Last Shot At Glory Prologue

THE FOLLOWING STORY TAKES PLACE 2 MONTHS AFTER RAQUEL BALBOA’S RETIREMENT AND SEVERAL MONTHS BEFORE THE DEBUT OF B.A.B.E.

: A lone figure went through her daily gym workout. Although no longer active in the ring, she spent nearly every day going through her old regiment. She spent this time in silence and deep concentration. But today, that silence was broken by an old familiar voice. “You still got it, you know.”

: There stood retired Foxy Boxing Champion, Raquel Balboa, paying her old mentor and trainer a visit. “You still have the moves, the speed, the drive. I have an opportunity you might be interested in. A chance to get back in the ring and get back some of your old glory.”

: “Good to see you, Rocky! But in case you forgot, I’m retired. My fighting days are behind me.”

: “No, no… that wasn’t your choice. You were forced to retire… from the Foxy Boxing League. But that league is over now. Listen. Ever since Rayne’s rampage through the international foxy boxing community, things have been a little depressing with the sport. Well, some promoters have decided to hold an International Foxy Boxing contest to bring fans back to the sport. I’d like you to represent the U.S.!”

: “I appreciate your confidence, but I’m yesterday’s news. Why aren’t you joining the tournament? Heck, you beat Rayne!”

: “They asked me to take part, but after Rayne, I wanted to retire. I’ve got a new league I’m putting together right now and want to concentrate on that. But I think YOU’D be the best person to represent the U.S. Listen, you can do this Liberty. I know you can.”

: After a long moment of pause, Liberty looked down and responded. “Okay, I’m in. I’ll come out of retirement this one time. Thanks Rocky. Now get out of here… I’ve got to get back in fighting shape!”

: “You got it Liberty! The tournament starts in a couple of months. Good luck!” Raquel left her friend to continue on with getting her B.A.B.E. league together. And Liberty spent the next several weeks getting herself in shape to get back in the ring.”

: “Ladies and gentlemen, and finally, representing the U.S. in place of retired American Foxy Boxing Champion, Raquel Balboa, please welcome… former American Foxy Boxing Champion, LIBERTY LANE!!” To her surprise, the crowd went crazy as she proudly made her way down the aisle. She looked all around her at the supportive fans and then looked up into the ring at all the women taking part in the tournament.

: Standing in the ring were many familiar faces along with some new ones, 7 fighters in all. And these weren’t just any fighters… these were all champion boxers representing different parts of the world. But many of them were also victims of the brutal boxer, Rayne.

: Luiza Lima (Brazil) – Despite her brutal defeat at the hands of Rayne, Lima was allowed to hold on to her championship belt since Rayne had forfeited it back to her. Lima was so popular with the crowd that they would not have wanted it any other way. Lima was still their champion, no matter what.

: Kamilah Kuti (Nigeria) – Kamilah was also allowed to hold on to her belt, despite her loss to Rayne. But that defeat left Kuti humbled. She devoted her whole body and spirit to becoming an even better fighter. After a month-long training regiment, she put herself through a gauntlet of Africa’s best fighters taking on a new challenger for 8 days straight, beating every one. After beating her last opponent, the fans knew their champion was back!

: Morgan Mace (UK) – Morgan was a new face in the ring and new UK Foxy Boxing Champion. After Penelope Primrose’s loss to Rayne, the UK boxing board allowed her to keep her belt since Rayne had refused it. Primrose was then challenged to a re-match by Morgan Mace, who had already lost once to the fan-favorite champ. Only this time, Mace was prepared for Primrose and did not underestimate the champ. When they met a second time, Mace destroyed Penelope Primrose and handed her a second straight defeat. After crushing Primrose, Morgan Mace became the new UK champion and, in mocking tribute to Primrose, wore her signature Union Jack attire in dark, muted colors.

: Clarisse Cloutier (France) – The French Foxy Boxing champion, Clarisse Cloutier, was unable to face Rayne in the ring during her international tour. Cloutier had been in a skiing accident shortly before and took a short break from boxing until she had healed. However, there was rumor going around that the accident had been faked so that Cloutier would be spared from fighting Rayne. Cloutier’s camp has vehemently denied this rumor.

: Akira Asuka (Japan) – Akira actually surrendered her championship belt after she fell to Rayne. Out of pride, Akira did not think it right that she should keep the belt. However, the valiant fighter then proceeded to face a number of fighters victoriously before being given a chance to win the title again. And win it she did, placing her in the hearts of all her fans… a true champion.

: Ana Aquino (Philippines) – During Rayne’s tour, Ana Aquino was forced to sit back from facing the powerful fighter due to heavy storms in her country. There was too much damage to her hometown and too much risk to flying out of the country, so Aquino remained home to help with support efforts. Now, she was back in the ring, looking to make up for missing out on fighting the woman who had beaten so many of the ladies surrounding her tonight.

: Seshafi (Egypt) – Seshafi was full of anger and resentment. Rayne had skipped Egypt while she faced other international fighters. Seshafi felt that to be a shun on her personally. As a result, Seshafi became even more vicious in the ring. She took on many fighters since then, brutally defeating each one. She wanted to send a message out there that she was a force to be reckoned with. The more brutal she became, the more fans she lost in her own country. Now, she stood in the ring with a chance to show the world that she was the most powerful woman in the world.

: Liberty Lane (USA) – And now, Liberty joined the other fighters in the ring. Despite being the only woman in that ring not being a current champion, she still garnered respect amongst the other fighters. She was allowed to substitute for Raquel Balboa who was now retired. Liberty would be representing the USA during this tournament with not just her own reputation and pride on the line, but that of her own country as well. This was Liberty’s chance to regain her glory. Could she do it?

: 1. Liberty Lane would be facing Akira Asuka in the first match of the tournament. 2. Luiza Lima and Morgan Mace would collide in the second match of the tournament. 3. Seshafi would meet Clarisse Cloutier head-to-head in the third match of the tournament. 4. Kamilah Kuti and Ana Aquino would face each other in the fourth match of the tournament.

B.A.B.E.