INT. GYMNASIUM – LATER
The stands are full again. The officials are in place, and the board has been updated. The crows grows quieter, but not silent. There is buzz of anticipation.
OFFICIAL #2
Welcome back folks. We’re about to enter round two of our competition. First up, local favorite, and one tough hombre, Cecil Winslow.
The doors at Cecil’s end of the gymnasium open and the music starts. Cecil makes his way to the ring with no cockiness. He walks a straight, determined line, slides under the bottom rope and stands in his corner.
OFFICIAL #2 (CONT’D)
His opponent, hailing from Old Mill, Beau Watkins.
The music returns, and the gym doors open at the far end of the room. BEAU enters, and like CECIL, he walks straight down the aisle without fanfare. The crowd watches, sensing something in the air. BEAU slides under the ropes and stands. He sneers at CECIL, who ignores him.
OFFICIAL #2 (CONT’D)
Well then, we’re ready. You boys know the rules...luck to you both. Let’s get to it!
The bell rings, and the two men move to the center of the ring. They clinch, just for a moment, and BEAU leans in close.
BEAU
(whispering)
I know about your ribs. You need to go down quick. I won’t hurt you, but you got to make it look good. I’m not losing to you – dont’ care how hot your sister is, but you got to go down.
CECIL
(glances at him, winks)
Okay. You come in, swing for my head. I’ll pretend to duck right into it. And ... thanks.
BEAU shrugs, and backs off. The two begin to circle. BEAU ducks to the left, and then moves in to the right, very fast. He swings at CECIL’s head, but the blow falls just short. CECIL doesn’t hesitate. He grits his teeth against the pain, steps in, and delivers two hammering blows to BEAU’s ribs. BEAU, shocked, drops his guard, and CECIL unloads. He drives his fist up from his hip and slams it into BEAU’s chin. The man’s head snaps back and CECIL Grunts, whips his other hand around, and slams it into BEAU’s ear. As BEAU drops, CECIL moves in. He drops to one knee on his opponent’s chest and pounds at his head, driving from the hip and crying out with each shot. BEAU – eventually – lies still, and OFFICIAL #2 drags CECIL off. The bell rings, and the offical raises Cecil’s arm, which brings a hard wince. Then CECIL is moving out under the ropes and down the aisle. The crowd cheers, and in the background we hear the offical announcing the win, but the door is closing behind CECIL before the words even fade. BEAU is helped to his feet, shaking his head. He looks around, as if confused, but his trainer and his handlers move him out of the ring.
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