After easing back into training, Brown also suggested that Jason Luo put on some weight. In professional boxing, weight management becomes a key part of an athlete's preparation.
A week before every bout, boxers must undergo an official weigh-in approved by the governing organization before they can compete. But since body weight directly affects a boxer's performance, most professionals maintain a higher natural weight and then cut down before the weigh-in.
Jason currently weighed only 77.2 kilograms. Brown wanted him to gain at least five kilograms, then dehydrate to drop the excess before fight day.
Jason brushed it off. "That's easy. I'll just eat more, right?"
Brown chuckled. "It's not that simple. Gaining weight while training at high intensity isn't easy. You'll find out soon enough."
Just then, Raul arrived. "Ah, Coach Brown, welcome back! Perfect timing—I wanted to discuss something important about your contract, Jason."
"Here's the situation. You're hot property right now—many top promotional companies are showing interest. But not all value you equally. I've met with all of them these past few days, and three stand out. I'll lay them out for you."
"First, Dynasty Promotions—a powerhouse with deep resources. Second, Golden Boy Promotions, founded by De La Hoya—famous and very capable. Lastly, BX Promotions, a multi-discipline company that manages all kinds of combat sports. They handle boxing as well as events in Japan's K-1, Glory, ONE Championship, and even the UFC. The choice is yours."
Jason had no idea what to make of any of this, so he turned to Brown for guidance.
Brown said calmly, "Jason, it's never wrong to partner with a strong company. But what matters more is how much they're willing to invest in you—how much faith they have in your potential."
Raul nodded. "Exactly. I'll add this—Dynasty already has a signed fighter in your weight class. Golden Boy, meanwhile, requires you to compete exclusively within the WBO system."
"The most flexible option is BX. They're planning to put more resources into boxing, since the K-1 and Glory markets have slowed down. They've got strong boxing foundations and good relationships with all four major organizations."
Jason rubbed his temples. "You mean the WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO, right? I don't even understand the difference between them—how am I supposed to choose?"
Brown smiled. "They're all globally recognized. The organization itself isn't that important, but since you asked, I'll explain briefly."
"The WBC, or World Boxing Council, is the most influential body, with the toughest overall competition—though that varies by division. The WBA, World Boxing Association, and IBF, International Boxing Federation, are roughly equal in status, with the WBA slightly higher in prestige. The WBO, World Boxing Organization, split from the WBC but grew fast and now hosts many top-tier events. Each has value in its own right."
Jason's confusion only deepened. "Mr. Raul, you decide. I'll focus on training—you handle the business side. I trust you."
Raul smiled. "Alright, I'll take care of the negotiations. Just make sure your father understands the plan. Once the contract draft is ready, you'll both review it."
"Got it."
After Raul left, Jason turned to Brown again. "Coach, what are K-1 and Glory exactly? I've heard of UFC, but not much more than that."
Brown pulled up a chair. "Okay, here's the big picture. Globally, mixed martial arts are divided into three systems."
"The first—and most common—is stand-up fighting: disciplines like kickboxing, Muay Thai, Sanda, Western boxing, Savate, karate, taekwondo, aikido… that kind of thing."
"The second is hybrid fighting, which mixes stand-up and ground combat—think Chinese wrestling, Russian sambo, Greco-Roman wrestling, and similar styles."
"The third is pure ground fighting, represented by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo."
"K-1 and Glory are the top tournaments in the stand-up system—they're open to all striking styles as long as fighters follow the rules. As for MMA, the highest-level league is the UFC—the octagon fights you see on TV."
Jason finally understood. At nineteen, it felt like he'd climbed to the top of a mountain and was seeing the vast world of combat sports for the first time.
Brown laughed. "Don't get too caught up in it, kid. You can't master everything. If you can perfect your boxing, that alone will bring you lifelong honor. Stay focused—getting your body back to peak form comes first."
...
Five days later, Raul returned with good news—he had reached a preliminary agreement with BX Promotions. He brought the draft for everyone to review. Henry Luo didn't understand much of the business side, and only Brown could offer real advice.
After consulting Coach Pedro and refining the terms for another two days, the deal was sealed.
On February 18, 2021, Jason Luo officially signed with BX Promotions and entered the professional boxing world.
At the signing ceremony, a cheerful curly-haired man approached. "Jason, congratulations! You're officially part of BX. I'm Rod Smith, your promoter from here on out. I look forward to working with you."
"Thank you, Mr. Rod. I'm new to all this, so I'll be counting on your guidance."
They spoke at length afterward. Jason learned a great deal and found Rod to be witty and easy to talk to—his past as a music agent gave him a natural charm.
Rod smiled. "Jason, you already have a growing reputation, and from a commercial standpoint, your potential is huge. That's why BX is investing in you."
"But, to be honest, Asian fighters often have less natural advantage in raw stamina and endurance. The company's a bit concerned about your physical ceiling. I hope you understand. I'll do my best to fight for resources internally, but you need to prove yourself in the ring. Let's make it happen together."
Jason's eyes lit up. "I understand, Mr. Rod. Can you arrange a match for me soon?"
Rod laughed. "Not yet! First comes registration and ranking. You'll need to earn a Level 2 Boxer Certification before you can take on serious bouts. Six-round fights aren't suitable for a Golden Gloves semifinalist like you—they'd only hurt your market value. I suggest we start you in the WBA system. We have the most connections there, and it'll give you a higher starting point."
...
Three days after signing, Jason registered as a professional boxer under Raul and Rod's supervision. He officially received his Level 3 Professional Boxer License—the moment he truly stepped into the professional arena.
"Ding! Host detected as officially registered professional boxer. System activation commencing. Due to the large data volume, full activation will take time. Please wait patiently."
Jason could already sense that the system was undergoing a major upgrade. He couldn't help but look forward to what would come next.
After the registration, Raul grinned mysteriously. "Jason, today's a big day—a day worth remembering. I've got a gift for you. I think you'll like it."
Jason's curiosity was piqued. "A gift? What kind of gift?"
"Ha ha, come with me and see for yourself."
They returned to the gym, then Raul led him down to the underground parking garage. He pointed at a brand-new Cadillac CT6.
"So, what do you think? Like it?"
Jason was stunned. "Mr. Raul! No way, that's too much! I can't accept it—and I don't even have a driver's license!"
"Listen, Jason," Raul said with a grin. "Remember that old bike you took from my place? You can't ride a bicycle forever. You'll be traveling all over for matches now. You need to drive. Getting a license is easy. Take it. I made a good profit from this deal—it's only right I give something back. Unless you really don't like it?"
Not like it? Impossible!
Jason ran his hands along the sleek frame, completely captivated. Finally, he gave in. "Alright, Mr. Raul, I'll accept it! Thank you. I'll let my dad drive it first—he'll love it."
"That's the spirit! The paperwork's already done. Train hard, Jason. Once you're champion, luxury cars, villas, and yachts will be nothing!"
That afternoon, Henry Luo took the new car out for a spin, driving the whole family around Chicago.
Boxing had completely changed the fate of this once struggling family.
Author's Note:
(After 300,000 words, we've finally left the "beginner's village." This first volume was mainly about understanding the basics of boxing. Next, we'll step into an entirely new world—the highest stages of professional boxing, underground fights, and diverse combat styles from around the globe. Stay tuned for what's coming next!)
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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