A/n: I apologise in advance for how bad this is but I ran out of ideas on what to write...
Cecilia and I stepped into arena, instantly feeling the excitement crackling in the air. We were here at Wembley to watch AJ vs Dubois, I obviously want AJ to win, he deserves it after a rough couple years. This is also obviously a different kind of team bonding from our usual routine with Real Sociedad. While most of our teammates had chosen a quiet dinner or movie night, we wanted something thrilling, something that would get our hearts racing in a new way, see more sports from a different angle... I've also always loved boxing.
As we found our seats ringside, the arena lights dimmed, and the noise from the crowd grew louder and louder. In the center, the ring glowed under the spotlight, waiting for the fighters to begin. The atmosphere was intense, almost electric, and I could feel the energy around me, the excitement as the undercards start became closer and closer.
Cecilia nudged me with a wide grin. "This is going to be awesome, (Y/n/n)! I can't believe we're actually here."
I couldn't help but smile back. "I know! It's going to be incredible! I mean you can already feel the intensity of how the bouts are going to go, and they haven't even started."
She nodded eagerly, her excitement contagious. "I never thought I would be so interested in boxing! I mean I never really watched it before but since you got me into it, it's incredible seeing all the technique and work put into it."
As the fighters were introduced, the crowd's cheers filled the arena. The ring walks can wither hype the crowd up, or ruin part of the fun.
Before the match started, the ref checked the gloves and explained what he wants to both fighters before they tapped gloves and went back to their corners before the match commenced.
When the first punch was thrown, we both leaned forward in our seats, completely hooked. Every hit, every dodge had us on edge, reacting with the rest of the crowd. I found myself getting caught up in it, shouting alongside the crowd, enjoying the atmosphere, whereas Ce had decided to remain quiet, both of our eyes were glued to the action.
I was all in, pointing out moves and explaining techniques, it makes me miss boxing to be honest, I miss the bouts, theres no better feeling than when you win in boxing. Thats when you know all your hard work paid off as when you step in that ring it's just you and them, thats part of the reason why boxing is called the loneliest sport.
"Did you see that jab? That was such a clean hit!"
I winced, as I watched a fighter stumble back. Which caused Cecilia to wince a little to and add comments such as "Yeah, how do they even keep going after hits like that?"
"It's all about training and mental toughness," I explained. "They prepare for this, just like we do for a tough match. Plus if you want to box then you got to like the pain, and the pain has to like you. It's all part of what they sign up for."
It then finally clicked for Ce. "It's like pushing through extra time on the pitch then? Mind over matter."
"Exactly!" I said, smiling. "Boxing and football aren't so different. It's all about timing, strategy, and knowing when to strike."
The match was extremely close from start to finish, and by the time the final bell rang, I bet we were all on the edges of our seats, waiting for the final result. There's no feeling quite like the one you get in boxing, the rush was incredible.
Before we knew it the time flew away and the matches came to an end which caused us all to begin leaving the stadium... not before I got a picture with AJ, I mean you don't get that opportunity very often do you.
As we left the arena, the cool night air was a welcome change after the heat inside. We were both still buzzing, replaying the best moments in our heads. I guess it might take a while to be able to sleep tonight, even if we didn't actually box I still got all the adrenaline from watching it.
"That was incredible," Cecilia said, turning to me. "I totally get why you love boxing now, the adrenaline, not even football can compare to it."
I laughed, happy she enjoyed my suggestion. "I knew you'd like it. Seeing it live is a whole different experience, even through camera is amazing but nothing is better than hearing the crowd chant, and not having spoilers online if your TV lags." I mumbled the last part, still annoyed the result for Fury vs Usyk got leaked to me and my screen was behind.
"For sure," She immediately agreed. "We should do this again. Maybe bring the rest of the team next time? If you say how much you enjoyed it I'm sure they'd be more willing considering tonight was your first time watching it properly too."
"Absolutely!" she said. "It's good for us to try new things, shake things up a bit, better than just watching a film or playing uno all night... that always leads to fights."
We talked all the way back to the hotel, reliving the excitement of the night. It was one of those evenings where everything just felt right, adrenaline, competition, and friendship all rolled into one. Thats practically the definition of boxing. You always leave with more respect than when you entered.
As we finally called it a night, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The night wasn't just about team bonding; it was a reminder of why we love our sport and how others train and love their sports. Whether on the pitch or in the ring or even on an ice rink, it's all about passion and giving everything you've got, which is something everyone can admire.
