"We need to get your gloves on," Jeremiah says. He slips the gloves on my hands and I turn to the door. It's suddenly thrown open, and I'm ushered into a dimly lit venue.
What looks like a catwalk leads up to the boxing ring, where my opponent is already waiting. Around the outskirts are crowded dining tables, where people are eating their meals.
My heart beats in time with my steps. I'm acutely aware of all the patrons sizing me up from their tables. I've never felt more exposed. I slip through the ropes and join her, trying to keep my heart from racing. She's about my height, with blond hair pulled back into a bun and small, narrowed eyes. A smile escapes my mouthpiece, but her eyes remain stony.
The referee is saying something, but I'm not sure what it is. The overhead lights are ho
