanson in the ring, this diligent reporter named Grace Justice is there to witness an ending to her story that has been years in the making.  This is the finale she’s been waiting for.  This is her story, her baby, and it will finally be complete.  And no one is going to get in her way, or dare not steal it from her!  Her career depends on it.

 

 

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.

 

 

May292014

Posted in F4YL Character Descriptions

The Bums

The Bums

The Bums

There are those persons that genuinely are good people, but have just had a rough time of life.  The short end of the stick has been chosen by them on one too many occasions.  You pass them on the streets everyday.  Down on their luck, mentally and emotionally broken, addiction-ridden….there are often immensely sad tales that are connected to their lives.

And then there are those persons that bring such a life onto themselves, those that welcome and relish in a lifestyle filled with unruly behavior and darkness.  They take what they want when they want and have no regard for human decency, human compassion….human life.

 

Enter the bums…

 

How they fell from grace is unknown.  But one thing is certain, these two men have no good left in them.  Greed has taken control, twisting their moral compasses and feeding their selfish desires.  This psychotic duo mean only to harm Fleet during his night’s quest.

 

Will he escape them?