Isekai in Hajime no Ippo with Gaolang’s Template

The bell rang, and the fight was on. The crowd roared as Alex and Matsuda met in the center of the ring.

Matsuda kept a tight guard, his stance steady. His years of experience showed in how he moved—calculated, balanced, and defensive. Alex, on the other hand, stood in his signature low stance, his left glove extended loosely in front of him, right hand cocked and ready. His footwork was light,

almost predatory, as he circled Matsuda.

"Makunouchi is using a style reminiscent of the great Hitman, Thomas Hearns!" one commentator exclaimed. "This low stance, extended jab, and power-loaded rear hand—it's a dangerous approach if he can maintain it."

Matsuda fired a jab to test Alex's range, but Alex tilted his head slightly, letting the punch sail harmlessly past. He returned fire with a sharp flicker jab, snapping Matsuda's head back.

Round 1: Feeling Each Other OutMatsuda absorbed the jab and stepped in with a crisp one-two, but Alex weaved under the straight, slipping to Matsuda's left. With a swift pivot,

Alex unleashed a triple jab that rattled through Matsuda's guard. The punches weren't devastating, but they were sharp, fast, and precise, forcing Matsuda to reset his position.

"Makunouchi's jab is relentless," the commentator noted. "He's controlling the tempo of the fight!"

Matsuda gritted his teeth, refusing to be overwhelmed. He launched a heavy body shot, slamming into Alex's ribs. The crowd gasped, but Alex took the blow without flinching, stepping back to reassess.

Matsuda's Inner BattleAs Matsuda pressed forward, his thoughts churned. This kid's fast, but I've faced worse. He remembered the endless hours in the gym, the sacrifices he'd made for this sport. His family came to mind—his wife, who worked tirelessly to support their household, and his two young children, who looked up to him as a hero.

I can't lose this fight. They're counting on me.

Matsuda tightened his guard, absorbing another set of jabs from Alex. He countered with a hook that glanced off Alex's shoulder, following up with a quick uppercut that narrowly missed.

Alex Turns Up the HeatBy the middle of the first round, Alex started to up the pressure. He feinted a jab, baiting Matsuda into raising his guard, then dipped low and drove a right hook into Matsuda's liver.

Matsuda's knees buckled momentarily, and the crowd erupted, sensing the momentum shift. But Matsuda clenched his jaw and stepped back, shaking his head as if to clear the pain.

"Makunouchi's targeting the body!" the commentator observed. "That liver shot was brutal, but Matsuda's not going down without a fight."

Round 2: The Decisive BlowThe second round began with Matsuda trying to assert control. He pushed forward, throwing combinations aimed at cutting through Alex's defense. Alex dodged and weaved, his hitman stance giving him full control of the angles.

Then it happened—a lightning-fast triple jab from Alex, each punch landing cleanly on Matsuda's face. Matsuda staggered but threw a desperate right hook. Alex ducked under it with ease, shifting to Matsuda's blind spot.

With perfect timing, Alex unleashed a devastating right cross, followed immediately by a left uppercut that snapped Matsuda's head back. The crowd was on its feet as Alex finished the combination with a crushing liver shot.

Matsuda crumpled to the canvas, clutching his side as the referee began the count.

Matsuda's Final ThoughtsLying on the canvas, Matsuda's vision blurred. The roar of the crowd seemed distant. His mind drifted to his family—their laughter, their struggles, and their unwavering belief in him.

I can't fail them, he thought. But sometimes... even heroes fall.

He tried to push himself up, but his body refused. The referee's count reached ten.

The AftermathThe referee waved his arms, signaling the end of the fight. The arena exploded with cheers as Alex raised his fists in victory, his face a mixture of relief and pride.

"In just two rounds, Alex Makunouchi has solidified his reputation as a rising star!" the commentator exclaimed.

Matsuda sat on his stool, breathing heavily. Despite the loss, he managed a faint smile. He had given everything he had, and though it wasn't enough, he knew his family would still be proud.

Alex walked over, extending a hand. Matsuda looked up and took it.

"You've got heart," Alex said, respect evident in his tone.

"You've got power," Matsuda replied, a hint of a smile returning.

Post-Fight Interview: The Rising Star SpeaksAlex stood in the center of the ring, sweat dripping from his face, his gloves now removed. The crowd was still buzzing with excitement as Mari Iimura, holding a microphone, stepped forward for the post-fight interview.

"Alex, congratulations on an incredible victory tonight! You've just defeated a ranked opponent and secured your spot in the top 10 of Japan's lightweight division. How are you feeling right now?"

Alex grinned, his charisma shining through despite the exhaustion. "I feel great, Mari. Shohei Matsuda was tough as nails—he didn't make it easy, but we got the job done. Big respect to him and his team."

The audience erupted in cheers, appreciating his sportsmanship.

Mari continued, "This win makes you one of the top fighters in the division. What's next for you?"

Alex paused, his expression softening. "Well, I think it's time to take a break. I've been grinding hard these past months, and I want to spend some time with my family—my cousin Ippo, my aunt, and everyone who's been there for me. Six months off to recharge, spend time with the people I love, and come back even stronger. Boxing isn't just about the ring; it's about what happens outside of it too."

The crowd responded with a mixture of cheers and applause, appreciating his grounded nature.

Mari smiled. "That's a noble sentiment, Alex. One last question—any message for your fans or future opponents?"

Alex's grin returned, more mischievous this time. "To my fans, thank you for riding with me. We're just getting started, so stay tuned. And to anyone in the top 10—or even the top 5—get ready. I'm coming for all of you. Just not yet."

The crowd exploded in laughter and cheers as Alex waved, soaking in the adulation.

Backstage: A Moment of RespectAfter the post-fight celebrations, Alex walked backstage, towel draped over his shoulders. As he rounded a corner, he saw Shohei

Matsuda sitting with his team, receiving medical attention but looking in better spirits.

Alex approached, extending his hand. "Hey, Matsuda. Hell of a fight. You've got a warrior's heart."

Matsuda looked up, his face swollen but his pride intact. He shook Alex's hand firmly. "You're the real deal, Alex. Keep climbing—you're gonna go far."

Alex gave a nod of respect, his expression sincere. "Thanks, Matsuda. Take care of yourself. We'll see each other again someday, I'm sure."

As Alex turned to leave, he took one last glance at the man who had tested his will. Matsuda, despite the loss, still had the fire of a fighter. It was clear that this wasn't the end of his story either.

To be continued…