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A man coaching a boy in a boxing ring | Source: Midjourney
A man coaching a boy in a boxing ring | Source: Midjourney

Dad Sees Video of Boxing Coach Mocking His Son, Cancels Meeting and Bolts from Office – Story of the Day

Salwa Nadeem
Jul 19, 2024
08:00 A.M.

When Fabian saw a video of his son being cruelly mocked by his boxing coach, his heart shattered. Unable to tolerate the humiliation, he bolted out of his office, determined to confront the situation head-on. What happened next changed everything for both father and son.

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Fabian pushed open the front door, the familiar scent of Irene's lasagna and garlic bread washing over him. It was the perfect end to a typically grueling day at his sales job.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

He hung his coat by the door, a tired smile spreading across his face. Today, though, that smile held an extra bit of warmth.

Tucked under his arm was a surprise for his son, Matt.

"Matt! Honey, are you home?" he called out.

A muffled reply came from the living room. Fabian peeked in to find Matt glued to the TV, mesmerized by a commercial.

Not just any ad, though. It was for a brand-new pair of ruby-red boxing gloves.

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Fabian chuckled, a memory flashing in his mind. Just a few weeks ago, Matt had announced, with unwavering determination in his eyes, that he wanted to be a boxer.

Ever the supportive father, Fabian surprised him with a makeshift boxing ring in their garage, complete with an old punching bag and some worn-out gloves.

"Hey champ," Fabian said, playfully turning off the TV. Matt jumped slightly, startled from his trance.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

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Fabian pulled out the gift bag from behind his back. Matt's face lit up like a Christmas tree as he tore into the bag, revealing the gleaming red gloves.

Matt's eyes widened. "Dad! They're amazing! Just like the ones in the commercial!"

He took the gloves from his father, running his fingers over the leather surface.

"Thank you so much, Dad!" He threw his arms around Fabian in a tight hug.

"These are perfect!"

That evening, the rhythmic thump of Matt's punches echoed from the garage.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Fabian watched from the doorway, a surge of pride warming his chest.

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Matt was a good kid, a little shy perhaps, but with a fire in his belly that he admired. He knew this boxing thing was more than just a passing fancy for his son. It was a passion, and he was determined to nurture it.

The next day, Fabian decided to take things a step further. He booked some time off work and surprised Matt with a trip to the local gym.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

The boy's eyes shone with excitement as they walked through the gym doors, the sounds of grunts, punches, and jump ropes filling the air.

They were met by a gruff-looking man with a shaved head and a thick mustache. This was Coach Maurice, or "Coach Mo" as the nameplate on his chest proclaimed.

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"You must be Matt," Coach Mo rumbled. He gave Matt a once-over that made Fabian feel a flicker of unease.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

"Looks like you could use some bulking up before you start throwing punches around here."

Fabian cleared his throat. "We're just starting out, Coach. Matt's a beginner, but he's eager to learn."

Coach Mo snorted. "Eagerness ain't gonna win you fights, kid. You gotta have some muscle behind those punches."

Matt, ever the optimist, brushed off the comment.

"I'm ready to work hard, Coach."

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Despite Coach Mo's initial dismissal, Matt was ecstatic about starting his training.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

The next day, he bounced into the gym, his new red gloves practically vibrating with anticipation. However, Coach Mo's demeanor remained unchanged.

He subjected Matt to a series of exercises, each one accompanied by a discouraging remark. Matt, despite his initial enthusiasm, started to wilt under the coach's relentless negativity.

Meanwhile, at Fabian's office, he and a coworker named Jim were waiting for a meeting to begin when Jim bragged about his son, Peter, who had just joined a new gym.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

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As Jim held up his phone for a video call with Peter, Fabian caught a glimpse of the gym's background. His heart lurched. It was the same gym Matt was going to.

But that wasn't all that caught Fabian's eye. In the background, he saw Coach Mo belittling Matt as he missed a punch on the bag. Fabian's blood ran cold.

"Hey Pete, can you switch to the back camera for a sec?" Jim asked, completely oblivious to the drama unfolding on his screen.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

The back camera flickered on, revealing a cramped boxing gym filled with grunting and the rhythmic thud of punches.

In the foreground, Matt stood awkwardly in front of a worn punching bag, his new red gloves gleaming under the harsh gym lights. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his face was flushed with exertion.

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Coach Mo stood across from him with a scowl etched on his face. He pointed a finger at the punching bag.

"Come on, kid," Coach Mo boomed. "Throw some punches with some muscle behind them!"

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Matt took a deep breath and wound up for a punch. He connected with the bag, but the blow landed with a dull thud. Coach Mo snorted.

"Is that all you got, kid?" he bellowed. "Looks like you might be better off with a jump rope than boxing gloves."

Matt flinched at the harsh words, his shoulders slumping slightly. He mumbled a reply that got lost in the gym's din and threw another punch. This one landed even weaker than the last.

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For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Fabian, watching through the phone screen, felt a cold dread grip him. This wasn't coaching, it was humiliation. He could see the discouragement clouding Matt's eyes.

Then he saw Coach Mo lean in, his face inches from Matt's.

"Show me some fire in those fists! Or are they just for show, like those fancy red gloves you're sporting?"

Tears welled up in Matt's eyes. He hung his head low and rushed towards the exit, tears streaming down his cheeks. Meanwhile, Coach Mo turned away with a dismissive scoff.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

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Fabian couldn't take it anymore. He spoke to his boss, excusing himself from the meeting, then bolted off. He found Matt at home, trying to hide his tears behind a forced smile.

"Hey champ," Fabian said gently, his voice laced with concern. "What's wrong?"

Matt's dam broke. He poured out his heart about Coach Mo's constant negativity, the way he made him feel like he wasn't good enough. Fabian listened patiently, anger simmering beneath the surface.

"That's it," Fabian said, his jaw set in a determined line. "We're going to the gym."

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Matt's eyes widened. "But Dad, what about Coach Mo?"

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"Don't worry about him," Fabian said, his voice firm. "He's not the coach you need."

The drive to the gym was filled with tense silence. Matt knew his dad was angry, and a part of him worried about what was going to happen.

But another part, the part that still held onto his boxing dream, felt a flicker of hope.

They stormed into the gym, Coach Mo's booming voice momentarily silenced by their arrival.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Fabian marched straight up to the coach, his calm facade replaced by a steely resolve.

"Coach Mo," he began, his voice surprisingly steady. "I witnessed your treatment of my son earlier today. It was unacceptable. You belittle him, discourage him, and frankly, it's unprofessional."

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Coach Mo scoffed. "He's just a scrawny kid. Doesn't have what it takes for this sport."

"That's for him to decide, not you," Fabian countered. "Matt has heart, he has passion, and that's more than half the battle. We're canceling his membership here."

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Matt watched in awe as his dad stood up for him. Meanwhile, Coach Mo, for the first time, seemed taken aback. He sputtered for a reply, but nothing came out.

Then, Fabian turned to Matt.

"Come on, champ. Let's find a gym that deserves your talent."

Leaving the gym felt like stepping out of a dark cloud. The weight on Matt's shoulders had lifted. At that point, he knew that his dream wasn't dead.

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Their search led them to the Phoenix Boxing Club, a smaller gym with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

The coach there, a kind-eyed man named Coach Daniel, greeted them with a genuine smile. He saw the fire in Matt's eyes. It was the same spark that Coach Mo had so readily dismissed.

Under Coach Daniel's patient guidance, Matt thrived. The harsh criticism was replaced by constructive feedback, the negativity with encouragement.

Matt learned proper technique, built his strength, and honed his skills. Soon, the red gloves that were once a symbol of Coach Mo's negativity, became a badge of honor.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

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As months turned into years, Matt grew from a shy boy into a confident young man. He wasn't a world champion yet, but he was getting there, one well-placed punch at a time.

More importantly, he enjoyed the journey. He felt motivated by the unyielding support of his biggest fan, his dad.

One afternoon, at a local boxing tournament, Matt stood poised in the ring, the red gloves gleaming under the spotlight.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Across the ring stood his opponent, a seasoned boxer with a cocky grin. The crowd roared as the bell clanged, signaling the start of the fight.

Matt danced around his opponent, his movements a testament to the hours spent training. He remembered Coach Mo's mocking words, but he also remembered his father's unwavering belief.

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With a swift counterpunch, Matt landed a clean blow on his opponent's jaw. The crowd gasped. The cocky grin faltered.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

In that moment, Matt knew he wasn't just fighting for the win; he was fighting for every doubt he had ever overcome, for the champion his dad always knew he could be.

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends.

Here's another story you might like: Patrick’s fiancée, Marianne, disappeared without a trace at their wedding. No one knew what happened, even her own mother. But years later, he had to deliver a package to a wealthy neighborhood in New York and discovered the shocking truth.

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This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided "as is," and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

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