Retired boxer, Liberty Lane, introduces her new protege, Raquel Balboa.
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- [EDITOR’S NOTE: These events take place several years before B.A.B.E.] It had been a year since Liberty Lane’s devastating loss to Ivanna Payne. Her boxing career in the Foxy Boxing League had ended in defeat and humiliation to the point where even the fans withdrew their support of the former champion. But, a year later, she found herself back in a boxing gym. She stood there, trying to work through that painful period in her life, concentrating on a new future in front of her.
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- In the year since her loss, Ivanna Payne had become one of the most brutal champions around. She had defeated every woman that came across her path. Liberty kept track of her career, studying her moves and her abilities. She knew, first-hand, the power and speed behind Ivanna’s fists. And she also knew the cruel nature Ivanna Payne could show her victims. First-hand. But now, Liberty turned her thoughts to a plan to bring Ivanna’s reign to an end.
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- Liberty stood now, concentrating on her new protoge in the ring in front of her. She had found this young woman at an amateur foxy boxing match, demolishing her opponent, but still showing sportsmanship after her win. Liberty approached her then, offering to teach her all she knew and adding that knowledge to this woman’s already increasing skill. Liberty may lost her boxing reputation, but she knew she could still be a good mentor. And in front of her, she felt stood the future of foxy boxing.
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- Raquel Balboa stopped her training to look at her mentor. Raquel had grown up admiring Liberty Lane in the boxing ring. She took inspiration from the former champion which led to her interest in boxing in the first place. And now, her heroine had taken her on as a student and, literally, shown her the ropes. They both joked about Raquel’s name, knowing everyone would jump on the potential nickname. ‘Rocky’ Balboa… But now, Raquel had focus and a goal: the Foxy Boxing Championship Belt. But first, she’d have to prove herself against other fighters. S She looked at Liberty for a moment. ‘Think I’m ready?’ Liberty looked back. ‘I know I’d hate to take you on. You’re more than ready.’
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- After Raquel’s training for the day, Liberty Lane ran into her old rival, Vanity Vale. VANITY: Well, look who it is… Liberty Loser. Long time no see. I don’t blame you really… I wouldn’t show my face again after a loss like yours. LIBERTY: Yeah… well, I don’t see a belt around your waist anymore. VANITY: But I’m still fighting. No one’s retired me. Hey, I hear you’ve started training a future loser. Why not get her in the ring with me? I’ve put you down twice… wouldn’t mind putting down your protoge too. LIBERTY: Raquel would love to take you on. Heck, she let me know that herself! VANITY: Great. I’d love to squash her and your future hopes in that ring. Next week. Hope she’s ready. And with that, Vanity Vale walked off, cocky as ever.
B.A.B.E. 