After returning from China, Grace became quiet and withdrawn. She buried herself in her studies, determined to achieve excellent results in next year's college entrance exams...
Meanwhile, Rod had uncovered more information about Ishikawa Hidehisa. "Jason, this Ishikawa Hidehisa turns out to have quite the background. He started training in Aikido at fourteen, switched to Lethwei at seventeen, then studied under Japanese Karate master Funakoshi Gichin at twenty-one. He officially debuted at twenty-three and achieved some success in the K-1 circuit. Last year, he nearly broke into the top sixteen, but a recurring injury cost him the chance."
"He's quite the skilled fighter," Jason Luo remarked with genuine interest. He had seen plenty of Sanda and Muay Thai but wasn't familiar with Aikido or Lethwei. He figured he'd have to ask Coach Datchai about them sometime.
Seeing Jason's curiosity, Rod quickly warned, "Jason, don't even think about it. Boxing and kickboxing are completely different sports. Besides, this wouldn't be an official match—the risk is far too great."
Jason smiled lightly. "To be honest, I've sparred with Sanda and Muay Thai fighters before. It's just a personal hobby. When there's a chance, I'll introduce you to someone—you'll understand then."
"Oh my God, why didn't you tell me sooner? Our company has partnerships in that field. I could introduce you to plenty of excellent coaches and fighters."
Rod's excitement was clear. This meant Jason Luo had even more commercial potential to develop.
"No, Mr. Rod. Not until I've fulfilled Coach Pedro's last wish—I can't afford distractions. You can reply to that Japanese man: if he's willing to wait, I might consider a match after I've claimed the world Gold Belt. Otherwise, I'm not interested."
Rod hesitated. "But... isn't that a bit rash? And the company—"
Jason's tone grew firm. "Mr. Rod, I respect you deeply. But since this is a personal challenge, please allow me the right to decide for myself."
Rod nodded after a moment. "Alright then. I respect your decision."
...
News of Jason Luo's upcoming fight with Siham quickly stirred up intense media attention—mainly because Siham was such an unusual figure. Back in the middleweight division, he had long held the Interim Champion title, but with Golovkin dominating the top spot, he never had a chance to rise.
So he moved up to super middleweight, only to get stuck again with the same title. This time, however, the reigning champion, David Morell, had inherited the belt by replacement rather than through victory. Truth is, Morell hadn't made much money since taking the belt, and with his title still fresh, he wasn't about to accept challenges from lower-ranked contenders—especially from someone as notoriously tough as Siham.
Siham had submitted multiple challenge requests to the WBA, all of which disappeared without a trace.
That's where a fighter's promotional backing truly matters. With a top-tier promotion company behind you, that kind of stalemate rarely happens.
Meanwhile, most of the media agreed: Jason Luo was in serious trouble this time!
Siham might only hold an Intercontinental title, but everyone knew his skill level was close to that of a true world champion. Saunders—the dual WBA and IBF middleweight champion—had barely managed to edge past him.
Even Miguel Cotto, the legendary iron man of the ring, had taken four full rounds to put him down. If Jason Luo couldn't handle Siham, his rise might end right here...
As for the current champion, David Morell, many believed he had only benefited from Canelo Álvarez vacating the title. In truth, Siham might be the stronger fighter. That's why Coach Brown had said, "Beat Siham, and the Gold Belt is practically yours."
As for the Intercontinental Belt itself—honestly, at the elite level of boxing, it's barely worth mentioning. Fighters like Canelo Álvarez or Anthony Joshua can abandon a world title at will. Who even cares about an Intercontinental belt?
Meanwhile, media outlets from abroad were closely following Jason Luo's upcoming challenge. Han Libo had reached out to multiple outlets and sponsors for coverage and partnerships, and even local brands were seeking advertising deals.
Rod handled all of it, leaving Jason free to focus entirely on his training.
Jason's principle never changed—ignore the hype, stay focused. Though his income was still modest compared to top-tier boxers, it was more than enough for him.
His appearance fee alone was close to $100,000 per fight—not counting victory bonuses or ticket revenue shares. Commercial bouts paid even more. His fight in Zhengzhou, which lasted less than six minutes, had earned him about $85,000. It was fair to say Jason Luo had officially entered the middle class.
Coach Brown switched Jason's sparring partners and intensified defensive drills to prepare for Siham's heavy punches. With his enhanced senses, Jason's progress was evident.
To boost the power of his front-hand punch, Coach Brown had him experiment with a southpaw stance, gradually adjusting to using his left hand as the rear punch and learning to control his power output.
As for the uppercut, like the hook, its effectiveness lay in surprise. Used too often, it created openings that made defense difficult.
...
Time flew under the rigorous training. Before long, it was time for the official weigh-in. Jason had gained a bit of weight recently and had to go through another round of dehydration—a painful but unavoidable process for every boxer except heavyweights.
At the weigh-in, Siham stared Jason down arrogantly. "Kid, your end is near!"
Jason smiled faintly. "I understand, man. Anyone stuck in the same spot for too long gets restless. Maybe I can help you move on."
Siham hadn't expected Jason to mock him and immediately shoved him hard, trying to humiliate him in front of everyone. But Jason was ready. Using the stance training known as Zhuang Gong, which Master Liu had taught him, he planted his feet firmly and didn't budge an inch.
That surprised Siham completely!
He refused to believe this kid could be that strong. He went for another shove, but this time staff intervened. Both teams quickly separated their fighters and escorted them offstage for the next segment—the press conference.
...
Many media outlets were present that day, including several from other countries. The first to grab the microphone was a reporter from Global Sports.
"Hello, Jason Luo. After defeating British boxer Charlison not long ago, you're already challenging the Interim Champion. Does this mean you're in peak form and confident of victory?"
Jason paused thoughtfully before replying, "When I first started boxing, my coach told me that, like soccer, boxing is unpredictable—no one can know the outcome beforehand. But as a boxer, you must have the courage and confidence to face challenges head-on. I just hope to perform at my best this time and win."
The Global Sports reporter smiled and sat down, satisfied—only for an American journalist to grab the microphone next.
"Mr. Siham, Jason Luo has been on quite a winning streak lately. Who do you think Lady Luck will favor this time?"
"Luck?" Siham sneered. "Only people without real skill talk about luck. If it weren't for that coward Morell dodging me, this kid wouldn't even qualify to share a ring with me. I'll show him that luck means nothing against true strength!"
As expected, with reporters stirring the pot, both sides traded another round of verbal blows. Jason found it exhausting—but there was nothing he could do.