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Life is Easier If You're Handsome-Chapter 207
The Asian Games boxing rules follow an amateur format.
Just like the Olympics, it's three rounds of three minutes, with a one-minute rest in between.
And just like the Olympics, the heavyweight division had a unique twist here.
Due to the relatively small number of athletes in the category,
the qualifiers were skipped, and they started from the quarterfinals.
This was an inevitable outcome, given the scarcity of heavyweights in Asian Games boxing.
So, while the opening ceremony of the 2018 Asian Games was held on August 18,
the heavyweight boxing competition didn’t begin until August 28.
In other words, it wasn’t about starting hot from the opening ceremony.
It was scheduled in a way where some medals were already decided, with the important games left to play.
It was like starting from the most exciting part.
"I like that there are no preliminary rounds, I can save my energy."
"Energy? Why the sudden concern?"
"Obviously because of Kim Donghu, what else?"
Perhaps that’s why.
The athletes were more tense than ever.
The heavyweight boxing schedule would start at the quarterfinals.
Just three matches.
Only three people would get the chance to face Kim Donghu.
"Is facing Kim Donghu really that important?"
"Coach, no need to downplay it. You don’t have to make it sound like that to ease our nerves."
"...."
"Kim Donghu is the biggest wall in amateur boxing right now. You know what that means."
A measure of skill.
The most objective evaluation of their own abilities.
Rumor had it that he’d already knocked out a few professional heavyweights at Drake Gym.
Though that information wasn’t confirmed, there was something about it that felt believable.
No way could a monster like that fail to make an impact in the professional world.
"Ugh... I need to stop my hands from shaking before the quarterfinals."
All the athletes, except for Kim Donghu, were extremely nervous.
"The one you need to beat to win the gold is Kim Donghu."
Is there any comedy like this?
"I think some people from WBC came over this time."
"From the pros?"
"Heavyweight. They probably came to watch Kim Donghu. See how well he does... and how much money he could bring in."
"Money?"
"Yeah, money."
Though the order of things had gotten a little mixed up,
if Kim Donghu won the gold at the Asian Games this time,
"His value will skyrocket. He’s already conquered the world with the Olympics, now if he wins the Asian Games, he’ll prove himself once again."
It wasn’t luck, it was skill.
No one could say it was just luck. But conservative organizations usually wanted to see multiple forms of proof.
"And with his star quality... once that’s confirmed, countless love calls will come pouring in."
And then, of course, there was Kim Donghu’s bold and straightforward personality.
"If the pros call him, what did he say?"
"If they pay enough, he’ll think about it."
"Yeah, Westerners love that kind of boldness."
It was clear to anyone that his position was that of the underdog.
But his skills? Not at all an underdog—he was a monster.
The Asian Games may have been a regional competition, but it was drawing attention from all around the world.
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It was the natural charisma of a born star.
"Quarterfinals... this is going to be exciting."
While the heavyweight boxers were overflowing with expectations for Kim Donghu,
"Great movie, you were still as cool as ever."
"Isn’t it just because you see me that way?"
"Of course, what woman wouldn’t think her man is handsome?"
Kim Donghu smiled brightly as he saw a familiar face after a long time.
"Aw, now you’re making me embarrassed."
"You were embarrassed back then too."
"Well, you were too."
"Yeah, that’s true. But I don’t think you’d be like that now, huh?"
"What do you mean?"
"...I think you know exactly what I mean. Isn’t that a bad hand?"
"What man wouldn’t touch his woman?"
***
"Not Tyson, is this really right?"
Yerim mentioned a famous boxing anecdote and chuckled.
"We haven’t seen each other in a while, and you’re already hurting people."
"Who came in and kissed me first?"
"I thought I’d be able to control myself after watching the movie, but I just couldn’t."
It had been two years for us.
Like a fairy leaving behind a trail,
Yerim now exuded a noble atmosphere, far more than I had remembered.
Was it elegance?
She had a mysterious, very mature scent about her.
"I really loved Cutting the Knot. I cried watching it."
"You cried?"
"Yeah, it reminded me of when we broke up. The idea of having to part even though you don’t want to, it really hit me."
After saying that, Yerim seemed to run out of strength and collapsed onto the bed.
"I wish I could give you a supportive kiss, but that’s a little too much."
"You can just go at your own pace, it’s no big deal."
"Looks like I can’t handle it alone..."
"...Huh?"
"I think I’d need at least four more people..."
She seemed to think she was in charge of everything. How confident was she?
I smiled faintly at Yerim’s words as she trailed behind.
"I’ll manage somehow."
I have a lot of greed.
Once I grab something, I don’t let go.
With that thought, I left the room.
Not sure how long it lasted.
But one thing was for sure: I was full of energy.
'Isn’t it usually the woman who has more energy in these situations?'
It wasn’t like some martial arts magic.
But for some reason, my energy was surging.
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
"...Donghu, you’re not going to kill someone today, are you? I need to control my strength."
It was to the point where even Sangha was worried.
"Really?"
"Yeah... this meat will burst. I feel like my hand might burst too."
"...."
But I couldn’t avoid training.
"Donghu! Donghu! Save me!"
With that, the unfortunate Sangha was sacrificed.
Time quickly passed, and by August 28th,
the first match was fast approaching.
***
Interest in boxing in South Korea has been quite minimal.
While it's somewhat familiar due to dieting and body shaping,
it wasn't at a level where it could be called a major sport.
However...
<"Ah! Our nation's pride! Kim Donghu is stepping into the ring!">
All of the sudden, popularity was being forcibly dragged along by one individual.
From the commentators to the casters,
the lineup, the schedule, the number of cameras, and more were all meticulously prepared.
This wasn’t just a couple of lines in an article.
They were broadcasting Kim Donghu’s boxing match with complete focus.
<"He looks to be in incredible condition, doesn’t he? His self-care is amazing.">
<"That’s right. For such a big match, most people would be nervous, but... Kim Donghu doesn’t seem bothered at all!">
<"It’s really impressive, considering he’s already set an unprecedented record at the Olympics!">
<"Ah, and right now, it seems that China’s Han Lei has stepped into the ring first and is saying something.">
<"Is it a provocation? Based on his tone, it sounds like it.">
The commentators continued to discuss the strangely tense situation unfolding in the ring.
Suddenly, the heated atmosphere started building.
The issue was, only the opponent seemed to be getting heated.
Kim Donghu, however, maintained his calm demeanor.
<"Ah, Kim Donghu, with his wise expression! He just laughed it off. What great character.">
<"Honestly, when you talk about Kim Donghu, his character is beyond words, there’s no way to start explaining.">
To cool the heated atmosphere, the match was delayed for about two minutes.
During this break, the broadcasters couldn’t afford to make the moment dull, so they quickly took the opportunity to speak up.
<"Ah, speaking of which, we have a clip from his previous interview. Should we take a look?">
<"Sounds good! Let’s see Kim Donghu’s incredibly confident interview... let’s watch!">
Using this delay as a breather, Kim Donghu’s interview footage aired on TV.
Do you have any words for your opponent this time?It’s the same as last time. Forfeit. I don’t want to hurt anyone.A bold provocation.
This statement had already spread around the world, and when you look at it that way, it wasn’t surprising that his opponent was getting worked up.
"Honestly, he’s so cool. How is he just 22? What was I doing at 22?"
"Senior, you shouldn’t think like that. Comparing him to yourself is just unfair."
"Yeah, it’s an honor just to be on the same level."
Since it was Kim Donghu who initiated the provocation,
once the short interview clip ended, the atmosphere had somewhat calmed, and the cameras returned to the ring.
<"Yes, the referee is about to signal the start of the match.">
<"The bell has rung! The fighters are measuring distance with their guards... Ah! In that moment, Kim Donghu rushes in!">
Like a flash.
With his lead foot extended and his rear foot pushing off strongly, he rushes in instantaneously.
His opponent, Han Lei, who had made it to the Asian Games,
barely reacts and tries to throw a punch, but...
Thud!
Before Han Lei’s punch could land, Kim Donghu’s shoulder deflects it midway.
The punch, which was swung without full power, misses harmlessly in the air,
and at the same time, Kim Donghu’s punch lands squarely in Han Lei’s ribs.
Bang!
The sound of a sledgehammer hitting a tire echoes through the body.
"Ugh...!"
Han Lei’s vision blurs, and his mind goes hazy.
While bones and muscles can be trained, internal organs can’t be.
"Ugh...!"
But he hangs in there.
He refuses to go down and tries to continue the fight.
"Ah, no... I..."
But the first thing Han Lei sees in front of him isn’t the light ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) of hope.
Instead, it’s...
"I told you to forfeit."
Kim Donghu’s punch, now prepared to hit deep into Han Lei’s temple,
lands squarely.
Bang!
The world shakes, and Han Lei loses his sense of direction.
Where’s the ground, and where’s the sky?
In that moment of confusion, as the short uppercut approaches Han Lei’s jaw...
<"Oh, the referee! The referee has stepped in!">
<"TKO declaration! Kim Donghu! Is he about to make history again? 18 seconds into the first round, TKO!">
<"He’s a devil, truly the devil of the ring! The king! The absolute! No adjective fits better!">
<"If you meet Kim Donghu in the ring, you better run away!">
As the match ended, the arena erupted in chaos.
Everyone was left with bewildered expressions.
[Big Donghu (GIFs and data alert)]
(Kim Donghu’s 18-second TKO moment)
Would you believe that Korea has the fist that could destroy the world?ㄴIf the referee hadn’t stopped it, he might have died.
ㄴWhat did Kim Donghu eat? Why is he like this?
ㄴSeems like he’s even stronger than during the Olympics.
The community was buzzing with excitement.