Domination in America, Starting from being a Boxing Champion-Chapter 900 - 639 Boxing Match Arrangement

"Look at this report!"

At night, in the apartment bedroom, Zhang Zilin leaned against his shoulder and handed him the newspaper in her hand.

Zhang Zilin was reading the "Kyoto Evening News," which had a commentary article titled: "Link Shines Bright at the Olympics, Why Is He So Low-key Back Home?"

The article detailed how Link only attended three press conferences, two media interviews, and two television show appearances after the Olympics, choosing not to participate in any other events. His media exposure was even lower than an average Olympic champion.

It was completely unlike a superstar athlete who had achieved astonishing results at the Olympics.

The reporter later interviewed officials from the management bureau with this question in mind.

The management bureau's response was that Link was preparing for professional boxing competitions this year and was currently in training. Furthermore, Link was a junior at Sports University, and with school starting, he also had to attend classes.

The newspaper went on to praise Link, calling him remarkable for juggling classes, training, and squeezing in time to compete at the Olympics—winning 3 golds and 1 silver across four different events, a feat that was unprecedented and unmatched.

They lavished him with praise once again.

"Even our classmates say you're too low-key. You're a superstar athlete, practically like a pop idol. By all accounts, the media should be reporting about you extensively during this time, but there's less news about you than someone like Liu Xiang or Zhang Yining."

Zhang Zilin said.

Link smiled lightly and explained to her how he proactively declined interviews.

In the country, living quietly and striking riches is far more comfortable and carefree than being a massive celebrity.

His current goals were to compete in boxing matches, make money, invest wisely, and quietly accumulate wealth—fame was just a byproduct for him.

Moreover, during the Olympics, the domestic media had already given extensive coverage of his achievements. During that period, his news was everywhere—on TV, in newspapers, on radio, and across the internet. Every Chinese citizen knew there was such a beast at home.

Even without further media reports, people couldn't ignore his presence.

"Not participating is good. You can focus on training and classes without flying everywhere like Liu Xiang does."

Zhang Zilin laughed.

Link glanced at her, dressed in a sexy camisole nightgown that revealed her fair arms and collarbones. Compared to last year, her figure had become more voluptuous; even her bust size had gone up a cup. Her smooth, rounded calves rested on the blanket, making them enticing to play with.

"What are you looking at?"

Zhang Zilin covered her chest with her hand and laughed.

"It's eight o'clock. Time for bed."

Link plucked the newspaper from her hand, casually turned off the light, and amidst Zhang Zilin's surprised cries, the night turned lively.

——

The next day, Link continued his early morning run of 15 kilometers. Around nine o'clock, he brought breakfast home, where Zhang Zilin was slowly getting out of bed, rubbing her lower back, her cheeks still red as she gave him a few shy glares.

After breakfast, Link drove her to school. On the way, he received a call from Sean Gibbons, who informed him that arrangements for professional matches had been finalized.

Currently, all three major organization's Middleweight Golden Belts—WBA, WBC, and IBF—were held by Bernard Hopkins. The WBO Middleweight Golden Belt was with Hoyle.

Their match was scheduled for the 19th of this month.

The winner would become the undisputed king of the four Middleweight organizations.

To challenge the new champion, Link needed to first register for one boxing organization's ranking matches, achieve a good rank, and then qualify for the challenger bout to gain the title challenger status.

If everything went smoothly, he could challenge the new Middleweight champion next year.

Sean Gibbons recommended registering for the WBA's ranking matches, which would start in mid-October.

Link said he understood and asked Sean to make the arrangements so he could simply focus on the matches.

Sean Gibbons asked if he'd consider competing in Asia for a year to practice the basics, getting accustomed to the rhythm of professional matches before aiming for the World Boxing Champion Golden Belt.

This was because the Middleweight boxing field was crowded with top fighters.

"The Executioner" Hopkins, "Golden Boy" De La Hoya, Sean Morris, Leonard Wright, Ricardo Mayorga, Jermain Taylor—they were all elite boxers.

Claiming a Golden Belt in Middleweight at this time was an extremely difficult feat.

Link said it was fine and asked him to arrange things; he'd take care of the competition himself.

"Do professional matches mean boxing without headgear?"

Zhang Zilin asked.

"Yes, professional matches are more enjoyable to watch."

Link replied.

"Without protection, doesn't it hurt to fight?"

"Not really. I generally don't let people hit me, so you don't have to worry."

When the car arrived at the gate of Beijing University of Science and Technology, Zhang Zilin leaned over to kiss him, then got out holding her little crossbody bag and walked into the campus.

Link drove back to Sports University. On the way, he received a call from Lin Zhilin, who asked if he remembered his promise to join her show after the Olympics.

Link said he remembered and asked when the show would be recorded, indicating he'd prepare ahead of time.

"Link, you're really willing to join our program. I've heard from many peers that you're now the hardest guest to invite."

Lin Zhilin said softly.

"Not at all. I've been busy training for boxing, preparing for October's pro fights, so I've been keeping media activities to a minimum."

"October matches? Would my invitation disrupt your training?"

"A little. You'll need to treat me to dinner."

"Ha, no problem! What do you like to eat? I could cook for you at home."

Lin Zhilin laughed.

"I'm not picky; your signature dish will do."

"You really know how to choose—asking me to show my best skills right off. Alright, I'll do it. The show can be recorded within this week; are you available during the week? If not, we can do next week."

"Shouldn't be an issue; I'll report to the bureau and try to get it done before Saturday."

"That's wonderful! I'll start preparing and wait for you."

After a few soft conversations with Lin Zhilin, Link drove to Sports University and called Director Li Zhichun to inform her he'd promised a friend to join a talk show in Taiwan Island in May.

Director Li Zhichun said it wouldn't be a problem, but cautioned him to be careful with his words to avoid being misled by hosts there.

Link assured her he understood.

Shortly after hanging up, Director Li Zhichun called back, suggesting that since he'd agreed to participate in Taiwan Island's show, he shouldn't decline Hong Kong Island's TV show invitations. Moreover, Japan and South Korea also had several TV stations inviting him.

The bureau suggested he represent the national team for these appearances.

On one hand, it would enhance cultural exchange and cooperation between Huaxia and neighboring countries, contributing to regional peace and stability. On the other hand, Link's international media appearances were a form of cultural diplomacy, benefiting both him personally and the nation.

Upon hearing Director Li Zhichun elevate a mere media interview to the level of world peace, Link could only agree.

At the university, Link asked his advisor for leave, who didn't even question it, simply encouraging him to focus on the interviews without worrying about other matters—the university wouldn't hold him back.

Link continued training at the university's boxing gym. As an Olympic champion and boxing celebrity, his practice sessions regularly attracted large crowds of spectators. Regardless of whether they understood boxing, they all gazed at him with expressions of admiration.

After the Olympics started in August, domestic media had covered Link's boxing journey extensively, from the Round of 16 to the Quarterfinals.

Starting from the Quarterfinals, CCTV5 began broadcasting Link's matches live, even arranging commentators for his bouts.

During the last two matches, the commentators praised Link to the skies, showering him with superlatives.

For ordinary people, receiving excessive and unrelenting praise could leave a bad impression.

But not for Link—he knocked out his opponent in the 69kg final with a single punch, clinching a gold medal in just 21 seconds.

The commentators exclaimed that this was an unprecedented match. Not only did Link break the domestic record in boxing, but he also created a new world record.

During the Olympics, footage of Link's matches played on an almost daily basis, and even now, CCTV5 occasionally re-broadcasted them.

Watching him punch one powerful foreign boxer after another to the ground, people's admiration for him continued to grow.

Now, watching Link train at the university gym had become a staple activity—something they used to welcome visitors from other schools.

Considering the crowd was too large and unsuitable for training, Link planned to buy a courtyard nearby and convert it into a training base.