harleyscars Page 223
Page 223
This is exactly the reaction they wanted.
Months ago, Viktor Aquinas knocked out Wladimir Klitschko, shocking the entire boxing world.
After that match, Vitali Klitschko was unable to compete for at least six months, while his younger brother Wladimir Klitschko publicly declared his intention to avenge his brother.
“Tell them that we have a proposal, but we need to discuss it in person.”
Frankie advised in a low voice, "Don't reveal too many details."
Lowell nodded and said into the phone, "We'll be in New York next week to discuss something important. Yes, it's about the person your client is most interested in."
After hanging up the phone, the two looked at each other and smiled.
The plan has already begun.
The next morning, a luxury car pulled up outside Hada's office.
Lowell and Frankie, along with two assistants and a large amount of documents, boarded the bus and began their journey across the United States.
The first stop was New York, at Vladimir Klitschko's temporary hotel.
Despite being defeated by Viktor, Vitali Klitschko maintained the demeanor of a boxing champion.
He still bore the slight marks from that match on his face, but his eyes no longer held the dejection of a loser.
“My brother is stronger, younger, and more eager to win than I am.”
In his training room office, Viktor Klitschko told Lowell and Frankie, "There were many factors that led to that day's loss. Viktor is a great boxer, but he is not invincible."
Frankie astutely noticed the reservation in Vitali Klitschko's words: "Do you think Klitschko has a chance?"
"It's not just a matter of chance; he will win."
Vitali Klitschko stated firmly, "But I need to ensure the conditions of the match are fair. My brother doesn't have enough 'experience,' and he needs the right guidance and advice."
Lowell seized the opportunity: "So we would like to invite you to participate in the preparatory work as a special advisor. Of course, there will be corresponding compensation."
Klitschko nodded slightly; this was exactly what he wanted—to participate in the war of revenge in a different way.
Over the next few weeks, Lowell and Frankie had a suffocatingly tight schedule.
They flew to Detroit to meet Joe Lewis;
Having dinner with Larry Holmes in Philadelphia;
He rushed to Las Vegas overnight to meet with casino representatives;
They also negotiated with three marketing companies in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
Every boxing legend has their own opinion on this potential match.
Joe Frazier bluntly stated at his own boxing gym in Philadelphia: "Viktor's strength is amazing, and his explosiveness is terrifying, but Klitschko has a height advantage. The key is distance control."
Kerr Müller was more cautious: "It's a clash of styles. Viktor is attacking, while Klitschko is more technical. The odds will be very close."
The most interesting meeting was with Sonny Liston—this guy lives in Chicago.
In a small boxing gym on Chicago's South Side, the veteran boxer wiped away his sweat and said, "Hatred is a double-edged sword. If Klitschko were only fighting for revenge, he might have lost his composure. Viktor takes advantage of his opponent's emotional fluctuations."
Jack Dempsey hosted them at a restaurant in New York and offered business advice: “Don’t just sell the game, sell the story. The brother’s shame, the brother’s revenge—that’s Hollywood script material.”
Rocky Marciano offered advice from a training perspective: "Klitschko needs to improve his physical fitness, while Viktor prefers a long battle and wearing down his opponent."
These suggestions were carefully noted down by Lowell and Frankie, becoming bargaining chips in subsequent negotiations—and they both agreed to the fight with Victor, their agents would contact Frankie and Lowell.
In a modern office building in Beverly Hills, Lowell and Frankie met with the team from Stardust Marketing.
Founder Michael Goldberg is a shrewd middle-aged man with unique insights into sports marketing.
"Gentlemen, I believe you are selling more than just a boxing match; you are selling a narrative."
Goldberg stood in front of the projector, presenting his meticulously crafted proposal: "Brotherhood, family honor, the fire of revenge—these are the elements that resonate with the public."
A carefully edited clip flashes across the screen:
Slow-motion replay of the moment Vitali Klitschko was knocked out, close-up of Wladimir Klitschko roaring in training, and Viktor's arrogant victory smile.
"We need to strengthen the sense of confrontation."
Goldberg continued, "Viktor is an arrogant champion, and Klitschko is a challenger fighting for honor. But that's not enough. We need to make the audience question—was Viktor's victory due to skill or luck? Was Klitschko fighting for his brother or to prove himself?"
The marketing team proposed a comprehensive solution:
Documentary-style promotional videos were broadcast on television.
Newspaper columns analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both sides;
Radio interviews generate buzz;
They even plan to launch a special magazine before the competition.
"The most important thing is to create controversy."
Goldberg emphasized, "The audience can't participate in the game, but you need to get people debating who will win and why they can win. That's how you create a sense of participation and make them feel that their tickets are worthwhile. Controversy generates attention, and attention translates into box office revenue."
Meanwhile, Frankie led a team to meet with casino representatives in Las Vegas and Atlantic City to discuss potential collaborations.
Casinos are naturally happy to see controversial matches, as this means more betting and wagering amounts.
"The odds setting is crucial."
The sports betting manager at Caesars Palace Casino pointed out, "Viktor is clearly in the lead right now, but we need to create suspense and make Wladimir Klitschko look like he has a better chance. Maybe Viktor can catch a cold or get injured."
After two weeks of negotiations, the marketing team and the casino reached a cooperation agreement.
Stardust Marketing secured a million-dollar budget, while major casinos pledged venue support and betting promotions.
Chapter 189 Danish Sports Center: April 14th
The winters in Kyiv are bitterly cold, but the training hall for young Klitschko is steaming with heat.
22-year-old Klitschko had just finished a high-intensity training session and walked towards Lowell and Frankie, who were visiting him, completely soaked.
"I've been waiting for your news."
Wladimir Klitschko said bluntly, his English thick with a Ukrainian accent, “My brother told me you’re planning a match.”
Lowell noticed that Klitschko was taller and more muscular than his brother, with a youthful fire burning in his eyes—a mixture of confidence and an urge to prove himself.
"We do have a proposal."
Frankie continued, "But it's not an ordinary match. We want to hold it at Denmark's largest sports center in April. Your opponent is..."
"Victor."
Klitschko interrupted him, her voice low and firm, “No one else in your company is worth this level of preparation from me.”
The talks lasted a full day.
Wladimir Klitschko's agent is a shrewd German who is meticulous about the contract terms.
But Klitschko himself only cared about one thing:
To ensure the competition showcases his abilities to the fullest extent and to vindicate his brother.
"Appearance fees are not the most important thing."
Wladimir Klitschko unexpectedly said, "What I want is a share of the box office revenue. In particular, the winner should get more."
This was exactly what Lowell wanted.
They had prepared a tiered profit-sharing plan in advance to incentivize both sides to give their all.
After eight hours of negotiations, a basic framework was reached:
Viktor Bryant received a $1500 million appearance fee, while Wladimir Klitschko received $120 million. However, in terms of box office revenue sharing, the winner received 30%, while the loser only received 10%.
"That's my motivation."
When shaking hands, Wladimir Klitschko said, "I am not fighting for money, but for the honor of the Klitschko family."
That evening, Lowell and Frankie raised their glasses in celebration in their hotel room.
"The first and most important piece of the puzzle is in place."
Lowell said with satisfaction, "Klitschko's involvement is key; the rest is just finding a hotel or sports center that can afford it."
The two fought quickly because Viktor was the WBA champion, and his aggressive and fierce fighting style had many fans. Moreover, his Chinese heritage allowed him to extract money from Chinese people all over the world.
On January 20, 1988, the banquet hall of the Hyatt Regency Chicago was packed with media.
More than two hundred reporters and photographers vied for the best spots, with flashes going off constantly.
Victor entered first, wearing an expensive custom-made suit, his gold watch gleaming under the lights.
He confidently waved to the media, making a champion's gesture, which triggered a flurry of camera shutters.
Five minutes later, Wladimir Klitschko's team arrived.
In contrast to Viktor's extravagance, Klitschko wore a simple dark suit and had a serious expression.
His brother, Vitali Klitschko, followed closely behind, demonstrating family unity.
After a brief introduction by the host, both sides took their seats at the long table.
The lawyers exchanged thick contract documents, and both sides' agents did a final check of the details.
The atmosphere was so tense it was almost palpable.
Lowell, speaking on behalf of the organizers, said: "Today is not only the signing day for two outstanding athletes, but also a major event for the sport of boxing. This match will showcase..."
His words were interrupted by an impatient question from a reporter in the audience:
"Is Viktor playing too many matches in a row?"
"Does Wladimir Klitschko have enough experience to challenge for the championship?"
Is the profit-sharing ratio fair?
Viktor took the microphone, brimming with confidence: "I'm ready to accept any challenge. Frequency isn't an issue; strength is key. I respect the Klitschko family, but there's no room for sympathy in the ring."
Wladimir Klitschko's response was calm and resolute: "This is not about experience, but about determination and technique. The answer will be revealed on April 14th in Copenhagen, Denmark."
The signing ceremony itself was relatively calm—both parties signed multiple copies, exchanged documents, and shook hands for the media to take photos.
But beneath the surface of politeness, undercurrents were surging.