The interviewer waited for the noise to die before continuing. “Owen, you are now two victories away from being not only the first Australian Undisputed Heavyweight Champion but potentially the first undefeated fighter to win the title where every single victory has been via knockout. Has this put any extra pressure on you?”
Gasnier shook his head. “It makes me work harder. This title is all I’ve ever wanted. Whether I get it next week or next year, I’ll bring that title back here.”
Tegan joined the clapping as the interview ended and the ring cleared quickly. She stretched her back and prepared to leave with the rest of the crowd, but a security guard had wandered over to their section of floor seats.
“Excuse me,” he said, addressing Fiona, “Can I see your pass, please?”
Fiona held up the lanyard she wore. “Is there a problem?”
“Just standard screening before the event,” he replied, looking over Tegan’s too.
“Event? What event? The fight is over,” Fiona asked.
“Those passes get you into the meet and greet upstairs.”
“The... wha...” Fiona turned to Tegan, looking like she was ready to explode. “Oh. My. God... backstage passes, babe! I had no idea this was the prize!” Fiona jumped up and down like a giddy schoolgirl and marched to where the guard told her to wait.
Tegan followed closely behind but said, “Fi, I think I might call it a night. I’m beat.”
“What? Are you kidding? You don’t want a photo with him? We’ll be in the same room with him.”
“Babe, that’s your thing, not mine.”
“There will be plenty of other hot guys in there.”
“It’s been so long since I got laid, I can’t remember who is supposed to pay.”
Fiona pouted and then smiled. “Please? Just for an hour? You’re single. Kylie is the one with relationship drama.Let me get a pic with Gasnier then you and I get one with him. If you don’t want it, I’ll take both copies.”
Tegan sighed. “OK. One hour.”
2
Owen Gasnier steppedout of his fighter shorts and placed them on the bench, readying a silver texta next to them. He had arranged to sign them and auction them off for a charity granting wishes to terminally ill children. He was prepared to sign them right then, except for one thing that happened after every fight. He looked down as a plastic cup was thrust into his hand and then back up at the stroppy gent that had thrust it at him.
“Can’t this wait until after I sign them?”
“Now, if you please.”
“Always a pleasure to be naked in front of you, Gerald.”
“Mr Gasnier...” he replied, gesturing to the bathroom stalls.
Owen crossed the room and went into the nearest bathroom cubicle, leaving the door open as was required for drug tests. He stood over the toilet, but needing to urinate wasn’t of great urgency. Yet, if he wanted to freshen up and get the hell out of here, he had to piss into this cup.
“Hey, Gerald?”
“Yes...”
“You’ve been doing this for how many years now?”
“Over twenty-five.”
“Anyone ever asked for your help in pissing?”
“I have never been asked to cheat, Mr Gasnier.”
“Who’s asking you to cheat? Just wouldn’t mind you holding it for me while I cut the hand tape. It’s tough tryin’ to hold it steady like this, you know? Might piss all over the seat, then we’ll really be in trouble.”