Fleet Blackwood

F4YL - Fleet

Fleet Blackwood

Fleet Blackwood is a humble, yet determined and energetic boxer eager to make something of himself in and out of the ring.  But his path hasn’t been easy.  Often seen as the underdog throughout his life, Fleet comes from a single parent family, raised by his mother, his father having left the picture many years ago.  Much of his childhood was plagued with struggles for both him and his mom.  Fortunately, Ahiga Montejo found Fleet at a young age and was able to set him on a straight road with the help of his good friend Tony “The Tiger” Mercado.

Both Ahiga and Tony have used boxing as a means to lead and push Fleet.  But the relationships Fleet has formed with his two coaches far exceed sport.  Both men have become like family to him, with Tony being like his crazy uncle.  As for Ahiga…well, the bond Fleet shares with Ahiga has formed even deeper, with Fleet viewing Ahiga as a true father figure in his life.  He owes so much to these men.  And he has vowed to make them proud by winning the belt from his longtime rival, Hanson Hansome Kelly.

Despite the internal and external battles Fleet has faced along his life’s journey, always feeling as if something was missing and always searching for something he is yet to find, he’s always maintained a good heart.  Ahiga recognized his light from their very first meeting, seeing a strong spirit in the boy.  It’s Fleet’s heart and spirit which have allowed him to grow into the intelligent and powerfully willed man he is today, well respected by his home town and well revered by the boxing community.  But on this night of nights, his character will truly be tested, along with his diligence and hard-earned skill.

To truly comprehend the challenges that await him, as well as those that have fought with him his entire life, Fleet must finally understand not only the teachings Ahiga has gifted him with, but also himself.  Before he can prevail, he must realize what he’s truly fighting for.  Only then may he rise….

 

 

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Ahiga Montejo

Ahiga Montejo

Ahiga Montejo

Ahiga Montejo was a prodigy boxer that rose quickly in the world boxing rankings, becoming a champion at a very young age.  However, for reasons unclear, he unexpectedly left the game.  He was nowhere near his peak and rumors ran rampant as to why he suddenly disappeared.  Much of what happened to Ahiga during a span of years directly after his disappearance is still unclear, even to the few people he has kept in touch with.

It wasn’t until after his unknown years Ahiga ran across a young Fleet Blackwood, eventually deciding to take Fleet under his wing and train the boy along side his good friend Tony.  Tony and Ahiga have been amigos since they were teens, with Tony being one of the few people Ahiga has remained “unhidden” from since his disappearance from boxing, and the world in general, all that time ago.  It is Tony’s hope that Fleet will be the light to bring Ahiga back from the shadows, into the world once more.  He feels Ahiga has so much to give, so much knowledge to spread.  And Tony wants nothing more than to see his lifelong friend defeat his inner demons and be the man he once was and still views him to be.

Although he can be long winded at times, Ahiga’s philosophical ways have been deeply affective on Fleet.  In fact, Fleet himself doubts if anyone else could have gotten him where he is today.  What Ahiga calls his 9 Principles of Life have been the foundation of his teachings throughout his time as Fleet’s mentor.  These Principles are his way of connecting life with boxing and everything in between.

Much of Ahiga’s philosophy comes from his Native American heritage, which he holds dear.  His past has much sorrow, as does that of his ancestors and their fate.  But it is Ahiga’s personal belief of the incorporation of the now which allows him to push past his short comings and the tragic history of his kin.  He believes in a balance of the old ways with the new.  But he also recognizes how often the old ways are ignored, with the new ways dominating and clouding people’s minds.  Ahiga sees that a connection between new and old ways will always be present.  Therefore, there always must be balance, for no one way is totally right and each way is dependent on the other.  Each way is important.  This balance is the same for all things in life.

Despite Ahiga’s beliefs, he remains in inner turmoil to find his own balance.  Lucky for him his philosophical characteristics share space with quite a cooky sense of humor, which helps the old spirit cling to optimism, always seeing the best in any situation.  Hopefully Ahiga will one day find his peace.

But on this evening of events it is what Ahiga has taught his pupil that truly matters.  What Fleet has learned and incorporated into himself from Ahiga’s Principles will come to be of great importance on this peculiar night in which the young man must test his might against a plethora of challenges.  And with Fleet’s obstacles too comes an ultimate test for Ahiga’s teachings.

 

 

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Tony “The Tiger” Mercado

Tony "The Tiger" Mercado

Tony “The Tiger” Mercado

Tony “The Tiger” Mercado is a lively ex-boxer who now spends his days mentoring youth and training up and coming boxers.  Not afraid to tell it how it is, and not taking any bull, Tony is a well respected member of his community and is known to stand up for what’s right, especially when it comes to youth.  Having grown up in the foster care system himself, he’s made it a point to share close relationships with many outreach organizations and has made it a personal duty to give back to the community and help kids.

Underprivileged children always have a home at his gym, where he’s known to tell stories from his past on a daily basis.  He’s been around and recognizes game when he sees it.  So, many of Tony’s stories are meant to teach street smarts and inform young boxers about the darker side of the business of boxing, which have served many of his students well.  Bobby, a longtime protege of Tony, is a perfect example of such positive influence.

But Tony’s stories are often mixed with a lot of jokes and inappropriate content as well, which the kids tend to love, but doesn’t always sit well with the more straight laced of his peers.  There’s definitely no censoring this fun loving, yet hot blooded, character.  His robust ways may have earned him a reputation for being blunt and not always polite, but they have also aided in giving him the reputation of being a brave, honorable and largely selfless man.  Time has taught him patience and has soothed his temper.  But it definitely hasn’t toned down his hilarious, and often crude, sense of humor!

Ahiga knows this sense of humor all too well.  Tony and Ahiga have been friends since they were teens and came up together in the boxing world.  When Ahiga made the decision to suddenly leave boxing early on in his incredibly successful career, Tony was as shocked as anyone.  It was only Tony, with him being Ahiga’s best friend, and a select few other persons that Ahiga maintained contact with after his departure from the ring.  Tony went on to continue his professional boxing run, having a very fruitful career in any regard, before eventually opening his own gym upon his retirement.

Years later, when Ahiga brought a young boy by the name of Fleet into Tony’s gym, Tony saw not only promise in the boy as a boxer, but also saw an opportunity to bring his friend back into the light.  Ahiga had remained in the shadows since his punching days, choosing not to allow his whereabouts to be known by the masses that might still wonder what had happened to the once phenomenal boxer.   And because of his miraculous feats, as well as his utter disappearance, he is now thought of in the boxing ranks as more of a legend than actual man.

As Tony has continued to help train Fleet, as well as represent him in all of Fleet’s public athletic competition endeavors, he has also continued to have the hope that one day Fleet will be able to bring Ahiga back into the world, allowing all of society to benefit from the unique and powerful mindset Ahiga possesses.  But no matter the outcome of his good friend, Tony’s focus is on doing everything he can to ensure Fleet is ready to beat the current champ, Hanson Hansome Kelly, who is the protege of an old buddy named Henry Page, and who also happens to be managed by one of sleaziest scoundrels in the sport, Cecil Claremont, who has it out for Tony…..boy would Tony love to knock Cecil out.

 

 

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Kung Fu Stone

KFS Prepares

Kung Fu Stone Prepares

The heroic Kung Fu Stone has a past shrouded in mystery.  A ghost is he to many.  Only whispers speak of his legendary skill.  But some myths are true.

Now, dedicated he is to avenging the innocents who have beckoned him from his secluded refuge.  The journey he must embark on will be long, filled with many challenges.  The young man tasked with being his aid must learn quickly or perish, for this quest is not for the weak willed.

Time has only delayed the fate of Kung Fu Stone.  Its hands have finally struck his hour.  He must now prove his grit.

 

 

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Bobby

Bobby aka Fleet's Corner Man

Bobby

Every great fighter has a great team behind him.  Much of Fleet’s success comes from his neverending support system, from his mom, to his mentor, Ahiga, to his trainer, Tony, to even his neighborhood market owner, Mr. Jenkins.  Bobby is the guy every fighter wants in his corner.  And Fleet is lucky to have him.

Bobby was a pretty good boxer himself, until an injury took his fighting days away from him.  He trained under Tony for years, and had the heart of a champion, although he just didn’t quite have the talent to actually be one.  Still, he understands what it takes to be a champ and gives his all to help up and coming fighters reach their goals.  It was only natural he stayed with Tony after his career ended, helping his former coach with his gym and the training of young fighters.  Fleet was just turning pro around the time of Bobby’s transition from fighter to corner man.  The two had always shared a good relationship.  And Fleet has always been happy to have Bobby in his corner.

When Bobby isn’t helping Tony train his fighters, or doing gym duties, he loves to be a part of the entertainment scene in the city.  He’s done some commercials and it is his second life in entertainment which gave him his first glimpse of a young actress, named Grace Justice, trying to make a name for herself in the Sacramento and Bay Area film and TV societies.  Grace turned her focus to journalism early on in her career, with her catching wind of a stewing rivalry between two local, up and coming amateur boxers in the first year of her employment at one of Sacramento’s newspapers.  The story of the ongoing rivalry between Hanson Hansome Kelly and Fleet Blackwood has been her personal jewel ever since…..and it’s been Bobby’s ongoing opportunity to try to win Grace over.

 

 

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Hanson Hansome Kelly

Hanson Hansome Kelly

Hanson Hansome Kelly

Hanson, or Hansome, as is the name he adopted early on in his boxing career, is Fleet’s long time foe.  And, yes, he spells Hansome like that for a reason, as does he choose to leave quotations off.  Why put quotations on something that’s true?….that’s his thought on it, anyway.  Are you beginning to sense the type of guy Hanson is?

The rivalry between Hanson and Fleet goes back to high school, where Hanson relished in his own popularity while bullying other students along with his click of Hanson worshipers; his lifelong friend, Craig, being his most devoted lackey.  No one ever really questioned why Hanson was the way he was.  They were usually too busy trying to avoid his punishment.

In terms of personality, not much has changed for him since his secondary school days.  Egotistical and as arrogant as ever, Hanson is the classic guy everyone loves to hate.  But, fortunately for him, he can back up his mouth with his fists.

A true, uncontested champion boxer, Hanson would never admit it, but he does in some way feel some hesitation towards fighting Fleet.  There’s just something there in the back of his mind that he can’t get over.  And this inkling of doubt has been with him since his rivalry with Fleet began.  It’s strange to him why Fleet affects his mind at all.  He’s defeated so many excellent fighters along the path to his current title.  Who is Fleet Blackwood, but just another chump trying to take his belt and stop his greatness?

Just like Fleet, Hanson values the sport.  He trains hard and doesn’t fall victim to the hype….too much.  He also gives respect when he feels it is due.  The problem is he doesn’t feel respect is due for most people because most people are basic punks that haven’t earned &#!^.  Tony, Fleet’s trainer, is someone Hanson does respect.  In another life he may have even trained under Tony.  But that’s another life!

In this life Hanson is who he is.  And no one but him and his boy Craig really have any idea of what he’s been through.  Fleet isn’t the only one who’s come up rough.  They come from the same city, after all.  And Hanson’s not going to change for anyone.  Anyone who thinks he should can go $@%! themselves.

This includes his manager, Cecil.  Hanson can see through this snake’s games like glass.  But he also recognizes Cecil’s value and connections.  This is why he signed with him in the first place.  Plus, despite what people think of Hanson, he isn’t totally heartless.  The financial troubles of his long time trainer, Henry, quite possibly had some play into why he signed so quickly with the devil that is Cecil Claremont.

All roads since have lead Hanson to this night, the night he is finally set to face Fleet.  And he sees it as his opportunity to do what he’s been saying he would do to Fleet for years….knock him the @%#* out!

 

 

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Craig

Craig aka Hanson's Sidekick

Craig

Behind every great douche bag is another great douche bag.

Oh, Craig, why can’t you just shut up?

Lifelong friend of Hanson, Craig grew up getting picked on as a youngster, that is, until he met the future champ on the playground way back in second grade.  Tired of hearing his crying, in fact, annoyed by his crying, Hanson stuck up for Craig and beat up the bully that was torturing him.  Oh, how the tables then turned…..

From that day forward Craig has seemed to never leave Hanson’s side.  He remains Hanson’s most trusted friend, doing whatever is necessary for Hanson’s safety and needs.  If you ask Hanson, Craig is his brother and nothing less, holding the loyalty Craig has shown him throughout his life very near.  Craig would say the same.

The two together are sure to always rile a crowd, with Hanson Hansome Kelly serving as the arrogant enforcer and Craig dishing up a seamlessly never ending meal of words.  Craig’s talent for vocal annoyance, aka a big mouth, has blessed him as much as it’s caused him trouble though.  One of his many duties has been to act as Hansome’s hype man.  He has also made a nice side career as a promoter and business entrepreneur.

Craig once may have been the kid everyone picked on, but Hanson made sure Craig learned to hold up his dukes long ago when they were still kids.  So, Craig is actually not a bad boxer himself, although it’s always been more of a hobby for him and a way to further help Hanson through being able to train with him.

When Hanson began training with Henry Page it was actually Craig that introduced the two.  Even as a teen Craig could see Henry was the best option for his friend.  And he continues to only want the best for Hanson.  It’s just too bad for Henry with Hanson came Craig, and with him years of utter pain in his @$$!  But Henry’s learned to deal with Craig.  He’s had to for the sake of Hanson because the champ would rather eat glass than ditch his loyal companion.

The only point anyone can make against Craig’s devotion to his friend is why he wouldn’t speak against Hanson’s decision to sign notorious slime ball Cecil Claremont as his manager.  The truth is Craig talked this over with Hanson to a great extend.  Both decided it was for the right reasons as long as they came at it with an angle in mind.  The two friends agreed Craig should learn as much as he could from Cecil while he managed Hanson, getting on the good side of the well connected manager and infiltrating his network so that one day Hanson can just drop him and have Craig step in, keeping it all in the family.  This is a major step in building their own promoting and entertainment empire.

Not too dumb for a couple of labeled punks.  Maybe there’s more to them than meets the eye.  The question is how well Craig has executed this part of he and Hanson’s “master plan”, as Cecil’s reputation shines with the ability to spot schemes from two miles away.  The snakey Cecil is an expert game player.

Indeed, all in all, Craig’s loyalty to his friend is unquestioned.  The confidence instilled in him from his years with Hanson now busts at the seams, just as his verbal tenacity seems like a beacon everyone can spot from a mile away, often rubbing people quite in the wrong way.  He could care less what people think about him and does what he wants without a care in the world.  After all, as long as he’s got his boy Hanson by his side what does he have to worry about?

The sky’s the limit.  The world is theirs.  All is in place.  Time will only tell….

 

 

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Henry Page

Henry Page Contemplating

Henry Page

Henry has a lot of confidence in his prodigy, Hanson.  Despite the bad attitude Hanson displays constantly, Henry stays true to his disciple, regularly having to aid in covering up Hanson’s mishaps and poor decisions and getting the brandishing champ out of the trouble that he seems to search for.  It doesn’t help that Hanson demands the company of certain people Henry would rather not have around, like his leeching companion, Craig, who often interferes with Henry’s training of Hanson and who also never seems to shut up.

Henry knows he shouldn’t be feeding into his protege’s recklessness and ill temperament.  But he’s taught himself to just look the other way.  His pride has made him put the morals and good nature he grew up having to the side for the sake of winning, something he himself could never quite accomplish during his boxing career, at least not to the level he desired…to the level of Hanson.  Henry is a perfect example of someone living his dreams through another person.

Just ask his old pal Tony, Henry’s not a bad guy.  He’s just afraid to lose.  And he’s caught up in the hype of everything.  He’s allowed himself to be over influenced and largely controlled by the wrong people.  His love for the sport has played second string to his hunger for success.  Tony feels Henry officially sold his soul once he allowed Hanson to sign with Cecil Claremont as his manager.  “Sure, Hanson might get a fast road to the belt.   But nothing good will come from it but a bag of shit,” Tony was quoted saying.

Henry’s craving for success has diminished his path, often clouding his better judgment.  But when his pupils are successful he feels like he is too.  So, he justifies his actions, or lack there of, with the results he obtains.

Furthermore, no matter what it might seem to outsiders, Henry does share a special bond with Hanson, as the champ has always remained loyal to his longtime trainer.  Henry put his neck, and financial well being, on the line for Hanson more times than once during Hanson’s come up.  And Hanson, despite his lack of apparent good nature, is not one to forget who has his back….hence people like Craig.

Deep down Henry knows Hanson’s time is coming though.  He recognizes the potential Fleet has in taking down his champion.  And it scares the crap out of him.

 

 

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Cecil Claremont

Cecil Claremont

Cecil Claremont

We’ve all heard the stories about talented athletes that make millions of dollars only to have those millions blown from reckless spending and poor management.  Often these stories end with the athletes having nothing, yet, their managers walk away very, very well off, having used and manipulated the athlete the entire time to fill his or her own greedy pockets.  These types of managers are utter and complete scumbags…..Well, Cecil is one of these kinds of managers.

Always looking out for his own grander horizons, Cecil Claremont seems to be in the mix of everything involving money.  People might question his character, but they cannot deny his pizazz for financial gain or his ability to recognize talent.  It was no surprise to the boxing world he signed the current champ, Hanson Hansome Kelly, the first chance he could, becoming the gifted, yet egomaniacal, boxer’s manager.

One would think there would be some sort of loyalty between the two with everything each has contributed to the other….nope.  Hanson might be a punk, but he isn’t dumb.  He sees right through Cecil’s act.  Their relationship is one based more on necessity and greed than trust and love.  Hanson’s trainer, Henry Page, is too prideful of his protege’s place in the spotlight to let anything disrupt the good’s going.  So, he too turns the cheek to Cecil’s manipulation and thirst for financial gain.  As long as Hanson keeps getting the right fights and his title is secure Henry is content.

Cecil’s had his eye on Hanson’s up and coming rival, Fleet Blackwood, for quite a while.  Over the years his attempts to win over Fleet have been derailed by Fleet’s team.  The temptation to move ahead more quickly using Cecil’s influence and power has at times been difficult for Fleet to resist, especially earlier on in his career.  Luckily, Fleet has had proper guidance by way of his mentor, Ahiga, who’s always provided great advice.  And Fleet’s trainer, Tony, well, there’s history between him and Cecil, and let’s just say he sees the kind of animal Cecil is…..and he’s not a fan. 

Who is to know if the dirty dog will ever win over the stoic boxer.  One thing is certain…..Cecil is quite persistent.

 

 

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Grace Justice

Grace Justice

Grace Justice

Grace is a local Sacramento newspaper reporter well known within the surrounding communities.  Since her earlier days of striving to be a film and television actress, she’s always pushed to make a name for herself.  But don’t let her desire for stardom fool you.  This tenacious, but always professionally-minded and respectable, lady of the press is in love with her work, having a real passion for truth.  She never lets her own vanity get in the way of what’s right.  And she is quite selfless when it comes down to it.

In fact, Grace’s main flaw, if you want to call it a flaw, is her conscience and good spirit often get the better of her, not allowing her to do a lot of things her colleagues would in order to move up the ladder.  Her sense of righteousness often annoys her peers and tends to make her the laughing stock as they regularly mock her behind her back.  However, those of her colleagues that would mock her know doing so behind her back is the only viable option.  Facing Grace face to face means battle because she’s quick to defend herself with her intellect and will often go overboard in her defensive debates, not letting things go lightly.  She is the last person you want to get into an argument with!

Grace isn’t all talk though.  She can easily bite back with more than just words, furthering her wits to her advantage.  She is quick to pick up on things through observation and especially through speech.  So, you’re not going to pull one over on her easily.

Knowledge is power.  This is the creed of Ms. Justice.  Always calculating, Grace has used her natural intelligence to make up for her lacking qualities.  A perfect example would be how she studied case files, tagged along with local detectives and even went as far as to live on the streets for intermittent periods, all for the sake of learning some valuable street smarts so to better understand where to find the most grimy underground stories.

All in all, Grace possesses the perfect reporter’s attributes, aside from the inability to give in to the dark side of news to get ahead, which, sadly, could make things so much more simple in her quest to be the best.  But her persistence, never ending tenacity and pursuit for the ultimate story keeps her going.  She’s determined to find her success, but only through being good at her work, not by selling out.

An obsession for years, Grace finds the story of Fleet and his boxing rival, Hanson, very intriguing.  She has been following their feud, as well as their separate journeys, for some time.  When the time came for the two young men to meet while still amateurs she was there to get the story of the locally long-awaited sports event.  However, when things went down a different road she was left disappointed, like so many others.

Due to her commitment to professionalism, she can’t take sides.  But deep down she likely is routing for Fleet, as she’s witnessed his road to this point, and knows quite well the type of person he is.  She’s of course seen Hanson’s ascension as well.  But let’s just say Fleet has been the kinder of the two towards her throughout the years.

Grace has become sort of a regular around Tony’s gym, always being welcome around Team Blackwood.  If it was up to Bobby, a member of Fleet’s corner team and Tony’s right hand man, Grace would never leave.  He’s had his eyes on her since her acting days.

Now, with Fleet finally meeting Hanson in the ring, this diligent reporter named Grace Justice is there to witness an ending to her story that has been years in the making.  This is the finale she’s been waiting for.  This is her story, her baby, and it will finally be complete.  And no one is going to get in her way, or dare not steal it from her!  Her career depends on it.

 

 

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