The Big 5

6

The last client Mr. Molefe and Tom had seen was an elderly lady who had come to thank them for their assistance. Tom had availed his legal services to help her win a case against her in-laws over her late husband’s estate and as a result, she got to keep her house and keep be able to send her children to college. Tom and his father were both on their phones waiting for the next client when Mr. Talenyana walked in unnoticed. Tom then said “feel free to tell us your problem” without looking up from his phone. When they finally did look up the room was filled with tense energy. Mr. Talenyana began sobbing as he began to narrate the reason for his visit. Unbeknownst to Mr. Talenyana, the Molefe family knew about Dineo's case and even had a hand in getting the boys acquitted from the charges by threatening the judge who oversaw the case. “My little girl was beaten! r***d! And victimized! By these animals and the law let the bastards walk free” cried out Mr. Talenyana. Tom remained silent as did his father as they both nonchalantly watched the man cry. Mr. Talenyana composed himself and finally asked “Is there anything you guys can do ''. Mr. Molefe remained quiet and then turned his office chair around facing the window and gave Mr. Talenyana his back. Tom then explained how his father felt offended by Mr. Talenyana. “Your wife is my mother’s friend, and my mother is my father’s wife. See we have on numerous occasions tried to build a relationship with you and your family but only your wife is forthcoming. See we’ve hosted dinners, parties, and events and have offered your family invites and only your wife has shown up. I have even overheard my mother as your wife, your wife! If we had ever done anything to offend you. Is it because you don’t like our line of work. See this is not hurtful but disrespectful. We know your wife said you should call us but you refused the first time. Mr. Talenyana my dad has a weak heart and the doctor says he should avoid situations that may upset me so please for my father’s sake there’s the door sir” said Tom. Dejected, Mr. Talenyana proceeded to walk to the door as he was about to shut the door he heard the voice “Jaros wait” it was Me. Molefe walking towards him “the dogs will pay to mark my words they’ll pay provided you acknowledge me as Rrarona” he said. “Thank you Rrarona” cried out Mr. Talenyana. “Get out!” said Mr. Molefe. Unbeknownst to Mr. Talenyana, Mr. Molefe had already planned something for Obakeng and Brandon at the very request of Mrs. Talenyana. However, watching Mr. Telangana beg made Mr. Molefe very happy.

Johnny was hitting the pads in preparation for his fight when Obakeng barged in. Johnny’s team wanted to kick him but Johnny said “its okay coach let him in” Obakeng then began to berate Johnny for being a bad friend and Johnny calmly asked him “did you do it. Be real with me” as Johnny walked closer to him, both guys were standing face to face. Obakeng backed away and said, “the s*x was consensual and we were really really f****d up by the drinks.” Johnny then said “coach! I’m ready to continue warming up” Johnny continued warming up but deep down he was haunted by what he knew his friends had done and even more by the thought that his family may have helped get the case thrown out.

Ludo made it just in time to see Johnny make his ring walk and from the moment he emerged she could tell something was wrong.  He didn’t exclude the quiet stoic confidence he normally had; he looked nervous and was biting down on his mouthguard. The introductions were done and when it was time to meet both opponent and referee in the center Johnny did not even look at his opponent. He returned to his corner awaiting the final bell and Ludo climbed the corner apron and said “muffins look whatever’s on your mind to block it out, this guy is a dangerous opponent.” The guy standing across the ring was indeed dangerous; he had given Thuto problems with Thuto winning by a dramatic knockout in the dying seconds of the fight, a fight in which Thuto had both eyes swollen and he was trailing on the scorecards at the time of the stoppage. Thuto and his team gathered ringside to see the fight. The bell rang and both fighters started the fight cagey. Johnny then began to start letting his opponent apply pressure forcing Johnny to move back with his jabs. Thuto noticed ringside that all the jabs being thrown were not landing but Johnny wasn’t throwing back either. As Johnny kept moving back he felt his back touch the ropes and he began switching looks in an attempt to confuse his opponent before he went into a full defensive shell. His opponent was growing in confidence and he threw a straight right that landed on Johnny’s gloves but released a loud thud, he looked to follow up with a left but Johnny parried the punch and landed a quick counter the first punch he had thrown thus far and his opponent stepped back. Johnny stepped forward and threw a right-hand lead but he threw it in a way that looked like he was going to throw a jab, this punch landed flush on his opponent’s nose causing his eyes to water, Johnny tried to follow up with a straight left but he missed and his opponent tried to come back with a left hook to which Johnny blocked by stepping forward and landed another counter right that caused his opponent to retreat. Johnny then spent the rest of the round stalking his opponent, the bell sounded to end the round. “He doesn’t like the pressure you’re applying,” said Prince to which the coach answered “it’s the opposite, he’s waiting to counterpunch Johnny. Apply more pressure and throw decoy punches and then try to counter his counter” “Okay” said Johnny as he stood for the next round and spat out water.  Johnny began the 2nd round as the first had ended with him stalking his opponent. As this pattern continued Johnny’s opponent then shocked Johnny by throwing a 4 punch combination which Johnny barely managed to block but Johnny landed a nasty-looking counter left.  The rhythm of the fight then changed with Johnny’s opponent attacking and Johnny landing big counter punches. However, with a minute left Johnny’s opponent threw another combination that Johnny blocked with his shoulders but before he could respond a hard right landed right on Johnny’s chin and his legs buckled. Johnny then tried to exchange with his opponent but his punches were wide and his defense open and he took more punches to the temple and he almost went down before he staggered back against the ropes. The crowd began to come alive sensing an upset was on the cards. As Johnny’s opponent looked to go for the finish Johnny surprised everyone in the crowd by landing a powerful uppercut followed by a jab and a huge right hand that knocked his opponent out cold.

The meeting for Rita and Dwayne’s wedding had just ended and everyone was preparing to leave. Sean then approached one of the bridesmaids and said “looks like we’re going to be dance partners, my name is Sean” “and my name is Thuli” replied the lady. “I would love the pleasure of getting to know you” “I’d like that” she replied “Maybe on one of these days after practice we could go for a drink” “I’d love that,” said Thuli.

That was fighting next and Johnny had just finished showering and changed. He sat in the crowd watching Thuto intently. He noticed that Thuto was aggressive but he was also getting hit a lot. In the closing seconds of the round, Thuto managed to score the knockout, his left eye was swollen but he got the win and set up a mouthwatering final clash with Johnny. After Thuto had been announced as the winner Johnny stepped into the ring and shook Thutos hand before they engaged in an intense staredown and the announcer said: “ there you have it, ladies and gentlemen, the final of the 91kg boxing tournament is Thuto Majinda vs Johnny Molefe”. This drew a few cheers from the crowd. Both men broke the stare down before Johnny said “how does your last victory feel” to which Thuto just grinned. The interviewer then asked Thuto “is there anything you would like to say to your opponent” “Good luck” said Thuto to which Johnny said, “luck is for the mediocre” and left the ring.

Mr. and Mrs.Molefe ate dinner at an upmarket Portuguese restaurant. As they sat waiting for the bill Katlego asked “so when is it going to happen?” “Tonight my baba, tonight. Even though Chris isn’t going to be happy this needs to happen”.