Domination in America, Starting from being a Boxing Champion-Chapter 896 - 637: The Rear Hook Punch Revisited

Bam!

Just as the fist was about to hit Link, Aragon felt an immense impact smash hard against the right side of his face.

It felt like being struck by a car or a shot put, the muscles on his face rippling outward in waves centered on the fist. Spit and his mouthguard were flung violently to the left.

In an instant, Aragon's world spun. His vision was filled with stars of all colors, and the metallic taste of blood flooded his nostrils.

Aragon staggered a step, pressing his fist against Link's chest before his legs buckled, and he collapsed heavily onto the boxing ring.

"....."

For a moment, the roughly 10,000 spectators at the match fell into a deathly silence. Almost everyone's eyes were glued to the ring, fixed on Link.

Even the referee froze in place, staring blankly, seemingly forgetting what he was supposed to do.

After two or three seconds of quiet, as if defrosted, the crowd erupted. Cheers, exclamations, and confused voices swept through the arena.

"Did I see that wrong? What just happened?"

"How is this possible? The match just started, not even 20 seconds in, and Link knocked Aragon down with a single punch? This is the 69kg finals!"

"What kind of punch was that? Why was it so fast?"

The spectators buzzed with chatter.

Meanwhile, in the stands, industry insiders like Bob Arum, Eddie Hearn, and Nora Duvall were even more shocked than the average viewer.

Having watched Link's previous three matches, they believed they understood him well enough—his refined technique, heavy punches, excellent offense and defense—all made him a near-perfect boxer.

But now, seeing him knock down the presumed champion favorite Aragon with a single blow, everyone suddenly realized Link's abilities went far deeper than they imagined. He was undeniably stronger than they had anticipated.

This boxer, if signed to one of their companies, had immense potential to become a money-making machine in the future.

Staring at Link on the ring, Bob Arum and the others silently decided to raise the signing bonus they had originally planned.

".....6,5,4,3,2,1!"

On the boxing ring, the referee hesitated for two seconds before regaining composure and crouching beside Aragon to count to ten.

Aragon pressed both fists against the floor, struggling for a few seconds, but couldn't get up.

The referee stood, turned toward the main referee's table, grabbed Link's arm, and raised it high into the air.

"Link wins!"

"Link, you're amazing!"

In the stands, Chinese athletes like Zou Shiming, Tian Liang, Wang Hao, Yi Jianlian, Wang Nan, Li Xiaopeng, and Wang Liqin raised their fists, loudly cheering for Link.

Thousands of Greek spectators and foreign tourists also stood to applaud Link, shouting out "Champion!"

Everyone had initially thought this match would be a closely contested battle, with the victor narrowly winning by points.

The outcome took everyone by surprise.

At 21 seconds of the first round, Link unexpectedly executed a rear hook punch, countering with lightning speed and hitting Aragon's head completely off guard.

Even with the headgear's cushioning, Aragon suffered a heavy blow, collapsing to the ground and unable to stand for 10 seconds.

Link effortlessly secured the victory.

This 69kg final was not only the quickest match of these Olympics but also the fastest deciding match in Olympic boxing history at large.

Following the match, the Olympic Organizing Committee held the awards ceremony at the Karaiskakis Stadium.

Link took the gold medal in the men's 69kg boxing category; Aragon received the silver. In the morning match between Kazakhstan's Atayev and Russia's Saitov, the two had tied 32:32, both awarded bronze medals.

"Link, that punch was a sneak attack! I couldn't defend against it. Next time I meet you, I'll definitely beat you."

During the awards ceremony, Aragon, his face swollen on one side, gritted his teeth as he spoke.

"Unfortunately for you, I'm planning to switch to professional boxing. This might very well be my final amateur match."

Link shrugged and chuckled.

"You're going professional? You're only 19. Aren't you afraid you'll get killed stepping into the pro scene so early?"

Aragon responded in shock.

Link glanced at him, smirking: "Your durability is decent. Honestly, I thought that punch would've kept you down for a day."

Aragon's face darkened as he glared at Link with hostility. That punch had been brutal. If not for the protective cushioning in the headgear, he might've suffered a concussion.

Touching his swollen cheek and recalling the staggering impact of Link's blow, Aragon couldn't help but think about how hard Link's punches were. In the professional boxing world, few would be able to match him.

Considering this, he secretly pitied his fellow professionals who would soon face Link. At the same time, he breathed a sigh of relief—Link's overwhelming strength would soon be absent from the amateur circuit. His chances of winning championships in future World Championships and Olympics had just significantly increased.

"Mr. Link, congratulations once again on winning the gold medal. You truly are a remarkable athlete."

The Vice Chairman of the Olympic Organizing Committee, Bach, approached Link to present his award.

"It's an honor, Mr. Bach!"

Link bowed to accept the gold medal and shook hands with Bach.

With the 69kg championship secured, Link's record for this Olympics stood at two golds and one silver, surpassing all his teammates and making him the athlete with the most medals in the Chinese delegation.

That afternoon, back at the Olympic Village, the delegation leadership held a small celebration for him in the cafeteria. Delegation leader Yuan raised a juice glass as a toast, congratulating him on his astonishing performances in the previous three matches and wishing him success in his upcoming 5000-meter event, hoping for an even better result.